Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain & Secretory IgA

Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is produced by the intestinal lining for its protection. It prevents harmful bacteria from being able to contact the lining of the gut, so if this substance becomes low, leaky gut syndrome can result. This is where gaps or holes open up in the intestinal lining, often due to inflammation caused by harmful bacteria attaching to the intestinal lining.

The intestinal lining is composed of a single layer of cells, and excess inflammation causes the junctions between cells to widen.

These holes allow large undigested particles, toxins, bacteria, fungi etc to leak indiscriminately into the bloodstream. The immune system then launches an inflammatory response to these particles, and detoxification organs can become overwhelmed as the body attempts to clear the bloodstream. While the gut remains damaged, the cycle only continues because the toxins are still free flowing into the bloodstream. Over time, many systemic issues can occur as inflammation rises, such as skin issues, fatigue, joint problems and cognitive changes.

High zonulin levels are another marker of leaky gut syndrome. 

Leaky brain often follows leaky gut. This is where the blood-brain-barrier becomes inflamed, resulting in small gaps opening in this barrier. Inflammatory substances then access the bloodstream feeding the brain and contribute to mental health issues such as poor focus, anxiety, brain fog and insomnia. 

In leaky gut, we often need to increase sIgA levels to allow the gut to heal. We can do this by increasing the levels of beneficial bacteria. Vitamin C, zinc, choline, phosphatidylcholine, essential fatty acids, glutathione, glycine and glutamine are also needed for proper sIgA production, so we can add these in throughout the diet and include supplements if necessary.

Cutting out gluten is key in many cases to reduce zonulin levels and allow the gut to heal. This is usually not a long term requirement, and gluten can often be enjoyed in moderation once the gut lining has repaired.

Low sIgA often manifests as increased food sensitivities and allergic type symptoms, because one of its roles is to tag foods as being safe.