Leaky gut and histamine: Strengthening the intestinal barrier
Leaky Gut primarily describes the condition of a "leaky gut." This means that the intestinal mucosa is leaky/porous. Because of this issue, it is possible for toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, causing the immune system to sound the alarm. You will learn what this process does in the body and the connection between Leaky Gut and histamine intolerance in this blog article.
Leaky Gut Syndrome: A brief overview of the problem
It is not actually the large intestine that is primarily affected by a Leaky Gut, but rather the small intestine. The intestinal mucosa, which is "leaky" in Leaky Gut syndrome, acts as a barrier between the intestinal contents and the bloodstream. It is also known as the intestinal barrier. When the intestinal barrier is intact, the intestinal mucosa only allows necessary nutrients and water to pass through the gut. In the case of a disrupted intestinal barrier, however, toxins, undigested food particles, and excess histamine in the gut enter the bloodstream, as mentioned above.
Diverse symptoms: Physical and psychological effects of Leaky Gut
There are many symptoms that can be associated with Leaky Gut. Some are so diverse and individual that they are often not even associated with a diseased gut.
Symptoms include:
- Chronic joint or muscle pain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Bloating
- Migraines
- Mood swings
- Nervousness
- Skin problems such as acne or neurodermatitis
- Inflammation
- Fatigue
- Irritable bowel symptoms
- Food intolerances
- Diarrhea (often alternating with constipation)
Causes and risk factors for Leaky Gut
- Stress – Demanding periods of stress in life can lead to dysfunction of the intestinal barrier.
- Medications – Medications such as antibiotics attack the intestinal mucosa and thereby irritate the intestinal flora.
- Unhealthy diet – Consuming too much sugar and isolated carbohydrates (white rice, white flour products, etc.) promotes the development of Leaky Gut syndrome.
- Alcohol – Since it is now known that alcohol can also damage the intestinal barrier, excessive alcohol consumption is also counted among the potential causes.
- Infections – Since bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. in the body can throw the gastrointestinal tract out of balance, these are also considered potential causes (especially in combination with incompatible medications).
Leaky Gut diagnosis: How is the syndrome determined?
There are mainly two different tests used to diagnose LGS.
First, there is the lactulose-mannitol test in urine. Lactulose and mannitol are two sugars that are metabolized in the small intestine. To perform this test, you must drink an aqueous solution of mannitol and lactulose in the morning on an empty stomach.
Then, urine is collected over 5 hours and submitted to the laboratory or doctor as a 24-hour urine sample of approx. 20ml. About half an hour after drinking the solution, you can drink something normally again, and about 3 hours after drinking, you can have a small snack.
The second test is the zonulin test in blood serum. An increasing zonulin level in the blood can be an indicator of Leaky Gut syndrome. In addition to these tests, sIgA in the stool and the Alpha-1 level can be determined. Low sIgA levels can in this case be an indication of increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa.
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The connection between Leaky Gut and histamine intolerance
Leaky Gut syndrome can promote the development of histamine intolerance, as a continuous immune reaction and increased inflammatory markers in the body lead to mast cells being activated and releasing histamine. Furthermore, the histamine-degrading enzyme DAO (diamine oxidase), located in the intestinal mucosa, plays an important role. In the presence of Leaky Gut syndrome, the production of this enzyme can be restricted or its function can be impaired, which further exacerbates the problem.
Interactions between Leaky Gut and histamine intolerance
Conversely, a histamine intolerance can also lead to a Leaky Gut, as food intolerances irritate the gut and thus trigger inflammation. This is because histamine is an inflammatory mediator, i.e., a substance produced by the body that can initiate or maintain an inflammatory reaction. A vicious cycle of inflammation and histamine can quickly develop here, which must be broken.
Leaky Gut: Is it curable?
Fortunately, it is possible to treat Leaky Gut syndrome. The regeneration time ranges from several weeks to 18 months, depending on the situation. Therefore, one should work on improvement with the necessary patience and consistency. The treatment period often depends on how severe the Leaky Gut is and how long it has existed.
Tips for strengthening the intestinal barrier
To strengthen the intestinal barrier, it is recommended to avoid pro-inflammatory foods such as sugar, gluten, and dairy products. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided as much as possible. It is more advisable to reach for anti-inflammatory foods such as wild blueberries, apples, turmeric, ginger (1), or broccoli.
A low-histamine, anti-inflammatory, and alkaline-excess diet with healthy omega-3 fatty acids from linseed or hemp oil is also very beneficial.
For mental strengthening, it is also important to reduce stress and ensure more relaxation. A quiet walk through the woods or a relaxing breathing exercise could be excellent for this.
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