Gut bacteria, in particular, guide the early development of our
intestines, train our immune systems to fight pathogens and may even
affect our
moods and behavior.
In alternative medicine, a condition called leaky gut syndrome (or intestinal permeability)
affects the lining of the
intestines resulting in symptoms such as persistent muscle or joint pain, poor concentration, indigestion, gas,
mood swings, nervousness, skin rashes, recurrent bladder or yeast infections, constipation, or anxiety.