The Food and Gut Journal: Leaky gut associated diseases may be helped by taking probiotics

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Leaky gut associated diseases may be helped by taking probiotics

The passage of bacteria, yeast and food toxins through the wall of the leaky gut results in immune activation that is self-perpetuating or autoimmune. The inflammation may occur locally in the gut or in more distant bodily sites such as the joints, skin, and nervous system.

Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome are all associated with a leaky gut or increased intestinal permeability. Gluten increases gut permeability even in normal intestine. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Celebrex, Mobic, and Bextra; steroids like prednisone; and birth control pills are all felt to increase gut permeability.

Alcohol also increases gut permeability. This results in an increase risk of cirrhosis. Toxins produced add to the alcohol injury directly on the liver. Antibiotics are therefore now being advocated to rid the gut of bad bacteria in people with liver disease.

Taking a daily probiotic may be preventive of the more serious effects of increased gut permeability. We will explore the exciting world of probiotics further as we continue our journey into the food-gut health connection. Be sure to subscribe to the food doc blog so you can follow along as I review the latest breakthrough medical research on the link of bacteria and yeast to the leaky gut resulting in bowel inflammation and disease. You may also want to check out a excellent 144 page consumer guidebook on probiotics published in 2005 by one of the modern pioneers in this field Dr. S.K. Dash, Ph.D. See the recommended book link. The book is available through Amazon at the Food Doc aStore.