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Leaky gut syndrome

The gut barrier is paradoxical in that it must allow the passage of nutrients while keeping out offending antigenic substances and microorganisms in the gut. The gut is typically partly “leaky,” allowing particles as large as bacteria and entire undigested proteins to cross it, and it is normal to find gut bacteria in the portal blood, on the “wrong” side of the gut barrier. These and other antigens or pathogens are typically controlled by the extensive gut lymphatic material and by the liver. If gut permeability increases, however, large amounts of antigenic material can overwhelm these systems, and a cascade of inflammatory events may ensue that can trigger or exacerbate autoimmunity.

Leaky gut can result in vicious-cycle type pathologies. Gut inflammation can impair absorption of nutrients, and the resulting malnutrition can result in further reduction of the barrier integrity or an increase in inflammation.


The hyper permeable gut can allow food antigens across the barrier, initiating allergic reactions that further impair the gut integrity. Toxic overload on the liver’s antioxidant systems can likewise impair the liver’s ability to handle the overload.


The presence of a leaky gut syndrome associated with various illnesses, including autoimmunity, has been a theory of alternative medicine since the mid-1980s, but studies and trials that support the theory now abound in the scientific literature.


Research studies indicate that gut permeability may be pathologically increased by:

  • antibiotic therapy

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

  • food allergies

  • alcohol

  • stress, and

  • poor nutrition.

Research also shows that the gut does not increase in permeability due to normal aging, that mother’s milk can protect against permeability-inducing injuries, and that administration of probiotics and L-Glutamine can restore normal permeability,


Various researchers have also linked increased intestinal permeability with:

  • autoimmune diseases in general

  • arthritis

  • ankylosing spondylitis

  • collagen autoimmune diseases

  • Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative colitis

  • and autoimmune skin disorders

  • Psychological changes & brain dysfunction

Microbes, larger sized particles of fibre, and undigested foodstuffs should remain within the intestinal lumen. Poor digestion and malabsorption of vital nutrients can contribute to problems with degenerative diseases, compromised immune status, and deficiency states caused by inadequate mineral, vitamin, carbohydrate, fats, and amino acids status.

lab tests for diagnosis

A urine test

A key factor in research into intestinal permeability has been the cellobiose/mannitol sugar permeability test, a simple lab test which assesses the absorption of sugars of high and low molecular weights across the intestinal barrier by measuring urine concentrations, we offer  The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with over 70 markers. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. The cause of these high levels could include oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, acquired infections, as well as genetic factors.

A blood test

PP 88 test


Gut functional test

The ability to digest and selectively absorb nutrients from our foods and beverages is one of the cornerstones of good health. To obtain benefits from food that is consumed, nutrients must be appropriately digested and then efficiently absorbed into portal circulation.


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