Fourth Blog

The intestines are designed to act as a barrier to the internal environment of the body. They provide protection from potentially dangerous molecules, such as pathogens and toxins.

The problem occurs when the intestinal barrier is damaged, due to certain triggers, oxidative stress or inflammation. The gates, called tight junctions, between the epithelial cells that make up the intestinal wall open up. This means substances that would normally stay in the intestine or be excreted by the body, can travel into the inner layer of our intestinal wall and our blood stream. The intestine is more permeable, it is 'leaky', and bigger particles can fit through.2

This stimulates the immune system and the release of inflammatory mediators against these substances. These molecules, which are now classed as foreign or dangerous, may be the healthy bacteria that normally live in intestines or particles of food normally eaten. This process can trigger more inflammation, allergic responses, further increases in intestinal permeability, changes in nervous system function and opioid type reactions, affecting mood and behavior.3