Intestinal permeability
Simply, how easily substances pass across intestinal walls. The intestines have tight junctions that allow substances.
A ‘leaky gut’ is a chronic condition involving increased intestinal permeability, though this is purported to exist by alternative health practitioners and there is little evidence for it.
Zonulin is a protein that regulates tight junctions, and higher levels may loosen them.
- Bacteria and gluten stimulate higher zonulin levels in some individuals
- Gluten increases intestinal permeability in celiac disease patients