How Can L-Glutamine Help Improve Leaky Gut Symptoms?
The term “leaky gut” is a relatively recent term. Also known as “high intestinal permeability,” leaky gut occurs when the intestinal lining allows larger substances such as partially digested food, proteins, and toxins to pass into the bloodstream. Healthy intestines are naturally permeable and allow water and fully digested micronutrients from food to be absorbed into the bloodstream through small gaps. Certain conditions cause these otherwise tight junctions to loosen.
When these junctions expand, harmful substances freely enter the bloodstream and can cause an aggressive immune system response. This response can include widespread inflammation, allergic reactions, migraines, digestive issues, skin irritations such as eczema and acne, bloating, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, hormone imbalances, fibromyalgia and more.
L-glutamine is a natural and powerful supplement which can be used to improve symptoms of leaky gut. Amino acids are the building blocks of all tissues and L-glutamine is our body’s most abundant one. It is known to be the major fuel source for cells of the small intestine, strengthening and repairing the gut lining itself. But L-glutamine also helps tighten up the junctions which have loosened and allowed unwanted molecules to pass into the bloodstream. Decreased permeability of the gut leads to an overall decrease in inflammation as well. As fewer foreign particles enter the bloodstream, the immune response is slowed and inflammatory conditions improve.
Glutamine can be found in food sources, but not enough of it is absorbed to be therapeutic. This is partially because it competes with other amino acids for absorption and because the amounts found in food are lower than what is needed for real intestinal repair. Supplementing with a glutamine powder is the best way to treat leaky gut. Look for a free-form L-glutamine supplement powder that is free from artificial colours, sweeteners, and flavours for the best results.
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