30 Second Summary
- When the tight openings in the intestinal wall loosen, harmful bacteria and toxins can enter the bloodstream.
- It can lead to diseases such as permeable bowel syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, food allergies, diabetes, liver disease, celiac disease, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Causes include stress, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, alcohol and poor diet.
- Symptoms include joint pain, acne, rashes, eczema, confusion, headaches, fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and inflammation.
- For diagnosis, a stool test, zonulin test, intestinal enzyme test and antibody test for foreign matter are performed.
What is permeable bowel syndrome?
The digestive system, called the gastrointestinal tract, is a system of interconnected organs between the mouth and anus. The organs of the digestive system include the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines. The organs of the digestive system, the stomach and small intestine, allow the nutrients taken into the body to become molecules to be used for growth, energy and repair. In addition, the intestines protect the body from toxins and harmful bacteria.
The tight openings in the structure of the intestine allow nutrients and water that have been enzymed in the intestine to enter the bloodstream, while keeping harmful substances in the intestine. However, when it comes to permeable bowel syndrome, these openings become larger, allowing toxins and harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Permeable bowel syndrome, which affects the lining of the intestines, is defined as a digestive problem. However, many doctors and health professionals do not consider leaky gut syndrome to be a diagnosable disease. On the other hand, permeable bowel syndrome predisposes the body to many diseases.
The diseases that can be caused by permeable bowel syndrome can be exemplified as follows:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome,
- Food allergies and sensitivities,
- Diabetes
- Chronic liver disease,
- Celiac disease,
- Crohn's,
- Irritable bowel syndrome,
In addition, it is not clear whether permeable bowel syndrome is a symptom or a cause of these diseases. However, a 2015 study found that permeable bowel syndrome precedes the onset of inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes type 1. Permeable bowel syndrome is also known to have a negative impact on the intestinal flora, which is very important for both the immune system and digestion. These imbalances lead to an increase in permeable bowel syndrome. For this reason, patients may enter a vicious circle.
Causes of permeable bowel syndrome
Although the causes of permeable bowel syndrome have not been clearly identified, some risk factors have been agreed upon. These risk factors are basically factors that cause disruption of the gut microbiota. Risk factors for permeable bowel syndrome include the following:
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases,
- Infections
- Alcohol,
- Malnutrition,
Symptoms of permeable bowel syndrome
Symptoms of permeable bowel syndrome can easily be confused with symptoms of other diseases. For this reason, diagnosis is difficult. On the other hand, since it is still not considered a disease by many experts, it is considered the last possibility. Symptoms of permeable bowel syndrome include
- Joint pain
- Acne,
- Redness
- Eczema
- Blurred consciousness,
- Confusion
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nutritional deficiencies,
- Chronic diarrhea,
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Widespread inflammation,
How is permeable bowel syndrome diagnosed?
To diagnose permeable bowel syndrome, a stool test is first requested. Stool samples from patients with symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation are tested for zonulin.
The stool test is used to check whether patients have a balance of beneficial bacteria as well as the presence of fungi. Patients are also checked for gluten allergy or sensitivity.
The stool test also checks patients' intestinal enzymes. In addition to these enzymes, it is also determined whether there is inflammation in the intestine.
In addition, with permeable bowel syndrome, harmful bacteria and toxins that enter the bloodstream from the intestines cause the body's immune system to respond. This activates proteins that neutralize foreign substances. Patients with permeable bowel syndrome are diagnosed by looking at these values.
Treatment methods for permeable bowel syndrome
There is no treatment procedure for permeable bowel syndrome. For this reason, it is aimed to improve the intestines by making changes in the diet and daily life of the patients. In addition to creating a diet suitable for the treatment of permeable bowel syndrome, patients should pay particular attention to the following points.
- Not smoking,
- Preventing unnecessary use of antibiotics,
- Reducing stress,
- Exercise regularly,
- Avoid refined sugar and sweeteners,
- Eat less dairy, eggs and meat products,
- Switching to vegetables and wholegrain foods,
- Eat a diet rich in fiber,
- Consume more prebiotics,