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In recent years, much has been discovered about the structure and function of the gut, not just as an organ of digestion and absorption but also as a barrier against the passage of pathogens and endotoxins. A healthy gut, with its tight junctions intact, effectively prevents the passage of macromolecules into the bloodstream. Any impairment in the modulation of the intestinal barrier can readily result in pathological increase in permeability of the intestinal mucosa, or leaky gut syndrome. An increase in intestinal permeability (IP) leads to increased absorption of intestinally derived endotoxins, antigens, inflammatory mediators and, in some cases, bacteria.

These agents can cause local and systemic reactions associated with a broad range of acute and chronic diseases. Increased IP is typically observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but it is also seen in various conditions initially related to gut disorders, including inflammatory response syndrome, allergies, asthma and even autism.  Infections, dysbiosis, stress and food intolerance represent major influences on the integrity of intestinal barrier and should therefore be key targets for therapy.

Dr. Jody E. Noé, MS, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician with over 25+ years experienceas as a licensed Naturopath and a practicing herbalist for over 35+. Dr. Noé obtained her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Prior to this she was awarded her Masters of Science in Botany, with a specialty in ethnobotany, and a Bachelors of Science/Premed from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Noé is the author of the Textbook of Naturopathic Integrative Oncology, CCNM Press, 2012; The Essentials for the Herbalist Series, Volume I, The Endocrine System for Herbalists 2^nd Edition, self-published 2017, and Medical Cannabis Experiences and Protocols, self-published 2018.. Throughout her career Dr. Noé has authored several scholarly publications in the following: the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, the Journal of Integrative Cancer Therapies, Mycologia, Ethnomedicine and Drug Discovery, just to mention a few.