“Leaky gut syndrome” is a diagnosis that is not taught in medical school, but that hasn't stopped pseudoscientists from promoting it at every turn. This "condition" is said to cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, aches, and pains caused by toxins or other substances being absorbed into the bloodstream via a porous (or “leaky”) bowel. However, when it comes to proof, this condition is severely lacking. Here's a look at why leaky gut syndrome is a concept that's doing measurable harm and not a drop of good.
There is little to no evidence of its existence.
It's not that there aren't studies about leaky gut syndrome. However, none of them have had much success with proving its existence. In fact, you'll rarely find a medical doctor willing argue that it's a real condition. Accepting something without evidence is a dangerous path to take, especially when it comes to something as serious as your health. Additionally, promoting leaky gut as real without any proof completely undermines the evidence-based nature of science as a whole.
It prevents people from getting an actual diagnosis for their problems.
No one is denying that chronic intestinal problems are an issue that can be seriously debilitating. However, when these symptoms are attributed to a disease that doesn't actually exist, that means patients aren't getting an actual diagnosis that could potentially lead them to real relief.
Its so-called treatments are almost exclusively in the realm of alternative medicine.
According to leaky gut "experts," some of the best things you can do for the condition include fermented foods, herbal supplements, mediation, and yoga. Unfortunately, these treatments are just as dubious and unfounded as the condition itself. While things like these may make you feel better thanks to the placebo effect, there are no major studies to indicate that any of them can actually help with digestive problems.
It rides the coattails of an actual condition.
Increased intestinal permeability is a condition in which contents from the bowels do indeed make their way into the bloodstream. Its causes range from blunt trauma to alcoholism to surgical complications. However, this is rare, and more importantly, doesn't cause digestive issues. Instead, it can lead to organ failure, sepsis (blood poisoning), and in some cases, death. The causes and effects of this serious condition have been well-documented, and supporters of the leaky gut hypothesis have been quick to point out that permeability is possible. However, none of the proposed causes or symptoms of leaky gut have any correlation to the research surrounding excessively permeable bowels.
