Leaky Gut: The GI Tract's Role

S. Seethalakshmi, Sofiya Princess Hema, Dr. Jayasudha

Abstract: The intestinal barrier includes surface mucus, epithelial layer, and immune defenses. "Stress" disorders such as endurance exercise, non steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs administration, pregnancy, and surfactants (such as bile acids and dietary factors such as emulsifiers) increase permeability. Dietary factors can reverse intestinal leakiness and mucosal damage in the "stress" disorders. Whereas inflammatory or ulcerating intestinal diseases result in leaky gut, no such disease can be cured by simply normalizing intestinal barrier function. It is still unproven that restoring barrier function can ameliorate clinical manifestations in gastrointestinal or systemic diseases. We should be aware of the potential of barrier dysfunction in gastrointestinal diseases and of the barrier as a target for future therapy. Information on "healthy" or "leaky" gut in the public domain requires confirmation before endorsing dietary exclusions, replacement with non - irritating foods (such as fermented foods), or use of supplements to repair the damage.

Keywords: permeability, mucus, tight junctions