For many decades holistic and integrative doctors have acknowledged that
their clinical experience correlates with the published scientific research on
the problem of intestinal permeability, also known as “leaky gut” or
“‘leaky gut syndrome”. These terms refer to an unhealthy or damaged small
intestine lining where molecules that are usually excluded from being absorbed
can enter the intestinal wall and potentially into the bloodstream.
When the small intestine lining becomes damaged or diseased, increased
permeability can allow the passage of proteins, toxins, and bacteria into the
intestinal tissue and blood and lymphatic circulation. This can lead to a local
intestinal and systemic immune and inflammatory response.
