Leaky Gut: What Is It and How Can Probiotics Help?
Quite simply, leaky gut, (clinically known as “increased intestinal permeability’), is a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to "leak" through the intestinal wall.
It is well-accepted by medical experts that the digestive system plays an important role in protecting the body from damaging substances.
It is also common knowledge that there are millions of bacteria in the gut; some are beneficial and some are harmful. When the balance between the two is disrupted, it can negatively affect the barrier function of the intestinal wall.
When Leaky Gut Emerges
Here’s what happens when the barrier of the intestine falters:
The walls (gut lining) of the intestines act as barriers, controlling what enters the bloodstream
The small gaps in the gut lining naturally allow water and nutrients to pass through, while at the same time, blocking the passage of harmful substances
When these small gaps of the intestinal walls become “loose,” the gut becomes more permeable, which may allow bacteria and toxins to pass from the gut into the bloodstream
Increased intestinal permeability is a situation where the gut lining fails and allows potentially toxic substances to leak into the bloodstream
The Consequences
As a result, when the gut is "leaky," destructive bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream. This can cause some serious health concerns and even compromise the immune system.
Leaky gut has been identified as a danger signal for a variety of autoimmune health concerns such as rheumatoid arthritis, Celiac disease, Crohn's, Lupus, and more.
Rebuilding a Healthy Gut
The best defense against forming a leaky gut is to maintain a healthy intestinal lining.
One positive step is to include a high-quality Probiotic every day. Probiotics help maintain the healthy balance of bacteria. A balanced intestinal system helps let the proper nutrients in, and keeps the bad stuff out.
The use of a Probiotic has been shown in published research to significantly reduce the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome. Probiotics can help maintain the tight junctions in the intestinal lining to help stop pathogens from passing into the bloodstream.
In fact, several recent reports have shown that Probiotics may actually reverse leaky gut health issues.
If you believe you may be suffering from a leaky gut, Probiotics may be helpful. The beneficial bacteria from Probiotics can rebuild healthy gut flora, restore the integrity of the intestinal barrier, and help maintain the intestinal lining to keep the body safe from exposure to pathogens.
