Gluten and your Gut- Grrrr!

Think of your gut lining like a tight security fence.

The cells that line your gut are the fence panels, and proteins like ZO-1 and occludin are the locks and screws holding it tightly together.

Now enter gliadin (a part of gluten).When gliadin shows up:

• It triggers the release of something called zonulin

• Zonulin basically says:
  “Open the gates!”

What zonulin does

When zonulin is released:

• The “locks” between gut cells loosen

• The structure of the cells shifts (like the fence getting wobbly)

• Gaps open up between cells

Result:
Things that should stay inside the gut start leaking through into the bloodstream

This is what people call:
“Leaky gut” (increased intestinal permeability)

What’s different in coeliac vs non-coeliac people

In people with coeliac disease:

• Zonulin release is strong and ongoing

• The gut barrier stays open longer

• Much more leakage occurs

In people without coeliac disease:

• Zonulin release is short-lived

• The gut opens slightly, then closes again

• Less damage overall

So everyone reacts… but coeliac patients react much more intensely

Now the important part: “down-regulation”

This is the bit most people get stuck on — but it’s actually simple.“Down-regulation” means:

The body is making less of something

In this case:

• The body starts producing less ZO-1 and occludin

Why that matters

Remember:

• ZO-1 and occludin = the tight junction “glue” holding gut cells together

So if they’re down-regulated (reduced):

• The gut lining becomes weaker over time

• The “fence” is harder to repair

• The gaps stay open more easily

It’s like:
Instead of just loosening the screws…
you stop replacing them altogether

Big picture summary

• Gluten (gliadin) → triggers zonulin

• Zonulin → opens gaps in gut lining

• Repeated exposure → weakens the gut structure

• Down-regulation → fewer “tight junction” proteins made

• Result → a more permanently leaky gut

Simple analogy

Imagine your gut like a brick wall:

• Zonulin = someone pulling bricks loose

• ZO-1 & occludin = the cement holding bricks together

Down-regulation =

your body stops making enough cement

So even small damage becomes harder to fix.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

The information found on Linda Conder Gut Feeling or any of its media platforms is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any statements made on these platforms are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult with your medical practitioner before making any changes to your current diet and lifestyle.