Systemic Symptoms & Conditions

Now let’s discuss the potential systemic symptoms and health conditions associated with leaky gut.

It is important to note that these non-digestive signs and symptoms may have many possible explanations. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Joint Pain

Joint pain is a symptom that has been linked to leaky gut syndrome because of the release of inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines can lead to the breakdown of cartilage and other tissues in the joints, leading to pain and discomfort.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been linked to having increased intestinal permeability which suggests that leaky gut may play a role in the development of joint pain. Patients with osteoarthritis have been linked to increased levels of bacterial endotoxins in their synovial fluid, which is the fluid that lubricates the joints, suggesting that leaky gut may contribute to joint pain in these patients as well.

Skin issues

Skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis have been linked to leaky gut syndrome. Activation of the immune system from leaky gut can result in inflammation that can cause damage to the skin and alter skin barrier function. The imbalanced gut microbiota can also contribute to the development of skin problems through dysregulation of the immune system and skin barrier function.

A major function of the gut involves the absorption and utilization of vitamins and nutrients that are essential for skin health, such as vitamins A, D, E, and zinc. In leaky gut syndrome, the absorption of these vital nutrients can be compromised, leading to deficiencies that can impact skin health.

Fatigue

Chronic inflammation can lead to fatigue, as the immune system is activated for prolonged periods of time. The inflammation and dysbiosis associated with leaky gut can lead to disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in the body’s stress response and the regulation of hormones such as cortisol. An imbalance in the HPA axis can contribute to fatigue and other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Leaky gut may also affect the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are important for regulating mood and energy levels. Gut permeability is linked to alterations in these neurotransmitter levels.

Thyroid Dysfunction

The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis is a complex system involved in the regulation of thyroid hormones in the body. Leaky gut can disrupt this system by causing inflammation and affecting the conversion of thyroid hormones from their inactive form to their active forms in the liver. This is most likely because of an imbalance in the gut microbiota which can lead to a disruption of the gut-liver-thyroid axis. This causes impaired liver function and the potential link to thyroid disorders.

Another mechanism involved are inflammatory cytokines triggering an autoimmune response and causing inflammation throughout the body, including the thyroid gland. This can lead to thyroid dysfunction and the development of disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Metabolic Diseases

Obesity-related metabolic diseases, such as fatty liver, type II diabetes, and heart disease, have also been linked to leaky gut syndrome through a number of mechanisms that involve the gut microbiome, inflammation, and immune function.

The immune response caused by leaky gut can cause inflammation throughout the body, including in the liver and adipose tissue. Inflammation in these tissues can disrupt insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance.

Increased intestinal permeability and inflammation can also lead to changes in the release of gut hormones, which can affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. For example, increased release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) have been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, while increased release of ghrelin and motilin has been associated with decreased insulin sensitivity.

Headaches

Chronic inflammation caused by leaky gut can lead to changes in blood vessel dilation and constriction, which can contribute to development of headaches. Additionally, the production of toxins by certain bacteria in the gut can also affect blood vessel function and lead to headaches.

Some studies have linked leaky gut to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Inflammation from leaky gut stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other molecules that can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect brain function. These changes can lead to alterations in neurotransmitter levels and the development of mood disorders.

The gut microbiome can affect brain function and mood through the gut-brain axis. Certain species of gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been found to be involved in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which are important for regulating mood. Alterations in the gut microbiome can lead to changes in the production of these neurotransmitters which can contribute to the development of mood disorders.