Leaky gut syndrome is a diagnostic entity popular in various branches of alternative medicine. Its proponents suggest that damage to the bowel lining, caused by toxins, poor diet or infection (e.g. with the yeast Candida albicans) can lead to increased permeability of the gut wall to toxins, bacteria or foodstuffs. Some versions posit that these substances affect the body directly, while others postulate an immune reaction to these substances.Kiefer D, Ali-Akbarian L. A brief evidence-based review of two gastrointestinal illnesses: irritable bowel and leaky gut syndromes. Altern Ther Health Med 2004;10:22-30. PMID 15154150. While many practicioners maintain that leaky gut syndrome is a bona fide medical condition, QuackWatch lists it as a "fad diagnosis" with no scientific basisBarrett Stephen. "Index to "Fad" Diagnoses". QuackWatch. Accessed 9 July 2006.

The concept of increased gut permeability itself is well recognised in various conditions, such as hepatic encephalopathy.

External links

• What is Leaky Gut Syndrome, Reprinted from AIA Newsletter No.18 (Summer 1997)
• Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Leo Galland, M.D.

References