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Intestinal Permeability

Meaning

Intestinal permeability, often colloquially termed “leaky gut,” is a physiological measure of the integrity of the tight junctions between the epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. When these junctions become compromised, the barrier function is diminished, allowing for the increased translocation of undigested food particles, microbial products, and toxins into the systemic circulation. This breach of the mucosal barrier is a significant driver of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and can contribute to immune and endocrine dysregulation.