Introduction

"Leaky gut syndrome" is a proposed conditionsome health practitioners claimisthe cause ofa wide range oflong-term conditions, including Myalgic encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis (MS) .

Proponents of"leaky gut syndrome" claim that many symptoms and conditions are caused by the immune system reacting to germs, toxinsor other substances that have been absorbed into the bloodstream via a porous ("leaky") bowel.

While it's true that some conditions andmedications can causea "leaky" gut (what scientists call increased intestinal permeability), there is currently little evidence to support the theorythat a porous bowel isthe direct cause of any significant, widespread problems.

There is also little evidencethat the "treatments"some peopleclaim help to reduce bowel "leakiness", such asnutritional supplementsand herbal remedies, have any beneficial effect for most of the conditions they supposedly help.

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Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 3 Okt 2016