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Zonulin is a protein that oddly I haven't really seen discussed on twitter, but is one of the most important determinants of gut inflammation
Excess zonulin opens up tight junctions between cells in the intestine lining, creating what most people know as "leaky gut"
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Excess zonulin opens up tight junctions between cells in the intestine lining, creating what most people know as "leaky gut"
(thread)
When tight junctions are open it allows proteins like gluten or casein, food additives, and larger molecules to enter the bloodstream
This increases antigen trafficking, causing an immune response that activates inflammatory pathways like TNF-a causinf health damage over time
This increases antigen trafficking, causing an immune response that activates inflammatory pathways like TNF-a causinf health damage over time
By far the biggest factors that increase zonulin are grains, most grains contain at least one protein that activates the zonulin cascade
Gliadin and gluten in wheat, secalin in rye, and zein in corn are some examples
Harmful bacteria/fungi in the gut can also increase zonulin
Gliadin and gluten in wheat, secalin in rye, and zein in corn are some examples
Harmful bacteria/fungi in the gut can also increase zonulin
Most seeds/legumes/grains also have protein digestion enzyme inhibitors that leave these larger protein structures undigested
This further increases antigen trafficking and inflammation, this is why avoiding these grains is essential to reset gut health
This further increases antigen trafficking and inflammation, this is why avoiding these grains is essential to reset gut health
Excess zonulin levels in the blood have been measured in obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, autism, MS, IBS, celiac disease, PCOS, and many more conditions
Increased zonulin is also associated with insulin resistance in many studies, so processed carbs likely increase it as well
Increased zonulin is also associated with insulin resistance in many studies, so processed carbs likely increase it as well
Glyphosate, or Round-up, has also been observed to damage tight junctions
For many individuals this effect likely occurs even with just trace amounts found in many foods, this especially includes GMO grains, wheat, and foods in the "dirty dozen"
For many individuals this effect likely occurs even with just trace amounts found in many foods, this especially includes GMO grains, wheat, and foods in the "dirty dozen"
There are a variety of substances that have been shown to potentially inhibit excess zonulin and/or repair tight junctions
These include many of the most well-known gut health supplements, l-glutamine, quercetin, Bifidobacteria species, vitamin D, and fiber like resistant starch
These include many of the most well-known gut health supplements, l-glutamine, quercetin, Bifidobacteria species, vitamin D, and fiber like resistant starch
None of these will work well individually however, they require a diet absent of inflammatory factors as much as possible
If you think you have an issue with zonulin excess, cut out seeds, grains, legumes, and processed carbs/sugar for at least 3-6 months to reset things
If you think you have an issue with zonulin excess, cut out seeds, grains, legumes, and processed carbs/sugar for at least 3-6 months to reset things
