Leaky Gut Syndrome has been at the forefront of our practice for years now. Just in case you missed any of that discussion, the following description makes it so clear (thanks Dr. Tom O’Bryan, Functional Medicine doc and gluten guru!)
The intestine is a long tube (about 20-25 feet) that is lined with thick “shag carpeting”. Each shag absorbs a different nutrient. The shag is covered with “cheesecloth” which prevents large molecules from coming through (the way cheesecloth filters out clumps of gravy). This cheesecloth develops tears (gluten is a big factor!) and then those large particles or “macromolecules” start getting through. Your body’s cells see these particles as foreign invaders and begin forming antibodies. Now your cells are attacking themselves and you are developing auto-immune disease.
As if that is not enough of an issue, leaky gut can lead to leaky brain! What in the world is that?
If you have unexplained brain fog, trouble concentrating, memory problems, or constant anxiety you may have what is called a leaky brain.
The brain is a brilliant machine which operates every aspect of your body from thoughts to movements to your digestion (and every other bodily function). We are suffering from an enormous amount of brain disease in this country. Currently over $113 billion is being spent on mental health in the U.S. which does not even include autoimmune brain problems like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Autism which are affecting greater numbers of us daily.
Your brain is the most protected organ in your body. Not only is it housed in the thick bones of the skull, it is floating in cerebrospinal fluid.
The blood vessels of the brain are also very specialized to protect the brain. The cells of those vessels form very tight junctions only allowing very small molecules and substances through what is called the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). This is similar to the “cheesecloth” or intestinal barrier we talked about previous that keeps large food particles out of our blood stream and out of our interstitial fluid. Only special cells and substances that nourish he brain are allowed through that barrier, If (and only if) the BBB has not been compromised.
But when that protective blood brain barrier becomes compromised or weakened and substances normally kept out of the brain are able to get through the walls of the vessels into the brain – you can have leaky brain.
What Causes a Leaky Brain?
If you have a leaky gut, it is quite likely that you might have a leaky brain. Things like gluten, and other food allergies/intolerances that damage the villi of the small intestine may eventually damage the blood brain barrier as well. Other factors such as alcohol and drug abuse; stress, infections and environmental toxins can increase the risk of BBB permeability.
Zonulin is a substance in our body that determines the permeability of the gut and the brain. Research shows that eating gluten increases Zonulin in the body. Increased Zonulin can cause increased risk of permeability in both the gun and the brain. Brain fog is a common symptom of leaky gut. It is also a symptom of leaky brain. Gluten appears to be a potential problem in both conditions.
Once the blood brain barrier has been compromised, the brain is susceptible to damage from heavy metals, bacteria, environmental toxins and other harmful substances that even our “thick skulls” can’t protect us from. Leaky brain can lead to more serious neurological conditions like depression, ADD/ADHD, siezures, Autism, mental illness, and chronic pain.
How do you heal leaky brain?
To heal the critical blood brain barrier it is important to address the gut as well. As mentioned, it is common to have both a leaky gut and a leaky brain.
There’s a saying in Functional Medicine, “fire in the gut equals fire in the brain.” The two seem to go hand in hand, and addressing both issues is necessary. Balancing blood sugar and managing stress are also key factors in restoring the BBB. A strict gluten-free diet must be adhered to regardless if you think you are gluten sensitive or not. There is a lot of evidence implicating gluten as harmful to the brain, but especially when you have leaky brain.
Determining any other food senstivities and removing those foods from the diet along with gluten is also key. Brain support through supplementation will definitely assist in the healing process and help restore the proper blood brain barrier. It is best to consult with a professional who is trained in proper supplementation before starting a protocol. We can connect you with an expert in that area.
Maintaining a healthy brain is key to aging gracefully and preserving cognitive function. A leaky blood brain barrier will endanger memory and may impair the body’s normal function.
We can help!
Our newest Fast 2 Fabulous (click to register) will address the underlying food issues associated with leaky gut and leaky brain. You can read about it and register right now It is very easy to do in the summer – will fit into your vacation schedule perfectly !
