Q&A: Leaky Gut Syndrome

Dr. Cordain's Response:

Hi Martha,

Many thanks for your kind words about my research. We have completed a large (~100) case survey of autoimmune patients including a substantial group with Hashimoto's and other thyroid. We examined medical records of the patients pre-post adoption of a Paleo Diet, and were encouraged by the results, particularly in autoimmune thyroid patients and those with Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis.

We believe that increased intestinal permeability ("a leaky gut") may represent an environmental trigger for many autoimmune diseases in genetically predisposed individuals. I have written about the mechanisms involved in the scientific literature (these papers are available as free PDF downloads at my website). In my latest book, The Paleo Answer, I have devoted a number of chapters explaining how various foods compromise intestinal function and promote a leaky gut. The Paleo Diet severely reduces or eliminates these foods (grains, dairy, legumes, potatoes) and describes how patients with autoimmune disease should proceed cautiously with other foods known to cause a leaky gut such as capsaicin (hot) chili peppers, some nightshades, alcohol, antacids, alfalfa sprouts and a few others I describe in my book.

I hope you achieve success with The Paleo Diet.

Cordially,

Loren Cordain, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus