Many people are affected by intestinal hyperpermeability without realizing it. An inadequate lifestyle and it is the intestinal mucous membrane that is inflamed, leading to chain reactions such as allergies, inflammatory diseases, food intolerances and autoimmune diseases. Focus on the link between leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune diseases. 

Gut hyperpermeability: what is it?

The intestinal mucosa acts like a finely woven net, allowing only the necessary nutrients to pass into the bloodstream. 

Aninappropriate lifestyle is characterized by an anarchic and low-fiber diet, poor hydration, lack of physical exercise , taking medication, all fueled by daily stress, deeply alters the quality of the microbiota.

The balance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria is disrupted giving way to a chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. The latter has the "meshes" that loosen letting through large molecules that will wander throughout the body. 

These large molecules are toxins,bad bacteria, and partially digested proteins such as those in gluten or milk.

Along with this leakage of macromolecules, as the mucosa is damaged, nutrients are no longer properly assimilated. This then leads to a risk of deficiency and denutrition. 

Scientific findings between autoimmune diseases and intestinal hyperpermeability.

"Autoimmune diseases are characterized by tissue damage and loss of function due to an immune response directed against specific organs. This review focuses on the role of impaired gut barrier function on autoimmune pathogenesis. Together with the intestinal lymphoid tissue and theneuroendocrine network, the intestinal epithelial barrier, with its intercellular tight junctions, controls the balance between tolerance and immunity to nonauto antigens. The zonulin protein is the only physiological modulator of intercellular tight junctions described so far that is involved in macromolecule trafficking and, therefore, in the immune tolerance/response balance. 

When the zonulin pathway is dysregulated in genetically susceptible individuals,autoimmune disorders can occur. This new paradigm subverts traditional theories underlying the development of these diseases and suggests that these processes can be arrested if the interaction between genes and environmental triggers is avoided byrestoring zonulin-dependent gut barrier function. 

Animal models and recent clinical evidence support this new paradigm and provide the rationale for innovative approaches to prevent and treat autoimmune diseases. »

Source: Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Diseases in Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology. February 2012, Volume 42, Issue 1, pp 71-78 by Alessio Fasano

Natural solutions for correcting intestinal hyper-permeability 

In naturopathy, we consider the person as a whole. Therefore, it is necessary to review one's overall lifestyle habits in order to restore good intestinal health.

First and foremost, it is important to act on the quality of the diet and remove absolutely all pro-inflammatory foods including: 

• gluten
• dairy products
• sucrose (white sugar)
• industrial dishes
• additives

Adopt a hypotoxic diet.

Take, for example, the Seignalet diet, rich in raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables. The fibers contained in the plants will serve as "compost" for the microbiota under reconstruction.

Green clay, as a cure

Green clay water acts as a band-aid by soothing gut inflammation. In the evening, prepare in a glass taller than wide, 2 teaspoons of green clay powder. Stir well and let stand overnight. The next day, when you wake up, drink the surface water WITHOUT stirring. To be done as a cure or as advised by your naturopath.

The indispensable L-glutamine

It is an amino acid involved in the reconstruction of the intestinal mucosa. It is essential to heal damaged villi and redensify the "meshwork".

The benefits of turmeric

It is no longer a secret for anyone: turmeric, combined with peppercorns and olive oil it is a remarkable anti-inflammatory. It will thus calm the gut inflammation.

How about probiotics and prebiotics?

Make a cure of quality probiotics while feeding them prebiotics (fiber, kombucha, fruit kefir, sauerkraut and other lacto-fermented products)

Learn to manage your stress

Stress is oxidative and therefore inflammatory. Sophrology, mindfulness meditation, massages, adapted phytotherapy (lemon balm, lime blossom, passion flower, valerian, chamomile, etc.) or flower essences are of great help in managing moods. 

Stopping inflammation, rebuilding the mucosa, restoring the balance of the microbiota requires rigor, a lot of time and perseverance. However, the results are extremely encouraging, sometimes allowing stability or even complete remission of the disease.