Zonulin and Gut Health: What is The Connection?

by Eric Bakker N.D.

Zonulin is a protein made by the small bowel, which helps to control the permeability of the small intestine. To make sure you don’t end up with a leaky gut, you want to keep your zonulin levels in check. You can decrease your zonulin levels by avoiding gluten and cleaning up your gut. Address any microbial imbalances. Eradicate the harmful bacteria in your gut. Increase your beneficial bacteria levels. Treat any candida overgrowth or parasites.

I read a study that showed there isn’t much difference in zonulin levels based on whether the problem was with the upper or low gastrointestinal tract.

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You don’t have to have digestive symptoms to have a digestive tract problem. For example, some people with Candida overgrowth present only with brain fog. They don’t have any bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort. If you’re not sure if your digestive system is healthy, I highly recommend getting a comprehensive stool analysis (CSA).

If you want to reduce zonulin, you need to get a baseline measure of your digestive tract. A CSA will tell you what you need to know about the microorganisms in your gut.

After going on a gluten-free diet, get a blood test to determine if the zonulin has gone down in response. If the zonulin hasn’t gotten lower, you need to investigate the state of your gut further. Perhaps your intestines are colonized with bacteria that can cause health problems such as Klebsiella, Citrobacter, or Pseudomonas. There could be proteus causing problems in your intestines.

In summary, reducing your zonulin levels includes taking the following steps:

Take gluten out of your diet.
Clean up your diet.
Rebalance the bacteria in your gut – this can mean getting rid of harmful bacteria and increasing the levels of beneficial bacteria.
Treat Candida overgrowth and parasites.

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About Eric Bakker N.D.

Eric Bakker ND has completed almost ten years of study and has almost almost 25 years of clinical experience in natural and integrative forms of medicine, and has pursued continuous post-graduate study in Australia, America, India as well as in New Zealand.

Eric is the past Vice President of the NZ Natural Medicine Association and is currently on their editorial advisory board.