Intestinal permeability occurs when the lining of the digestive tract becomes permeable (leaky) to toxins or undigested food particles, causing chronic inflammation. This inhibits the intestinal lining’s ability to protect the internal environment and filter nutrients and other biological substances. Intestinal permeability allows toxins to leak out of the digestive tract and into the bloodstream. This triggers an autoimmune reaction that can create pain and inflammation in any of the body’s tissues.

The main cause of permeability is the use of anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, caffeine, alcohol, etc. Stress also is a major factor in leaky gut syndrome, since the excessive production of cortisol promotes damage to the intestinal lining.

At Imagine Wellness Centre, we provide education and the specific testing to identify the root causes of dysfunction instead of chasing symptoms. We also look into the role your genetics play in your digestive dysfunction. We check the genome and from that we check the mutations that affect the digestive system, specifically in the intestinal flora. There is a specific gene you may have that has mutated from your parents, which lead to the deficiencies in your intestinal flora. Intestinal flora is the good bacteria that protects your gut and helps break down food and bacteria. Without good intestinal flora, leaky gut may become an issue.