Leaky gut syndrome, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is often caused by inflammation and damage to the intestinal mucosa, leading to gaps between intestinal cells. This condition can result in symptoms and signs such as chronic inflammation, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort and may even indirectly cause skin problems and mental disorders. How can leaky gut syndrome be improved? Chen Junru, director of Taiwan Wonderful TCM Clinic, shares four approaches to address this issue.
What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
In a healthy gut, the epithelial cells on the mucosa are arranged like bricks, tightly connected and interspersed with fat that fills the gaps between them. This arrangement effectively blocks substances in the gut from freely entering the bloodstream, lymphatic system, and other circulatory pathways.Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the intestinal mucosa becomes inflamed or damaged, forming gaps in the intestinal lining. This breach allows bacteria, viruses, incompletely digested large molecules of food, or toxic substances from the gut to enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system, circulating throughout the body. The body often perceives these substances as foreign invaders, triggering an inflammatory response that leads to leaky gut syndrome.
The symptoms of a leaky gut are varied and often associated with chronic inflammation. They may include allergies, fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, irregular bowel movements, and bloating. In severe cases, individuals may experience autoimmune diseases, skin problems, emotional disorders, and disruptions in various human body systems.
4 TCM Approaches to Addressing Leaky Gut
There are many causes of intestinal mucosa damage, including a lack of probiotics and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut, food allergies, insufficient enzymes, medications, overeating junk food, low-fiber diets, pathogens, alcohol, and stress.Furthermore, symptoms of digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux, indigestion, or constipation can also trigger inflammation and contribute to the development of leaky gut syndrome.
Ms. Chen stated that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) often addresses leaky gut syndrome by adjusting the balance of the gastrointestinal tract, increasing gastrointestinal motility, and promoting the excretion of metabolic waste. Here are several common approaches used in TCM to improve leaky gut syndrome.
1. Kill Pathogens With Stomach Acid
Stomach acid serves as the gastrointestinal tract’s first line of defense, boasting a potent acidity with a pH of 2 to 3. This acid destroys viruses or bacteria that enter the stomach, effectively preventing their entry into the gut.When the gastrointestinal mucosa is inflamed, stomach acid can stimulate the inflamed tissues, leading to stomach pain. Therefore, some individuals take antacids to decrease stomach acid secretion. However, reducing the defensive stomach acid can hinder the elimination of certain viruses and bacteria, facilitating their entry into the digestive system. Therefore, it is not advisable to use antacids to weaken the gastrointestinal tract’s first line of defense.
2. Repair the Gastrointestinal Tract With TCM Medicine
Many traditional Chinese herbs and medications, such as hawthorn (Shan Zha), medicated leaven (Shen Qu), amomum fruit (Sha Ren), and chicken gizzard lining (Ji Nei Jin), improve digestion and repair damaged gastrointestinal systems.
Ji Nei Jin refers to the gizzard lining of a chicken. Ancient peoples recognized that animal intestines and stomachs contained numerous enzymes that promote digestion, leading them to process these organs into medicinal blends that aid digestion. Shen Qu, or medicated leaven, is a fermentation product used in alcohol production. It ferments the original form of food into components that the body can absorb.
3. Nourish Gut Microbiome With Prebiotics
Ms. Chen pointed out that bacteria are present throughout the body, from the oral and nasal cavities to the gastrointestinal tract. Some of these bacteria are beneficial, while others are harmful.Probiotics refer to a group of bacteria that can alter the balance of microorganisms and benefit human health. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are substances that promote the growth of probiotics, primarily consisting of soluble dietary fibers. They can enhance intestinal peristalsis, aiding in smooth bowel movements. Sweet potatoes, legumes, oats, white rice, and colorful vegetables are good sources of prebiotics. In TCM, foods such as red dates, licorice, goji berries, and malt help regulate the gut microbiome, thus promoting digestive health.
4. Cultivate Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Ms. Chen believes that healthy lifestyle habits like the following are crucial for treating leaky gut syndrome:- Regularly eating vegetables and fruits can increase prebiotics in the gut, promoting the growth of probiotics.
- Avoiding excessive use of antibiotics can prevent the disruption of beneficial bacteria growth in the gut.
- Engaging in regular exercise can promote intestinal motility, prevent constipation, and reduce the accumulation of toxins.
- Ensuring sufficient sleep can effectively boost immunity and help prevent chronic gut inflammation.
