This Week’s Top Stories from Harvard Health

Putting a stop to leaky gut

The lining of the intestine is made of millions and millions of cells. These cells join together to create a tight barrier that acts like a security system and decides what gets absorbed into the bloodstream and what stays out. However, when the gut becomes unhealthy, the lining can weaken, so "holes" develop in the barrier. The result is that toxins and bacteria can leak into the bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation in the gut and throughout the body and cause a chain reaction of problems, such as bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, fatigue, headaches, and joint pain, to name a few.

Get your copy of Understanding Inflammation

Chronic inflammation plays a central role in some of the most challenging diseases of our time, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s. This report will examine the role that chronic inflammation plays in these conditions, and will also provide information on the breadth of drugs currently available to alleviate symptoms. Drug choices range from simple aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that’s been available for more than a century, to disease-modifying drugs and so-called biologics that promise more targeted treatments.

Additional News from Harvard Health Publishing

Biotin may throw off lab test results

Low-dose aspirin might not benefit healthy adults

What’s good for your heart is good for your brain, even later in life

Understanding Inflammation

Featured content:

•	What is inflammation?
•	About immunity
•	Inflammation in action
•	Inflammation and chronic diseases and conditions
•	Inflammation and allergies
•	... and more!