The Gut and its Barrier

The association between cardio-metabolic diseases, certain cancers and a potential role in affecting mental health disorder risk has been evidenced. The gut microbiota and the brain work together for the proper function of the brain, this is very much dependent on the presence of a balanced symbiotic gut microbiota. Stressors such as diabetes, prolonged hyperglycaemia and obesity are risk factors for the disruption of the gut blood barrier. It is important to elaborate on the concept of barriers in the body and their significance. There are many barriers in the body that separate the blood from the organs to bring about a form of protection. The intestinal barrier is in continuous contact with up to a trillion microorganisms, the intestine is the only internal organ that is in direct contact with foreign particle as the food we consume passes through it. Therefore, it serves as a portal of entry from foreign particles. When the intestinal microbiota is impaired this leads tio a reduced diversity of microbial species, the growth of detrimental bacterial species, which can create a’ leaky gut’, thus leading to the binding of bacterial components to immune cells , forcing them to create an immune response therefore increasing inflammation in the gut and it’s permeability.

The blood brain is the barrier that protects the brain from the blood. Therefore, stopping the transport of bacteria, large and small molecules in to the brain and stopping potential harm to the brain. It is important to protect the barriers in the body, thus protecting the organs and their ability to function optimally. Leakage of the gut blood barrier will lead to an imbalance of the gut microbiome community leads to the concept of Leaky gut, where the permeability of the gut barrier has been compromised.