INTESTINAL LINING

Our digestive tract is one of the primary places where our bodies interact with the ‘outside’ world. The lining of the small intestine is an important barrier, letting nutrients in and preventing bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other unwelcome substances from entering the body. In the process of digestion, we absorb nutrients from food while eliminating various toxins and other by-products produced in the digestion process.

A special layer of cells line the small intestine and are responsible for absorbing nutrients and protecting the body from harmful substances. This cell lining, if stretched out, would cover more than 300 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment. Between each cell is a space called a “tight junction.” The health of the cells that line the small intestine, and the health of these tight junctions, are key to what is absorbed in the digestive tract and what is not.

WHAT IS INCREASED INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY OR LEAKY GUT?

Intestinal permeability is defined as how porous or leaky the small intestine lining is. A leaky lining occurs when the protective barrier of cells are damaged and no longer are tightly connected. While some intestinal

permeability is normal, increased intestinal permeability (also referred to as a “leaky gut”) allows harmful substances, and partially digested food, to enter the bloodstream at higher levels than our bodies can often manage. Intestinal permeability can reduce the absorption of essential nutrients important for health.

When leaky gut occurs, the immune system can become activated and lead to inflammation, foods reactions, and the increased likelihood of a variety of diseases. Some studies show that increased intestinal permeability may be an underlying cause of migraines, depression, and various autoimmune diseases, such as Celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

WHAT CAUSES INCREASED INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY OR LEAKY GUT?

There are many possible causes of increased intestinal permeability. Viral and bacterial infections, antibiotics and other medications, toxins, stress, inflammation, food intolerances, and imbalances in gut bacteria all have been suggested as causes. There are a variety of ways to address this, and your functional medicine provider may recommend dietary and other lifestyle changes as well as specific nutritional supplements to re-establish your intestinal barrier’s protective function.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO HIGH HISTAMINE LEVELS

    • Allergies (IgE reactions)/Food and Environmental Sensitivities

    • DAO and HNMT Deficiencies (genetic polymorphisms)

    • High Histamine-Rich Foods

    • Leaky Gut (intestinal hyper-permeability)

    • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

    • SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HISTAMINE INTOLERANCE

This excess of histamine in the body brings uncomfortable symptoms ranging from mild to very disruptive. At the core of all symptoms of histamine intolerance is inflammation. Because histamine and histamine receptors are found throughout the body, symptoms vary depending on which receptors are activated and in which tissues. Symptoms of high histamine levels or histamine intolerance may include:

   • Abdominal Pain

   • Acid Reflux

   • Acne

   • Anxiety

   • Bloating

   • Brain Fog

   • Constipation or Diarrhea

   • Crawling Skin Sensations

   • Dizziness or Vertigo

   • Eczema

   • Fatigue     

   • Flushing

   • Headaches/Migraines

   • Heart Palpitations     

   • Hives (Urticaria)

   • High Blood Pressure

   • Irregular Menstrual Cycles

   • Itchy Eyes, Tearing

   • Low Blood Pressure

   • Mood Swings

   • Nasal Congestion

   • Nausea

   • PMS

   • Rashes

   • Rosacea

   • Seasonal Allergies

   • Sleep Disturbances

   • Sneezing, Runny Nose

   • Symptoms of Asthma

   • Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)