In this article we covered what SIBO is, how it comes about, what feeds it, and how it creates cravings for sugar and other junk foods, preventing fat loss and causing low energy levels. 

But there is another aspect to SIBO which has more destructive and far-reaching effects.

There is something called Leaky Gut, where there are actual microscopic perforations in the intestinal lining that is meant to protect our internal organs from the harmful bacteria, parasites and toxins coming in through our digestive tract.

And it's behind a significant number of physical conditions common today, from hormonal imbalances, stress and poor sleep, to liver and kidney trouble, heart trouble, skin issues and even premature aging.

So let's see what it is and what SIBO has to do with it.

HOW OUR GUT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK

When food comes into your small intestine from your stomach it’s already mostly broken down. Here, more enzymes (bodily chemicals) are released to break it down further into truly microscopic pieces.

We also get any bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that were not killed in your stomach if you don’t have enough stomach acid there.

Your small intestine has three walls: the inside wall is very thin, a thickness of one cell to be exact. This is the wall of cells that senses nutrients and opens tiny doors called “Tight Junctions” to let them through.

The next wall is lymph tissue (part of your immune system) that is there to spot and attack any harmful bacteria, viruses, etc.

And the last wall is made of blood vessels. These take the nutrients let through by the first wall on to your liver where they are released into your blood stream for use by your cells.

But here we’re interested in the first wall that is one cell thick. While there is much that happens here we’ll cover just the key points.

The cells in this wall form a kind of interlocking net with holes (tight junctions) in between them that can open or close.

And they have a mucous lining that both protects them, and which nutrients can rub across, allowing the cells to see what is there.

When they see nutrients such as vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, or amino acids a very specific protein is released called Zonulin. Zonulin stimulates the opening of these “tight junctions” to let the nutrients through so they can make their way to the liver, into the blood stream, and to the cells.

But when toxins or harmful bacteria or parasites, etc., come across the mucous lining, the cells see this and know to keep the tight junctions closed to them, waiting for immune cells to come attack them from the second wall of lymph (immune) tissue.

But there’s something else they do as well, especially if there are too many…

HOW SIBO (SMALL INTESTINAL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH) CAUSES LEAKY GUT

As covered above, when the cells see nutrients they release a protein called Zonulin that stimulates the tight junctions to open to let the nutrients through to the bloodstream — and don’t when there are harmful substances trying to get through.

But… many of these harmful bacteria themselves can also stimulate the release of zonulin, causing these doors to open and not only let the harmful bacteria through, but any number of other harmful substances, including viruses and toxins.

And with a serious bacterial overgrowth this can mean that many of these doors are kept open when they shouldn’t be, allowing bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream and to the cells that are not equipped to deal with them.

But now look at what happens. These bacteria and toxins reach cells, injuring or killing them, and create small infections in different parts of the body where they land, stimulating immune responses.

These immune responses raise inflammatory response in the affected areas, but also, as the body now needs to produce more immune cells than normal, it must take nutrients and amino acids from the supplies that would normally go to cells throughout the body.

This creates lowered energy, as the cells now don’t have enough fuel or supplies to function at peak levels or repair or replace themselves as it’s being diverted to create new immune cells.

But it also affects our hormones.

Due to raised inflammatory responses the body releases more Cortisol, the stress hormone. This cortisol then converts testosterone and progesterone into estrogen (a fat-creation hormone when too high), lowers thyroid due to this (as well as energy levels), increases insulin for more fat creation and fat loss prevention, and… makes you feel stressed out.

The end result is toxins being allowed into the body that harm the cells, bacterial infections (minor or major), raised inflammation, lowered energy, out of balance hormones, and an overloaded immune system unprepared now for the next actual illness that comes along.

And all stemming from low amounts of stomach acid not killing off harmful bacteria in the stomach, before they can enter the small intestine, and a diet higher in sugary-type foods that then feed these bacteria, allowing them to thrive.

Amazing what something so simple can do.

And one last thing.

As you know, these bacteria produce gas in the small intestine, causing bloating. Well, some of what they release is also toxic and injures the cells in the first wall of the stomach. And, over time, it can outright kill some of these cells, creating even more chance of harmful bacteria and toxins getting through.

The digestive tract truly is one of the most important parts of our body to keep functioning at optimum levels. It affects more areas of our body than almost any other.

Now, if someone does have leaky gut — it can be fixed.

These are cells after all, and new cells can be made and cellular repair can occur. But in this case it needs extra help.

First, if you have any gas, bloating, or acid reflux, you need to cut out any acid blockers or neutralizers which are creating this and allowing harmful bacteria through.

Also cut out any sodas or soda water, both due to the sugar int it, but also because soda water neutralizes stomach acid, which we don’t want.

Next, take Digestive Enzymes with meals until the stomach is able to produce these in quantity again on its own. This alone can make an immense difference.

Gut Defense and Gut Restore Then help to kill off these harmful bacteria and help to repair the damage in conjunction with PerfectAmino.

All of this is part of the Gut Health Protocol.

And I highly recommend you do it.

It addresses bloating, acid reflux, IBS, Candida, SIBO, H. Pylori, Gluten Reactions and much more.

And it's key to overall health.

If you have any of the issues above, or just want the healthiest gut you can have for overall health, this protocol is for you.

I hope you enjoy it and experience the results you deserve. 

Go here for the Protocol. And there is an index to the entire guide below.

And here you can find discounted Gut Health Products for the protocol.

And if you haven't already, make sure you join our PerfectAmino VIP Group, where you can ask all your health & fitness questions. 

Index To The Gut Health Guide:

Index To The Gut Health Guide:

The Autoimmune Series:

1. What Are Auto-Immune Conditions & How Do They Work
2. Leaky Gut, Gut Health & Auto-Immune Conditions
3. How To Address Autoimmune Conditions

The Gut Health Protocol:

1. The Gut Health Guide & 30-Day Challenge
2. The Gut Health Protocol
3. Your Gut Health Schedule
4. Running Your Gut Health Protocol

Digestion: Acid Reflux, Bloating, Muscle, Fat Loss & More:

1. What Causes Sugar Cravings & A Protruding Stomach
2. Why Proper Protein Digestion Is So Important
3. What Causes Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
4. How Poor Gut Health Leads To Poor Heart Health

Leaky Gut: SIBO, Toxins, Glyphosate & Gluten:

1. SIBO & Leaky Gut: A Root Cause Of Poor Health
2. Glyphosate, Leaky Gut, The Microbiome & Physical Conditions
3. How Leaky Gut Causes Premature Aging
4. What Is Gluten Face & Wheat Belly

The Microbiome: Stress, Recovery, Mood & Overall Health:

1. Depression, Anxiety, Stress & Sleeplessness — The Microbiome
2. How Toxins Affect The Microbiome & Overall Health

What Is Candida & How Do We Address It?

1. What Is Candida & How Do We Address It?

How Gut Health Affects Skin Health:

1. How Poor Gut Health Causes Poor Skin Health

Where To Go From Here:

1. The Gut Health Protocol: Where To Go From Here