THE THREE TERRIBLE G'S

Wheat products have 3 compounds that create the perfect storm for leaky gut - even if you do not experience notable digestive issues with gluten, I still recommended minimizing it in your diet.

I call them the “Three Terrible G’s”

Glyphosate is a potent, broad-spectrum antibiotic used widely around the world, most notably in the common weedkiller RoundUp. Its herbicidal effectiveness was discovered by Monsanto chemist John E. Franz in 1970. Monsanto brought it to market for agricultural use in 1974 under the trade name Roundup.

There is a strong correlation between IBS and bowel disease and the use of glyphosphate on grains and crops. This is not isolated to wheat product; it is used on non organic corn, soy and oats as well.

It has been shown to disrupt the gut microbiome and increase gut permeability. Glyphosate has been found to reduce the beneficial bacteria in the gut while increasing the growth of harmful bacteria. This disruption of the gut microbiome can lead to inflammation in the gut, which can further increase gut permeability.

Glyphosate stimulates a protein called zonulin. This enzyme unzips the tight junction proteins, and leads to intestinal permeability, inflammation, and leaky gut, which can cause various health issues.

Glyphosate also affects our gut enzymes, muscle proteins, and depletes manganese - which leads to poor gut motility and reduced production of essential precursors to neurotransmitters and hormones.

Furthermore, Glyphosate can disrupt the gut-brain axis and cause neuro-inflammation

There is a lot of science that screams collateral damage. This image below shows the hospital discharge diagnoses of IBS from 1991-2010.

Now lets take a look at Gluten.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. While it is commonly associated with celiac disease, many people unkowingly have an adverse reaction to gluten without having celiac disease.

Gluten is a hard-to-digest protein due to its complex structure - in the right environment it should be broken down in the stomach by a powerful acid called HCL (hydrochloric acid). Stress creates an environment in our body were we will naturally produce less HCL and that alone can lead to protein mal-absoprtion and maldigestio as well as sets us up for gut dysbiosis - including negative gram bacterial overgrown and SIBO.

If gluten is allowed to go undigested from the stomach into the small intestine, it can act as an irritant to the skin and villi of the intestinal wall.

Studies have shown that the gluten protein in its undigested form is such an irritant that it can inflame and separate the intestinal villi.

Another reason why gluten may not be well-digested is due to its high content of proline-rich amino acids. Proline-rich amino acids are particularly difficult for the body to break down, as they require specific enzymes to do so. Some people may struggle to produce the enzymes necessary to break down protein - and we already know that glyphosate plays a role in our bodies ability to produce enzymes in the gut.

Finally lets move on to Gliadin is the close relative to gluten, and this protein is found in gluten containing grains.

Gliadin is a protein found in wheat and other grains, such as rye and barley. It is a component of gluten, a group of proteins that give dough its elasticity and help it rise.

Gliadin triggers upregulation of Zonulin, an enzyme that UNZIPS the tight junctions in our gut.

Gliadin exposure can increase intestinal permeability in all individuals – not just those who are sensitive to gluten. gliadin may play a crucial role in the development of GI conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut.

In conclusion, gluten, gliadin, and glyphosate can all contribute to the development of leaky gut syndrome.

• Gluten may not be well-digested due to a lack of HCl in the stomach or an insufficient amount of enzymes to break down proline-rich amino acids.

• Gliadin and glyphosphate can increase the release of zonulin, leading to increased gut permeability

• Glyphosate disrupts the delicate balance of the microbiome and increase gut permeabilitys

For some individuals, giving up gluten can unlock a new level of health and energy. This is especially true for those who are already experiencing the onset of IBS or digestive distress.

Additionally, many gluten-containing foods are high in refined carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar imbalances and further contribute to fatigue and low energy levels. By replacing these foods with whole, nutrient-dense options, you will improve your overall nutrition and fuel their body with the energy it needs to thrive.

Leaky gut may not present itself as bowel irregularities - symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, asthma, hormone imbalances, depression, anxiety and joint pain are all connected to the health and integrity of our gut.

By eliminating gluten containing foods from your diet, and focusing on organic grains like rice, oats and buckwheat, you can improve their gut health and reduce inflammation, which in turn will lead to increased energy levels and overall well-being.