Leaky Gut Syndrome: What Is It, What Are Its Symptoms, and How Is It Diagnosed and Treated?

The healthy concentration of microorganisms in the gut, known as the microbiota, is an extremely valuable structure that directly or indirectly affects the functioning of all body systems, especially the digestive system. The microbiota, which is sterile until birth, begins to develop with birth and is largely influenced by the method of birth, dietary habits, and environmental factors. This microorganism concentration has a very delicate balance, which can be disrupted by unnecessary antibiotic use or unhealthy eating habits such as fast food, leading to an increase in harmful microorganisms, particularly on the intestinal surface. This disrupts the healthy structure of the gut and can lead to various diseases, including leaky gut syndrome.

The healthy concentration of microorganisms in the gut, known as the microbiota, is an extremely valuable structure that directly or indirectly affects the functioning of all body systems, especially the digestive system. The microbiota, which is sterile until birth, begins to develop with birth and is largely influenced by the method of birth, dietary habits, and environmental factors. This microorganism concentration has a very delicate balance, which can be disrupted by unnecessary antibiotic use or unhealthy eating habits such as fast food, leading to an increase in harmful microorganisms, particularly on the intestinal surface. This disrupts the healthy structure of the gut and can lead to various diseases, including leaky gut syndrome.

What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

The human body contains approximately ten times as many microorganisms as the total number of cells, and about 70% of these microorganisms reside in the intestines. This powerful concentration of microorganisms plays an extremely important role not only in digestive functions but also in the functioning of all body systems, making it essential for maintaining physical, mental, and neurological health. When the microbial balance is disrupted, the number of pathogenic microorganisms increases, leading to micro-damage in the intestinal epithelium.

The intestinal wall, known as the intestinal epithelium, has the largest mucosal surface in the body. A healthy intestinal wall contains tight junction proteins such as occludin, adhesion molecules, and zonula occludens. These proteins, in conjunction with the mucus layer, create a very strong barrier structure that allows the absorption of beneficial molecules from food while preventing the absorption of toxic substances, harmful bacteria, and foreign antigen molecules, which are excreted from the body via stool. In the case of micro-damage caused by changes in the microbiota, the barrier function is compromised; intestinal permeability increases, allowing toxic substances or harmful molecules produced by microorganisms to pass through the intestinal surface and enter systemic circulation. This condition, known as leaky gut syndrome, directly affects many systems in the body, primarily the digestive and immune systems.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome

When any health problem arises in the gut, considered the body's second brain, various signs and symptoms can manifest across many body systems.

Digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and gas are common symptoms in many diseases affecting the intestines, including leaky gut syndrome. Intermittent cycles of constipation and diarrhea, especially with mucus in the stool, should raise suspicion of leaky gut syndrome. In some cases, individuals may not exhibit any intestinal-related complaints; however, various allergic reactions, skin lesions resembling eczema, sudden mood changes, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, muscle pain that does not improve with rest, joint swelling and pain, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and urticaria are among the many diverse conditions that can occur. The underlying cause of all these diseases may be leaky gut syndrome and other intestinal diseases. Therefore, each of these should be regarded as a symptom of leaky gut syndrome, and detailed intestinal examinations should be conducted in the presence of these diseases, even if there are no digestive-related symptoms.

Diagnosis of Leaky Gut Syndrome

Although gut-related diseases are generally diagnosed based on symptoms, a definitive diagnosis of leaky gut syndrome typically requires more advanced diagnostic methods. In the presence of symptoms indicative of the disease, a detailed stool analysis is first conducted to evaluate the bacterial status of the intestines, the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria, and the presence of various infections, such as fungi. A disrupted balance of healthy microbiota, increased density of pathogenic bacteria, and the presence of various infections can be considered both the cause and the consequence of leaky gut syndrome. Due to the highly complex functioning of the gut, gut-related diseases also exhibit a very intricate course.

Another commonly preferred method for diagnosing leaky gut syndrome is the zonulin test. Zonulin is one of the molecules that form tight junctions in the intestinal wall and is necessary for maintaining gut permeability. When these tight junctions are damaged and intestinal permeability is disrupted, the body secretes more zonulin molecules to close this gap, resulting in increased zonulin levels in both the blood and stool. Therefore, elevated zonulin levels in the blood or stool are considered indicative of leaky gut syndrome.

Treatment of Leaky Gut Syndrome

When planning the treatment of gut-related diseases, not only medical methods but also functional methods such as diet, aromatherapy, and psychotherapy should be considered; a personalized holistic treatment plan should be developed. The treatment of leaky gut syndrome is possible through the repair of the damaged intestinal wall, with dietary practices forming the basis of the treatment. Initially, a diet plan consisting of foods aimed at repairing the intestinal wall is implemented for a certain period; afterwards, tests that reveal the diagnosis are repeated alongside the patient's symptom levels. The following foods may be recommended in the treatment of leaky gut syndrome:

Among the foods that should be consumed to repair the intestinal wall as per the treatment plan, bone broth is essential. Rich in numerous beneficial compounds like natural fats, minerals, and vitamins, bone broth is also high in amino acids such as gelatin, glutamine, proline, and glycine. Regular consumption of this group of amino acids, which protect the healthy intestinal wall and repair damaged intestinal cells, is necessary for the treatment of leaky gut syndrome.

Homemade yogurt is another food that should be consumed for the treatment of leaky gut syndrome. As one of the most important sources of probiotics, natural yogurt strengthens the beneficial microorganisms in the intestines, regulates the microbiota balance, and accelerates the intestinal wall repair process. The Lactobacillus group of bacteria, which are present in high amounts, also helps maintain the pH level of the environment, providing protection against infections.

Coconut oil is another crucial food for the treatment of leaky gut syndrome. Thanks to the caprylic acid it contains, this oil possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, effectively neutralizing all microorganisms present in the intestinal tissue that could lead to infections. Additionally, coconut oil, which is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, is one of the most beneficial compounds for repairing damage occurring in mucosal tissues.

The beneficial food groups that should be consumed are very effective in the healing of leaky gut syndrome. However, it is also critically important to eliminate foods that should not be consumed from the diet in order to repair the intestinal surface. Foods containing gluten, which is known to cause inflammation in the body, sugary foods, and those containing lactose and casein should be excluded from the dietary plan; organic foods should be consumed as much as possible.

If not treated properly, leaky gut syndrome can lead to many diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease. The treatment of leaky gut syndrome is only possible with a personalized holistic and functional treatment plan. For other topics related to digestive system diseases such as leaky gut, you can consult the gastroenterology department or the nutrition and dietetics department of health institutions.