There are a number of health conditions that can greatly affect the comfort and quality of life of patients. Of course, most individuals will try to avoid or prevent these adverse health conditions from ever happening. One way to do this is of course to observe a healthy lifestyle where exercise routines are regularly conducted and where a balanced and healthful diet is religiously observed. But what if a medical condition such as a leaky gut has already gained a foothold? Can amino acids help in addressing the said health condition? In this article, we look at amino acids for leaky gut syndrome. Read on and find out more!
Leaky Gut Syndrome: A Brief Background
The lining of the intestines controls which substances are allowed to penetrate through the digestive tract and into the bloodstream. If the gut of the individual is healthy, then the intestines can fight off these substances that are harmful. For those whose permeability of the gut is increased, the said substance may begin to leak past the walls of the intestine allowing them access into the bloodstream. This kind of permeability that is increased is referred to as a leaky gut syndrome. Some chronic conditions have been linked with the leaky gut syndrome and these include mental health conditions, autoimmune conditions, skin conditions, and different sensitivities to food.
For those with this kind of medical condition, then certain medications or supplements may be able to address the said issue.
Enumerated below are some of the supplements and particular amino acid for the leaky gut syndrome:
L-Glutamine
One of the most potent compounds on this list is the amino acid known as L-Glutamine. Once this amino acid makes its way into the gut, intestinal linings are improved and repaired of any form of damage. A study conducted as recently as 2015 showed that glutamine can help enhance the survival and development of intestinal cells or enterocytes. It can also help in the regulation of the barrier of the intestine during times of stress. Another study also found that oral glutamine, even in doses that are small, can improve the permeability of intestines after exercising or after taxing physical activities.
Zinc
This mineral is important for many of the basic biological functions of the body and is known for boosting the body’s immune response. A study conducted in 2001 showed that supplementing with zinc can help in strengthening the lining of the gut in individuals afflicted with the condition known as Crohn’s disease. A recent study conducted in 2015 also showed that Zinc has the ability to modify the intestinal lining’s tight junctions which further strengthen the gut’s resilience against the penetration of harmful substances.
Collagen Peptides
Another crucial protein, collagen, is present in the many different tissues of the body. It has also been shown that collagen may help improve the health of the gut. Collagen peptides is a form of collagen that is more easily absorbed and processed by the body. One study showed that the said supplements can help aid in the prevention and reduction of the further breakdown of the lining of the gut. The research was done in 2012 that utilized gelatine tannate, a form of supplement that contains collagen that naturally occurs showed the anti-inflammatory properties of collagen for the gut.
Probiotics
These are popular for their supposed use and benefit for the treatment and management of gastrointestinal illnesses. These microorganisms are live and can help enhance gut microbiome which can have some positive health effects for the entire body. A study conducted in 2012 for fourteen (14) straight weeks showed that a probiotic that is multi-strain can be a beneficial supplement after exercising intensely. It was noted that one marker for leaky gut, zonulin, was remarkably reduced for people who had probiotic supplementation.
Butyrate and fiber
Dietary fiber is important for a diet that is balanced and healthy as it can work similarly to probiotics in that it can aid the body in microbiome improvement. Once gut flora gets fermented by fiber, it can form amino acids that are characterized as short-chain referred to as butyrate. One recent study conducted last 2015 showed that supplementing with butyrate can help in the stimulation of the production of mucus and even improve the tightness of the junctions of the intestinal tract.
DGL or Deglycyrrhizinated licorice
Around 75 active compounds are contained in licorice roots and this includes GL or Glycyrrhizin, a type of compound that can negatively affect individuals. In its DGL form, the GL has been taken out for intake. DGL can provide people with different benefits related to the gastrointestinal system which include lowered inflammation and enhanced production of mucus. However, further research is needed to establish this benefit of DGL on leaky gut syndrome.
Curcumin
A form of a compound that is plant-based, curcumin is that component in food items that give it the bright color of yellow and this includes turmeric. The supposed health benefits found in turmeric is mostly because of the presence of curcumin. This compound, unfortunately, is not very good in terms of bioavailability which means that it cannot be readily absorbed by our bodies. Recent studies, however, point towards curcumin’s ability to concentrate in the tract of the gastrointestinal system once consumed. Because of its properties that are known as potently anti-inflammatory, it is no longer surprising then that curcumin can protect and help the body against leaky gut syndrome
Berberine
This is another compound that is plant-based and bioactive and can be extremely beneficial for people suffering from leaky gut syndrome. This is due to this alkaloid’s anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In fact, berberine has been historically used by people in the olden days to address IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. There is also evidence to show that berberine may be able to help in the improvement of the body’s mucous production in the gut.