Gut Reactions
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INTESTINAL FORTITUDE
1 Digestive tract The gut breaks food into nutrients the body can use. By the time food reaches the small intestine the process is occurring on a molecular level.
2 Intestinal lining The mucosal layer of a healthy gut falters out microorganisms and undigested proteins, which are then passed to the colon.
3 Villi Protrusions in the mucosal layer are covered by a barrier made of a row of cells. Nutrients enter the bloodstream through capillaries at the cells' base.
4a Proper absorption Desmosomes bind cells together tightly, allowing only small nutrient molecules to pass between them.
4b Leaky But Irritation weakens desmosomes, opening gaps between the cells and letting larger molecules and bacteria pass.
MARY HAGER in Washington
© 1997
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