The Top 5 Negative Effects Of Leaky Gut
What issues can be caused by a leaky gut?
1. Obesity
The bacteria in our gut (good or bad) can dictate whether we store fat or burn fat. For example, there are two certain groups of bacteria in the gut that have been shown to control this lever: If the Firmicutes family is considerably more prevalent than the Bacteroidetes family, one will tend to put on weight.
2. Inflammation
Inflammation is actually a defense mechanism perpetuated by the immune system. When under attack from a foreign invader (yeast, parasite, bacteria, food), the immune system can activate its troops by sending out inflammatory molecules. If the gut lining is damaged and permeable, the immune system will react quicker and with more force, leading to widespread chronic inflammation.
3. Autoimmune diseases
Because 70-80% of the immune system resides in the gut, it only makes sense that immune-related problems can start there. Dr. Alessio Fassano, renowned celiac, multiple Sclerosis, and Type 1 diabetes researcher states that,“Besides genetic and environmental factors, loss of intestinal barrier function is necessary to develop autoimmunity.”
In simple terms, this means that a leaky gut is a must for someone to develop an autoimmune disease.
4. Depression
Our gut microbiome can highly influence our brain function through chemicals messengers, neuronal signals, and inflammation. Many postulate that depression is actually an inflammatory disorder, where the glial cells (immune cells) in the brain are activated and unable to shut off. Also feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are made mostly in the gut.
A research team at McMaster University, showed that mice with little or no gut microbes could change personalities when inoculated with another mouse’s gut flora. Naturally timid mice became daring and outgoing.
5. Autism
Mazmanian and Hsiao performed a study which experimented with giving a microbe called Bacteroides fragilis, known for anti-inflammatory properties, to animals. This microbe also protects mice from experimentally induced colitis. Findings demonstrated that the treatment healed intestinal leaks and restored a more normal microbiota. It also diminished the propensity toward repetitive behavior and minimized communication. Mazmanian succeedingly found that B. fragilis reverses MIA deficits, even in adult mice. “So, at least in this mouse model, it suggests features of autism aren’t hardwired—they’re reversible—and that’s a huge advance,” he says.
“What I see in the families of autistic children is that 100 percent of moms of autistic children have abnormal gut flora and health problems related to that.”
–Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride
