The topic of “leaky gut” has gained increasing attention in recent years. Some believe that it is the cause of many diseases, while others do not think the disease exists.
‘Leaky Gut’ Is Not a Medical Term, but It Exists
“Leaky gut” is a layman’s term, and it does not correspond to a medical diagnosis; medically, it refers to increased intestinal permeability or gut-barrier loss.The gut barrier is a key immune barrier in the human body, consisting of a layer of intestinal epithelial cells and a mucus layer. The human intestinal epithelium covers a surface area of up to 400 square meters. Intestinal epithelial cells are linked together by tight junction proteins. They keep substances in the gut lumen, including pathogens (viruses and bacteria) and food debris, from entering the bloodstream.
