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Did you know how your gut microbes affect your health?
Gut health has been the focus of much health research recently, especially how gut microbes influence our overall health. The gut microbiome is made up of tens of thousands of microorganisms that live in our guts and influence digestion, immune systems, and even mood. Changes in intestinal microorganisms may have a profound impact on human health, causing a series of chronic diseases.
The gut typically exhibits some degree of permeability, which allows nutrients to pass from the gut into the body while maintaining barrier function to prevent the entry of harmful substances.
Intestinal permeability refers to the ability of intestinal wall cells to control substances. Under normal circumstances, intestinal permeability allows small molecules (such as nutrients and water) to pass through, while also preventing large molecules and harmful substances from entering. However, when intestinal permeability increases abnormally, it can be the source of some chronic diseases and inflammatory conditions.
Physiology of the intestinal barrier
The barrier of the intestinal epithelium separates the external environment (the contents of the intestinal lumen) from the internal environment and is one of the most extensive and important mucosal surfaces in the human body. The intestinal epithelium not only blocks the invasion of harmful substances, but also selectively allows beneficial nutrients to enter the body.
Selective permeability of the intestine operates through specialized transport channels that selectively transport solutes.
Micropleated cells (M cells) in the small intestine play an important role in this process. They can sample bacteria and their antigens in the intestinal lumen and transport them to the underlying lymphoid tissue for further recognition and reaction.
Regulation of intestinal permeability
Intestinal permeability can be regulated by a variety of factors. Among them, the presence of dietary components such as gluten can affect intestinal permeability. Some research suggests that the alcoholic proteins in gluten may prompt intestinal cells to release loosely structured proteins, opening the tight junctions between cells to allow entry of small molecules. In addition, bacterial infections, stress, and certain medications can also affect the structure and function of the intestinal tight junctions.
Clinical importance
Although many people experience no obvious symptoms, increased intestinal permeability can be a factor in a variety of illnesses. In fact, many known diseases such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases are closely associated with increased intestinal permeability.
In the case of celiac disease, increased intestinal permeability is often caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten.
When the intestinal barrier is damaged, the persistent inflammatory response in the intestine may further worsen the situation of increased permeability, forming a vicious cycle that allows many systemic diseases to develop.
Research direction
Some possible ways to improve intestinal permeability have also attracted the attention of researchers, including glutamine supplementation, prebiotics and specialized probiotics. Drugs being explored in clinical trials such as larvazoate have been shown to help reduce intestinal permeability caused by gluten in the context of a gluten-free diet.
Leaky gut syndrome
The so-called "leaky gut syndrome" is a hypothetical condition that is not yet widely recognized by the medical community. Some nutritionists and alternative medicine practitioners argue that restoring normal bowel function can treat a variety of health problems, but there is no reliable scientific evidence to support this claim.
Under normal body physiological conditions, the intensity and frequency of exercise will also regulate the barrier function of the intestine. Some studies have pointed out that excessive exercise may lead to an imbalance of the intestinal microbial community, thus affecting health.
Your gut health is closely related to the microbial community in your body. Does this make you rethink your lifestyle and eating habits?
