Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition where the intestines become abnormally permeable, allowing undigested molecules to pass through and enter the bloodstream. It is thought to be caused by factors that damage the intestinal wall integrity, such as infections, medications like NSAIDs, stress, and certain foods. With leaky gut, an overly aggressive immune response can be triggered systemically. Common symptoms associated with leaky gut include depression, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, and heart and brain issues. Treatment focuses on removing triggers, supplementing with enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, and nutrients to support intestinal healing.
Using Data Visualization in Public Health Communications
Does Leaky Gut Exist?
1. Does Leaky Gut Exist?
Dr. Alexander Rinehart, DC, MS, CCN, CNS
http://www.DrAlexRinehart.com
2. What is Leaky Gut?
Clinical condition of varying severity in which the
intestines absorb large, undigested molecules that
are normally blocked
Intestines become hyperpermeable to substances
that otherwise have no business being absorbed
Once leaky gut is established, we have to ask
why?
3. What Causes Leaky Gut?
Thought to be caused by exposure to “toxic”
substances or clinical conditions that damage the
integrity of the gut
It’s a functional process by which the intestines fail to
regulate what molecules are absorbed into and what
molecules are kept out of the bloodstream
Being implicated in a wide range of chronic disease
processes and they hypothesis continues to grow
support
4. Gut Physiology
Normal
1-2% of large proteins to pass into bloodstream & the
immune system is able to protect us against foreign
and potentially harmful molecules that pass the gut
barrier
Abnormal
When normal physiology is impaired, the intestine
becomes hyperpermeable to foreign & poorly digested
materials
This absorption is capable of initiating an overzealous
immune reaction that may reverberate across many
body systems
5. Common Causes
Alcohol
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections
High levels of free radicals from bile, food, and drugs
Inflammatory cell messengers
Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, trauma, & burns
Vaccines
Food antigens
Exposure to stress
High Fructose Corn Syrup
6. Implications of Leaky Gut
Gastrointestinal function plays essential role in brain
function
May predispose individual to depression
May induce depressive symptoms
May be associated with autoimmune diseases
Associated with autistic children
May be involved in chronic fatigue syndrome
Gastrointestinal health may be crucial for heart
function
7. Conclusion
Gastrointestinal Wellness involves removing
offending substances (alcohol, offending
foods), replacing digestive enzymes,
reinoculating with healthy pre-biotics and
probiotics, and repairing the GI tract with
supporting nutrition.
8. To read the full discussion please visit:
http://dralexrinehart.com/nutrition-
benefits/does-leaky-gut-exist/
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