What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome is when the intestinal wall can not keep out large unwanted molecules. Leakey gut syndrome is associated with autism. It is still very much in the research phase. There are actually quite a number of studies going on now to determine how the syndrome actually gets started in the first place and why it seems to be prevalent in autistic children and how to treat it. The working theory is that the syndrome occurs in autistic children because of their increased sensitivity and allergies.

Molecules or substances such as proteins would normally be filtered out of the intestinal tract. But Leaky Gut Syndrome allows these substances to enter the intestines. Because this is not a normal occurrence, the body misunderstands and goes into action to protect the body from this invading intruder. The body may think this is a virus or an infection and starts creating antibodies to fight the invaders. This is particularly bad because normal things such as certain foods or any of the body's normal molecules that are similar to those foods would be looked at as harmful by the body's immune system. This causes an auto-immune disease which is the same as the body attacking itself.

Other serious outcomes of Leaky gut syndrome would include the normal bacterial that is normally found in the intestine to be transported into the blood stream allowing it to circulate until it lands somewhere new and then develops into an infection. This of course, also weakens the liver, which causes more toxins to travel throughout the whole body, leading to even more medical complications.

The cause of Leaky gut syndrome is unknown. Medical science is still studying the disease and possible causes. But there are some suggested causes that seem associated with the medical diagnosis of the syndrome. A diet high in alcohol or caffeine, drugs known as NSAIDS, (non steroidal anti inflammatory drug)s, such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, and antacids, as well as a diet high in carbohydrates can cause a thinning of the intestinal wall.

Ways to treat Leaky gut syndrome are just as uncertain. Diet can help. Autistic children have very sensitive digestive systems, especially with leaky gut syndrome. Many parents find that putting their child on gluten- and casein- free diets can help. However, Both gluten and casein are proteins, and this may inflame leaky gut syndrome, so it is just unknown. Research medial scientists are still studying all of this. Of course in adults the obvious things to be done that may help are to avoid alcohol, caffeine, NSAIDS and spicy foods. This may help to thicken the intestine wall and now allow those proteins and molecules to escape.

Some comfort can be obtained by understanding leaky gut syndrome. It is an ongoing process. But at least you can know there is an actual process going on causing the symptoms you are seeing in yourself or your child.