The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases and leaky gut is increasing in countries adopting a Western lifestyle. Among the environmental risk factors is diet. Diets high in sucrose, refined carbohydrates, omega-6 fatty acids, and low in fiber are associated with a higher risk of developing these intestinal disorders. There are some foods and functional ingredients that have shown great potential in the treatment of leaky gut. Certain herbs, polyphenols, amino acids, minerals, antioxidants, and food products may enhance the body's ability to combat intestinal permeability. One of the lesser-known benefits of collagen is its role in supporting a healthy gut. Collagen is beneficial for gut health because it contains high amounts of the amino acids glycine, glutamine, and proline, which promote a healthy bacterial balance in the gut microbiome and facilitate a healthy intestinal barrier. Some other ways collagen promotes gut health include repairing leaky gut and supporting nutrient absorption.
Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and increased permeability result in a "leaky gut," which is associated with intestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal syndrome, irritable liver disease (ILD), alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and collagen diseases (Figure 2).
A recent review reports that some carbohydrates, such as galactooligosaccharides, can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, and dietary fiber has been shown to positively affect intestinal permeability. Dietary fiber is digested by enzymes and microorganisms that ferment short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate and propionate, which are key factors in gut protection.
Appropriate supplementation with probiotics/prebiotics, arginine, glutamine, polyphenols, vitamins, fiber, medicinal herbs, edible mushrooms, and FODMAPs is recommended. Several studies have demonstrated that these ingredients influence the modulation of intestinal immunity, the regulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier, the improvement of mucosal abnormalities, and the growth of epithelial cells. This review and these studies offer recent information on the critical functions of proposed dietary ingredients for maintaining intestinal barrier function. For the most part, vitamins A and D play critical roles in regulating gastrointestinal homeostasis. The effects of vitamins A and D on the composition of the gut microbiota are indirect.
The rapid progress in this field over the last decade inspires optimism that the microbiome will soon become an integral part of clinical practice, offering new avenues for personalized treatment strategies. In the future, a multidimensional approach incorporating microbial and host multi-omics, exposome, and longitudinal data analysis is essential.
Leaky gut syndrome is associated with intestinal inflammation, mucosal oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidant reserves in the intestinal mucosa. Human and animal studies have demonstrated evidence of the potential benefit of supplementation with antioxidant nutrients and plant extracts to prevent oxidative damage and restore normal mucosal barrier function. An adequate diet of amino acids, especially glutamine, is essential, as is the production of butyrate or consuming foods containing it, as DATA points out. This article is very comprehensive:
Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Quercetin has been shown to improve intestinal barrier function in human intestinal cells. Mast cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of intestinal mucosal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability (IP). Quercetin helps control intestinal inflammation by inhibiting histamine release from human intestinal mast cells. It has also been shown to inhibit gene expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL) 1-beta, IL-6, and IL-8 from human mast cells.
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties with cytoprotective effects on gastrointestinal mucosal cells. Oral supplementation with GBE has been shown to reduce macroscopic and histological damage to the colonic mucosa in vivo and significantly reduce proinflammatory cytokines in experimentally induced ulcerative colitis. Ginkgo has also been shown to prevent the rise in IQ.
Treatment with vitamins C, E, and D reduces the incidence of bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen and decreases mucosal lipid peroxidation in animals with chronic portal hypertension and common bile duct ligation. It is reasonable to postulate that these vitamins may help promote normal PI function.
Dietary zinc appears to play a key role in maintaining normal intestinal permeability (IP) and controlling inflammation. Zinc deficiency has been shown to cause alterations in mucosal barrier function and increased secretion of inflammatory mediators in human intestinal epithelial cells. Zinc has cytoprotective activity in the gastrointestinal tract and helps stabilize intestinal mast cells.
Certain nutrients have been shown to help maintain healthy mucosal cell structure and function and promote normal IP. These include L-glutamine, phosphatidylcholine, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and gamma-linolenic acid.
N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) is a naturally occurring aminoglycan found in high concentrations in intestinal mucus, secretory IgA, and other immunoglobulins. Intestinal mucus plays a crucial role in host protection by providing a mechanical and immunological barrier against toxins, antigens, and bacteria in the intestinal lumen. Studies have shown that NAG blocks the adhesion of Candida albicans to the gastrointestinal mucosa in vivo in animals and stimulates the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria in vitro. Studies indicate a defect in the glycoconjugated composition of intestinal mucin in many patients with IBD.
Researchers concluded that enteral formulations containing phosphatidylcholine may be useful supplements for preventing intestinal injury and increased permeability due to exposure to intestinal endotoxins. https://europepmc.org/article/med/18496240 (2008)
Other nutrients that have been shown to support epithelial barrier integrity and normal mucosal permeability include polyunsaturated fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). GLA, DHA, and EPA have been shown to be incorporated into the phospholipid fraction of the membrane of human mucosal epithelial cells and to reduce mucosal permeability defects caused by inflammatory cytokines.
Insufficient pancreatic enzyme activity can also cause increased intestinal permeability (IP) and leaky gut syndrome. Supplementation with digestive enzymes may help treat enzyme deficiencies and improve conditions related to impaired digestion.
Licorice root contains nearly 75 bioactive compounds and can reduce inflammation by increasing mucus production. Berberine has been used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases as a reliable source. Marshmallow root is also beneficial.
Let's not forget collagen and glycine, probiotics and prebiotics, and caprylic acid, which can reduce yeast overgrowth in the digestive tract, a significant problem if you have leaky gut.
Dr. Mercola's report is very interesting. NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) is a stable form of the non-essential amino acid L-cysteine. It is a necessary component for the formation of glutathione, one of the body's most important antioxidants. NAC positively affects the intestinal redox state, decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promotes epidermal growth factor (EGF).
The polysaccharides present in Aloe vera pulp, N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylcysteine, have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is advisable that when consuming Aloe vera pulp extracts, they be free of aloin, as this compound has a mild laxative effect.
The larger polysaccharides in Aloe vera and arabinogalactans (larch polysaccharides) are capable of strengthening the immune system. These latter compounds have been shown to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, primarily butyrate and propionate, which are energy sources for the epithelial cells of the colon. Evidence also indicates that human consumption of larch arabinogalactans has a significant effect on improving the beneficial gut microbiota, specifically increasing bifidobacteria and lactobacillus.
In addition to a healthy diet and good dietary habits, we can restore and regenerate this barrier. There are also plant extracts, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that can help us achieve optimal intestinal barrier health.
• Glutamine, zinc, beta-carotene, and quercetin (a bioflavonoid): stimulate the production of proteins that bind to enterocytes. Glutamine is also an energy source for specific epithelial cells of the small intestine, improving intestinal permeability and the morphology of the intestinal mucosa. For optimal results, it should be administered orally, and its effectiveness is enhanced when combined with leucine and arginine.
• Aloe vera, N-acetylglucosamine, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC): anti-inflammatory action. It is recommended that the aloe vera pulp extract be free of aloin, which has a laxative effect. Arabinogalactans are polysaccharides from the larch tree that strengthen the immune system by improving the gut microbiota, increasing the concentration of bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. NAC, a necessary component for glutathione formation, is one of the body's most important antioxidants, as it reduces pro-inflammatory substances.
• Marshmallow and slippery elm mucilage: Marshmallow is a polysaccharide that protects irritated mucous membranes and regenerates epithelial cells; slippery elm also produces mucilage.
• Vitamins: Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants, protecting cells against oxidative stress. Among the B vitamins, B2 and B3 help maintain the intestinal lining in normal condition. Vitamins B1 and B6 contribute to energy metabolism. Selenium, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, zinc, and vitamin C contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system.
Our bodies are designed to be healthy, wants to be healthy - if given the chance. Days gone by meals were I'm hungry what is available to catch or find. Today there are mountains of toxic empty calories to choose from. Finding Real Foods with solid nutrients to nourish a healthy body and prevent Dis-ease are harder to find and have been made hard to get by Corporate Captured Institutions manipulating the Real Deals out of existence, hard to find or labeled tin foil hat kooks who want us to eat sticks and twigs.
More information just keeps coming how and what works to Prevent Dis-Ease, give us strong and healthy bodies, reverse some Dis-Ease too. So much starts right from the gut...why wouldn't it...it is the beginning of where our energy sources come from, and then constantly applied to the many systems affecting not only the physical health, but the mental, emotional and spiritual health's too.
As often said, Healthy Soils make Healthy Foods, Healthy Foods (make and maintain Healthy Guts,) and make Healthy People, Health People Make for Healthy Societies.
How many of todays incurable Dis-Eases are preventable in the first place? Just Sayn'
The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases and leaky gut is increasing in countries adopting a Western lifestyle. Among the environmental risk factors is diet. Diets high in sucrose, refined carbohydrates, omega-6 fatty acids, and low in fiber are associated with a higher risk of developing these intestinal disorders. There are some foods and functional ingredients that have shown great potential in the treatment of leaky gut. Certain herbs, polyphenols, amino acids, minerals, antioxidants, and food products may enhance the body's ability to combat intestinal permeability. One of the lesser-known benefits of collagen is its role in supporting a healthy gut. Collagen is beneficial for gut health because it contains high amounts of the amino acids glycine, glutamine, and proline, which promote a healthy bacterial balance in the gut microbiome and facilitate a healthy intestinal barrier. Some other ways collagen promotes gut health include repairing leaky gut and supporting nutrient absorption.
Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and increased permeability result in a "leaky gut," which is associated with intestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal syndrome, irritable liver disease (ILD), alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and collagen diseases (Figure 2).
A recent review reports that some carbohydrates, such as galactooligosaccharides, can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, and dietary fiber has been shown to positively affect intestinal permeability. Dietary fiber is digested by enzymes and microorganisms that ferment short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate and propionate, which are key factors in gut protection.
Appropriate supplementation with probiotics/prebiotics, arginine, glutamine, polyphenols, vitamins, fiber, medicinal herbs, edible mushrooms, and FODMAPs is recommended. Several studies have demonstrated that these ingredients influence the modulation of intestinal immunity, the regulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier, the improvement of mucosal abnormalities, and the growth of epithelial cells. This review and these studies offer recent information on the critical functions of proposed dietary ingredients for maintaining intestinal barrier function. For the most part, vitamins A and D play critical roles in regulating gastrointestinal homeostasis. The effects of vitamins A and D on the composition of the gut microbiota are indirect.
The rapid progress in this field over the last decade inspires optimism that the microbiome will soon become an integral part of clinical practice, offering new avenues for personalized treatment strategies. In the future, a multidimensional approach incorporating microbial and host multi-omics, exposome, and longitudinal data analysis is essential.
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/2/619 (2023).----
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11739-023-03374-w (2024).--
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24342-collagen-vascular-disease (2023)
https://www.healthline.com/health/collagen-vascular-disease#symptoms .—
https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/how-to-fix-leaky-gut-with-collagen.--
https://ecronicon.net/assets/eccmc/pdf/ECCMC-07-00898.pdf (2024).--
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1347901/full (2024).--
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/13/5/392 (2024).--
Leaky gut syndrome is associated with intestinal inflammation, mucosal oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidant reserves in the intestinal mucosa. Human and animal studies have demonstrated evidence of the potential benefit of supplementation with antioxidant nutrients and plant extracts to prevent oxidative damage and restore normal mucosal barrier function. An adequate diet of amino acids, especially glutamine, is essential, as is the production of butyrate or consuming foods containing it, as DATA points out. This article is very comprehensive:
https://selfhacked.com/blog/leaky-gut-syndrome-healing/ (2020)
All articles by Dr. Mercola:
https://search.mercola.com/results.aspx?q=leaky%20gut#stq=leaky%20gut
Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Quercetin has been shown to improve intestinal barrier function in human intestinal cells. Mast cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of intestinal mucosal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability (IP). Quercetin helps control intestinal inflammation by inhibiting histamine release from human intestinal mast cells. It has also been shown to inhibit gene expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL) 1-beta, IL-6, and IL-8 from human mast cells.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4172606/ (2007)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18958421/ (2008)
https://www.humann.com/nutrition/leaky-gut-supplements/#section4 (2019)
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2020/ra/d0ra04162a (2020)
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties with cytoprotective effects on gastrointestinal mucosal cells. Oral supplementation with GBE has been shown to reduce macroscopic and histological damage to the colonic mucosa in vivo and significantly reduce proinflammatory cytokines in experimentally induced ulcerative colitis. Ginkgo has also been shown to prevent the rise in IQ.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/00365528909093106 (2001)
https://europepmc.org/article/med/11941954 (2002)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25473797/ (2015)
https://thecuriouscoconut.com/blog/5-reasons-to-consider-healing-leaky-gut-syndrome (2017)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginkgo-biloba-benefits#section2 (2019)
Treatment with vitamins C, E, and D reduces the incidence of bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen and decreases mucosal lipid peroxidation in animals with chronic portal hypertension and common bile duct ligation. It is reasonable to postulate that these vitamins may help promote normal PI function.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/089158499594362H (1998)
https://www.humann.com/nutrition/leaky-gut-supplements/#section4 (2019)
https://www.healthline.com/health/leaky-gut-syndrome-psoriasis#treatment (2019)
Pretreatment with NAC has been shown to prevent PI enlargement. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1590865802800895 (2002)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3261620/ (2012)
https://middlepathmedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/2019/09/108-NAC.pdf (2019)
Dietary zinc appears to play a key role in maintaining normal intestinal permeability (IP) and controlling inflammation. Zinc deficiency has been shown to cause alterations in mucosal barrier function and increased secretion of inflammatory mediators in human intestinal epithelial cells. Zinc has cytoprotective activity in the gastrointestinal tract and helps stabilize intestinal mast cells.
https://www.mendoza.conicet.gov.ar/portal/biocell/vol/pdf/27_2/01.pdf (2003)
https://www.biocare.co.uk/news/leaky-gut-the-hype-about-hyperpermeability.html (2018)
Certain nutrients have been shown to help maintain healthy mucosal cell structure and function and promote normal IP. These include L-glutamine, phosphatidylcholine, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and gamma-linolenic acid.
N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) is a naturally occurring aminoglycan found in high concentrations in intestinal mucus, secretory IgA, and other immunoglobulins. Intestinal mucus plays a crucial role in host protection by providing a mechanical and immunological barrier against toxins, antigens, and bacteria in the intestinal lumen. Studies have shown that NAG blocks the adhesion of Candida albicans to the gastrointestinal mucosa in vivo in animals and stimulates the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria in vitro. Studies indicate a defect in the glycoconjugated composition of intestinal mucin in many patients with IBD.
https://www.nature.com/articles/pr199143 (2001)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6849309/ (1983)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412843/ (2019)
https://www.ourpaleolife.com/5-healing-benefits-glucosamine/ (2018)
Researchers concluded that enteral formulations containing phosphatidylcholine may be useful supplements for preventing intestinal injury and increased permeability due to exposure to intestinal endotoxins. https://europepmc.org/article/med/18496240 (2008)
https://selfhacked.com/blog/health-benefits-phosphatidylcholine/ (2019)
Other nutrients that have been shown to support epithelial barrier integrity and normal mucosal permeability include polyunsaturated fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). GLA, DHA, and EPA have been shown to be incorporated into the phospholipid fraction of the membrane of human mucosal epithelial cells and to reduce mucosal permeability defects caused by inflammatory cytokines.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00394-008-0712-0 (2008)
Insufficient pancreatic enzyme activity can also cause increased intestinal permeability (IP) and leaky gut syndrome. Supplementation with digestive enzymes may help treat enzyme deficiencies and improve conditions related to impaired digestion.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022347605802306 (1993)
https://goodbyeleakygut.com/digestive-enzymes-leaky-gut/ (2020)
https://observer.com/2017/09/affordable-supplements-to-heal-leaky-gut/ (2019)
Licorice root contains nearly 75 bioactive compounds and can reduce inflammation by increasing mucus production. Berberine has been used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases as a reliable source. Marshmallow root is also beneficial.
https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/leaky-gut-supplements#supplements (2018)
Let's not forget collagen and glycine, probiotics and prebiotics, and caprylic acid, which can reduce yeast overgrowth in the digestive tract, a significant problem if you have leaky gut.
https://www.humann.com/nutrition/leaky-gut-supplements/#section4 (2019)
https://observer.com/2017/09/affordable-supplements-to-heal-leaky-gut/ (2019)
Dr. Mercola's report is very interesting. NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) is a stable form of the non-essential amino acid L-cysteine. It is a necessary component for the formation of glutathione, one of the body's most important antioxidants. NAC positively affects the intestinal redox state, decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promotes epidermal growth factor (EGF).
The polysaccharides present in Aloe vera pulp, N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylcysteine, have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is advisable that when consuming Aloe vera pulp extracts, they be free of aloin, as this compound has a mild laxative effect.
The larger polysaccharides in Aloe vera and arabinogalactans (larch polysaccharides) are capable of strengthening the immune system. These latter compounds have been shown to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, primarily butyrate and propionate, which are energy sources for the epithelial cells of the colon. Evidence also indicates that human consumption of larch arabinogalactans has a significant effect on improving the beneficial gut microbiota, specifically increasing bifidobacteria and lactobacillus.
https://www.cienporciennatural.com/biblioteca/como-mantener-un-sistema-gastrointestinal-sano
In addition to a healthy diet and good dietary habits, we can restore and regenerate this barrier. There are also plant extracts, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that can help us achieve optimal intestinal barrier health.
• Glutamine, zinc, beta-carotene, and quercetin (a bioflavonoid): stimulate the production of proteins that bind to enterocytes. Glutamine is also an energy source for specific epithelial cells of the small intestine, improving intestinal permeability and the morphology of the intestinal mucosa. For optimal results, it should be administered orally, and its effectiveness is enhanced when combined with leucine and arginine.
• Aloe vera, N-acetylglucosamine, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC): anti-inflammatory action. It is recommended that the aloe vera pulp extract be free of aloin, which has a laxative effect. Arabinogalactans are polysaccharides from the larch tree that strengthen the immune system by improving the gut microbiota, increasing the concentration of bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. NAC, a necessary component for glutathione formation, is one of the body's most important antioxidants, as it reduces pro-inflammatory substances.
• Marshmallow and slippery elm mucilage: Marshmallow is a polysaccharide that protects irritated mucous membranes and regenerates epithelial cells; slippery elm also produces mucilage.
• Vitamins: Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants, protecting cells against oxidative stress. Among the B vitamins, B2 and B3 help maintain the intestinal lining in normal condition. Vitamins B1 and B6 contribute to energy metabolism. Selenium, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, zinc, and vitamin C contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system.
Our bodies are designed to be healthy, wants to be healthy - if given the chance. Days gone by meals were I'm hungry what is available to catch or find. Today there are mountains of toxic empty calories to choose from. Finding Real Foods with solid nutrients to nourish a healthy body and prevent Dis-ease are harder to find and have been made hard to get by Corporate Captured Institutions manipulating the Real Deals out of existence, hard to find or labeled tin foil hat kooks who want us to eat sticks and twigs.
More information just keeps coming how and what works to Prevent Dis-Ease, give us strong and healthy bodies, reverse some Dis-Ease too. So much starts right from the gut...why wouldn't it...it is the beginning of where our energy sources come from, and then constantly applied to the many systems affecting not only the physical health, but the mental, emotional and spiritual health's too.
As often said, Healthy Soils make Healthy Foods, Healthy Foods (make and maintain Healthy Guts,) and make Healthy People, Health People Make for Healthy Societies.
How many of todays incurable Dis-Eases are preventable in the first place? Just Sayn'