Occludin is crucial for maintaining gut barrier function

Occludin is a key tight junction protein in the gut lining. It plays a central role in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, preventing disease and inflammation.

In a healthy gut, it and other tight junction proteins like claudin and zonulin, help seal the spaces between intestinal cells, preventing unwanted particles from entering the bloodstream

Occludin

• Helps regulate the permeability of the intestinal barrier by controlling the tight junctions between cells, acting as a gatekeeper by allowing only essential nutrients and water to pass through while blocking pathogens, toxins and undigested food

• Can weaken in response to inflammatory signals from chronic stress, poor diet, or infections, causing 'leaky gut'

Causes of Occludin disruption

• A poor diet high in processed foods, sugar and alcohol can trigger inflammation and damage to tight junction proteins

• Ongoing stress elevates the emergency hormone cortisol which weakens the intestinal barrier

• Imbalances in the gut microbiome, or dysbiosis, can increase intestinal permeability by disrupting tight junction proteins, including occludin

• Pathogens and environmental toxins can degrade tight junctions and increase gut permeability

Supporting Occludin

1. Nutrients like zinc, glutamine and vit D strengthen the intestinal lining and support tight junction function

2. A diet rich in fibre, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods helps to support the gut lining and reduce inflammation

3. Maintaining a healthy microbiome with probiotics can enhance tight junction integrity and occludin function