#6 Leaky gut to ibd & ibs

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

​Leaky gut syndrome (also known as “intestinal hyperpermeability”) is a condition where the intestine becomes permeable, allowing substances like toxins, bacteria, and viruses to pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. This can result in inflammation, allergies, autoimmune diseases, brain fog, digestive issues, and more. In dogs and cats, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other gastrointestinal illnesses are all linked to increased intestinal epithelial permeability.

Image source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/leaky-gut-syndrome-in-dogs

Pet food and AGEs

​One of the most common causes of leaky gut syndrome in pets is poor diet. Many commercial pet foods contain high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These are compounds that form when proteins or fats are heated at high temperatures during processing. AGEs are pro-inflammatory and have been linked to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and more. They can also damage the intestinal lining and contribute to leaky gut syndrome.

Preventing Leaky Gut Syndrome 

Fortunately, there are ways you can help prevent leaky gut syndrome in your pet. The first step is to make sure you’re feeding them a balanced diet with quality ingredients that are free from AGEs. Look for foods that are made from natural ingredients like fresh meats and vegetables without added preservatives or fillers. If possible, try adding probiotics or prebiotics to their diet which can help keep their intestines healthy and balanced. Lastly, make sure they get plenty of exercise as this will help their digestion stay regular and reduce stress levels which can lead to digestive issues over time. 

Final thoughts

​Leaky gut syndrome can have serious health implications for your pet if left untreated so it’s important that you take steps now to ensure your pet’s gut stays healthy over time. Make sure you feed them a balanced diet with quality ingredients that don’t contain AGEs or preservatives; add probiotics/prebiotics; get them plenty of exercise; limit their exposure to toxins; and give them regular checkups with your veterinarian so any potential problems can be caught early on before they become serious issues down the line. Doing all these things will go a long way towards keeping your pet's gut healthy!

References:
Wells, J. M., Brummer, R. J., Derrien, M., MacDonald, T. T., Troost, F., Cani, P. D., Theodorou, V., Dekker, J., Méheust, A., de Vos, W. M., Mercenier, A., Nauta, A., & Garcia-Rodenas, C. L. (2017). Homeostasis of the gut barrier and potential biomarkers. American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology, 312(3), G171–G193. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00048.2015
Rapin, J. R., & Wiernsperger, N. (2010). Possible links between intestinal permeability and food processing: A potential therapeutic niche for glutamine. Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 65(6), 635–643. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322010000600012
Snelson, M., Tan, S. M., Clarke, R. E., de Pasquale, C., Thallas-Bonke, V., Nguyen, T. V., Penfold, S. A., Harcourt, B. E., Sourris, K. C., Lindblom, R. S., Ziemann, M., Steer, D., El-Osta, A., Davies, M. J., Donnellan, L., Deo, P., Kellow, N. J., Cooper, M. E., Woodruff, T. M., Mackay, C. R., … Coughlan, M. T. (2021). Processed foods drive intestinal barrier permeability and microvascular diseases. Science advances, 7(14), eabe4841. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abe4841
Stewart, A. S., Pratt-Phillips, S., & Gonzalez, L. M. (2017). Alterations in Intestinal Permeability: The Role of the "Leaky Gut" in Health and Disease. Journal of equine veterinary science, 52, 10–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2017.02.009