Page 12 - Autoimmune diseases

incoming food particles will be transported to other

parts of the body.

The filter has a very intelligent design. It only

allows very small nutrients through such as fats,

small proteins, amino acids,and sugars. Large

proteins, any bacteria that may have survived, etc

are too big to fit through this filter. This protects

the body from absorbing things that may damage it.

The filter, however, can become damaged. As

previously stated, the filter in the wall of the small

intestine is only one cell thick. There are many

potential causes that can damage these cells

including infections in the gut, lectins – a type of

protein found in certain foods, injury to or

inflammation of the small intestine, alcohol, and

certain pharmaceuticals such as nonsteroidal

antiinflammatory drugs and proton pump

inhibitors.

When these cells become damaged, the filter no

longer functions correctly. The filter is designed to

only allow small particles through. When it is

damaged, the spaces between the cells become

significantly larger and now allows large proteins,

bacteria and toxins through. This is called “Leaky