Intestinal Hyperpermeability, also known as Leaky Gut

Hippocrates said long ago: “All disease begins in the gut.”
Dr. Henderson’s favorite saying: “Healthy gut, healthy body.”

Why?
The gut contains over 100 million nerve cells, produces over 95% of all serotonin, and  houses 70-80% of immune system.  It is the first line of defense to all conditions, from allergies to cancer.

What is Intestinal Hyperpermeability?
Intestinal hyperpermeability is commonly known as Leaky Gut. The small intestinal wall is made up of one cell layer. Digested food particles and nutrients will pass through the one cell layer or between the cells at the “tight junction”.  These tight junctions will open and close depending on if food particles need to pass through. So, tight junctions provide a gate as well as a fence to keep molecules in or let them out.

Intestinal hyperpermeability, or Leaky Gut, occurs when tight junctions open and stay open in the small intestine.
When tight junctions open, too many undigested food particles, bacteria, viruses, yeast, etc. escape the small intestine, which results in an immune response.

Is it common? Yes
Many of the signs and symptoms of Intestinal Hyperpermeability, or Leaky Gut, are often written off as something other than leaky gut.

Signs and Symptoms (Just to name a few)
Bloating                        Fatigue                                     Food sensitivities
Constipation                Joint aches                               Tachycardia
Diarrhea                       Acne                                          Asthma
Intestinal disorder      Hormonal disturbance          Blood sugar issues
PMS                               Insomnia                                  Hypertension
Head ache                    Depression

The end result of Intestinal Hyperpermeability/ Leaky Gut is inflammation. Inflammation is what can lead to the signs and symptoms above.

If you have any of these symptoms, give us a call so we can help!

Yours in Health,
Dr. Donald T. Henderson, DC, CCSP