What is leaky gut – intestinal permeability?
The wall of the small intestine acts as a filter, allowing nutrients to pass into the bloodstream blocking non-nutrient substances. There are a number of conditions that cause toxic by-products in the small intestine. These toxins irritate and inflame the intestinal walls, causing tiny perforations. This interferes with the intestine’s filtering ability. Food particles and bacteria pass through into the blood stream. These non-nutrient particles alert the immune system, because they don’t belong there. The miniscule leaks are referred to as “leaky gut” syndrome, or increased intestinal permeability.