Does leaky gut syndrome really exist?

If you google "leaky gut syndrome", you get one horror story after another: The intestinal mucosa is leaky. As a result, bacteria, undigested food and metabolic products can enter the bloodstream.

Bauchschmerzen und Durchfall sollen Symptome beim Leaky-Gut-Syndrom sein© iStock
Abdominal pain and diarrhea are said to be symptoms of leaky gut syndrome

The consequences are said to include severe allergies, acne, rheumatism, diabetes, neurodermatitis and coeliac disease.

Symptoms also include flatulence and bloating, diarrhea and constipation. The experts on the net always recommend a change in diet for leaky gut syndrome: less sugar, no cereal products and no convenience foods.

But: all-clear! Leaky gut syndrome does indeed exist, but far too little research has been carried out to draw such conclusions. Reputable doctors do not consider the perforated intestinal wall to be the cause, but rather the result of a disease. Such as the chronic intestinal inflammation Crohn's disease, which damages the intestines.

Anyone who has the feeling that something is wrong with their intestines should not follow tips from the internet, but rather go to the doctor.