Arthritis More Arthritis Types & Related Conditions Why a Leaky Gut Can Be Caused by Arthritis By Carol Eustice facebook Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Learn about our editorial process Carol Eustice Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD on March 06, 2016 linkedin Grant Hughes, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist. He is an associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the head of rheumatology at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Review Board Grant Hughes, MD Updated on October 22, 2020 Print Some researchers have claimed that leaky gut syndrome, or increased intestinal permeability, is implicated in dozens of diseases. The syndrome is caused by the wall of the small intestine being damaged. A healthy intestine allows only nutrients to pass into the bloodstream. When the intestine is damaged, larger molecules such as incompletely digested fats, proteins, starches, and even bacteria, also permeate the intestinal wall. Universal Images Group / Getty Images The larger molecules, recognized by the body as foreign substances, can trigger an immune response in other organs. Some researchers believe that healing a leaky gut with a strict diet and nutritional supplements can help control conditions such as insomnia, obesity, bad breath, as well as a wide range of diseases, including asthma, eczema, and arthritis. The Debate Many researchers agree that the intestinal tract is a key player in the immune system, but whether or not the gut is the root of so many problems is still the subject of debate. The debate was brought to everyone's attention in popular media in 1997. The small intestine is a convoluted, 25-foot tube between the stomach and the large intestine. Its lining is comprised of millions of villi, or finger-like structures, which in turn are covered with millions of microvilli. The villi and microvilli harbor bacteria and yeast, which normally maintain a healthy balance and help to carry out the main functions of the intestine, that is, to break down food into nutrients that the body can use and move along the waste and harmful substances to the bowel. Most of the potentially dangerous material a human encounter is in food, therefore the gut's immune function is crucial. Researchers estimate that more than two-thirds of all immune activity occurs in the gut. Leaky Gut Syndrome Causes In some people, the wall of the gut seems to have been breached. Researchers are unsure how these microscopic breaches occur but possible causes include: Food allergiesExcessive amounts of aspirin or ibuprofenCertain antibioticsExcessive drinkingCompromised immune systemsParasitic infections Leaky Gut Syndrome Signs and Symptoms Leaky gut syndrome is not a disease itself but is thought to play a role in other diseases. Allowing undigested food or bacteria into the bloodstream causes the immune system to react. As this occurs the body may react in a number of ways, such as: RashDiarrheaMigrainesJoint painPsychological symptoms These problems can add up to a disorder that has no obvious relation to the original cause. Until a few decades ago, the theory was that unless a medical problem directly affected the gut, it worked normally. Physicians now know that trauma to other parts of the body may cause the gut to react. One researcher, Leo Galland M.D., estimated that leaky syndrome plays a role in 70% of people with chronic fatigue syndrome, eight out of 10 aspirin or ibuprofen users, most alcoholics, and anyone who is hospitalized. Galland also stated that parasites, which can lead to leaky gut syndrome, may lurk in most municipal water systems. Treatment One common prescription for leaky gut syndrome is an elimination diet. A series of urine and blood tests are used to assess food allergies. Based on the results of the tests, whole categories of food, such as dairy products or wheat products, are eliminated and added back over time as the patient is monitored for reactions. Strict elimination diets should be used only under close medical supervision, otherwise, malnutrition can result. The nutritional mainstay, fiber, may also play a role in healing problems of the gut. A National Institute of Health-funded study from Louisiana State University indicated that rats who ate no fiber had abnormal intestinal linings. Other research showed that glutamine, a nonessential amino acid, also plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal wall. A Word From Verywell To conclude from available research that leaky gut syndrome is widespread, treatable, and the cause of all sorts of problems is a jump scientists, and most doctors, haven't made yet. It is recognized, though, that care and maintenance of the gut make sense in any case. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with chronic inflammation? An anti-inflammatory diet can help. Our free recipe guide shows you the best foods to fight inflammation. Get yours today! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Quigley EM. Leaky gut - concept or clinical entity? Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2016;32(2):74-9. Viggiano D, Ianiro G, Vanella G, et al. Gut barrier in health and disease: focus on childhood. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015;19(6):1077-85. Gut Reactions. Wendy Marston. Newsweek. 11/17/97.