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Increased Intestinal Permeability

Meaning

Increased intestinal permeability, colloquially known as “leaky gut,” describes a state where the tight junctions between the epithelial cells lining the intestinal wall become compromised, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to pass into the systemic circulation. This clinical condition often triggers systemic inflammation and an immune response, which can subsequently dysregulate the endocrine system. The resulting chronic inflammatory state is a significant contributor to hormonal imbalances and autoimmune disease risk. Addressing gut barrier integrity is a crucial step in holistic hormonal health optimization.