The terms IBS, Leaky GUT Syndrome and Intestinal Barrier Impairment are used to describe a condition that allows larger, undigested food molecules, bacteria and toxins to migrated through the gut lining, into the blood stream. This condition occurs when the mucus lining in the gut thins, or is missing. This condition can occur when the unprotected gut lining is attacked by bacterial, toxins and pathogens.

The mucus lining of the gut is a physical barrier, against bacteria and dietary allergens that prevents damage to the gut lining. The mucus also prevents the onset of inflammatory reactions, against bacteria and allergens that are present in the gut. The anti-inflammatory mucus also protects and lubricates the stomach and intestinal lining.

Every study that has been done on Intestinal barrier impairment, or IBS indicates that there are two culprits that cause the onset of Intestinal Barrier Impairment. The first condition is called Hypochlorhydria.

Hypochlorhydria is the reduction in the strength of the Hydrochloric acid produced, by the gut's parietal cells. This condition allows bacteria, intestinal parasites, like Candida and H. Pylori and other pathogens, to proliferate in the gut and attack the gut lining. Hypochlorhydria also allows unsterilized and unconverted protein to enter the small bowel, resulting in allergic reactions. Hypochlorhydria also inhibits the production of gastric mucus.

Hypochlorhydria will cause allergies, reflux, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, heartburn, fatigue, headaches and weight gain.

The second condition that effects the mucus barrier is H2 antagonist. An H2 antagonist, or H2 blocker is any substance, or drug that reduces, or inhibits the secretion of gastric acid. Two of the most common H2 antagonist are PPIs, (proton pump inhibitors) and Antibiotics . Antihistamines and mucus reducing drugs can also cause the reduction of gastric acid secretion and reduce mucus production, in the gut. When the acid production is inhibited, the condition is called Hypochlorhydria, in extreme instances it is called Achlorhydria.

The symptoms associated with IBS can be treated with natural remedies like high fiber diets, peppermint oils, Probiotics, or drugs. However, the underlying cause, Hypochlorhydria, that has not been corrected, as part of the overall treatment, will result in reoccurrence of the condition. Anyone experiencing IBS, Leaky Gut, or Intestinal Barrier Impairment should get a pH diagnostic test, pH Gastrogram test or pH capsule test and have the unbalanced condition in the digestive process corrected, before treating the symptoms.