Lipopolysaccharide: how it causes gut inflammation and contributes to IBS and food intolerances...

​Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are toxins found inside gram negative bacteria within the gut. It is released when the bacteria die. Within the gut, LPS can have numerous consequences relating to Irritable Bowel Syndrome and food intolerances. LPS can enter he blood and travel around the body, also having the ability to cause a range of issues. Here are some of the effects LPS can have on the body:

1. Inflammation: When LPS attaches to immune cells within the gut, it can trigger an inflammatory response. Small amounts of gram negative bacteria and small amounts of LPS may not cause any issues, but in large amounts, such as when someone has an overgrowth of these bacteria, a lot of inflammation in the gut can contribute to the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as bloating and abdominal pain.
2. Gut barrier disruption: The inside of the gut is protected by a barrier of 'tight junctions' between cells lining the intestines. LPS can disrupt these tight junctions, leading to issues with how they function and causing intestinal permeability aka 'leaky gut'. This means that food molecules, harmful substances and bacteria can get through the gut lining and enter the bloodstream, which can trigger an immune response and more inflammation. This can be a cause for a range of different food intolerances. 
3. Gut microbiota disruption: LPS can influence the types and balance of different microorganisms living in the large intestine. An imbalance in gut bacteria, including reduced levels of beneficial types, is referred to as 'dysbiosis'. This condition can worsen gut inflammation and increase susceptibility to food intolerances and various gastrointestinal disorders. 
4. Altered gut motility: LPS can affect the function of the muscles in the gut, leading to changes in how food passes through the intestines. This can result in diarrhoea and constipation.
5. Effects on the whole body: When large amounts of LPS cross the gut lining and enter into the blood, the immune responses and inflammation throughout the body can result in a wide range of issues including Autoimmune diseases, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, respiratory conditions, poor weight management, mental health conditions, brain disorders like Alzheimer's and more. 

So what can you do to reduce gram negative bacteria and LPS, and improve your gut health? The first steps are to identify how your diet and lifestyle could be influencing dysbiosis.  I have a resource HERE to help you with this. 
Then, in addition to addressing any likely contributing lifestyle issues, ensure your diet is supportive of nurturing beneficial bacteria by avoiding / limiting inflammatory foods, and increasing cultured foods, prebiotic fibres and antioxidants. A good quality diet with adequate amounts of key nutrients to support a healthy functioning digestive system, such as sodium, zinc, vitamin A and omega-3s, is also important. Often, if dysbiosis is bad, I have a few favourite supplements I use with my clients to support change in the gut faster. 

Want help bringing everything together and having a plan to follow? I'm here for you!
Check out my gut recovery program or get in touch. I would be honoured to support you to get your gut feeling happier.

Warmest,
Amanda Moon x