I've been researching leaky gut lately and came up with some controversy about soluble vs. insoluble fiber:
Below is part of an article called "Leaky Gut Syndrome Treatment." It's part of the leaky gut overview from "The Environmental Illness Resource" web site:
There are two distinct types of fibre in our diet, soluble and insoluble. Dr. Leo Galland has found that soluble fibre increases gut permeability (makes leaky gut worse) whereas insoluble fibre decreases gut permeability (heals a leaky gut). The insoluble fibre that Dr. Galland uses with his patients is cellulose and many supplement manufacturers now make cellulose powder and capsules. Cellulose always helps to remove toxins from the intestinal tract before they can be absorbed into the body. Common sources of soluble fibre that should be avoided include psyllium and bran. Ironically these are often suggested by naturopaths and other therapists for people suffering from leaky gut syndrome."
I know Galland is considered a real expert in the field. There is an article by Galland on the same web site, called Leaky Gut Syndromes: Breaking the Vicious Cycle" Here is an excerpt:
"8) Fiber supplements have complex effects on gut permeability and bacterial composition. Low fibre diets increase permeability. Dietary supplementation with insoluble fibre, such as pure cellulose, decreases permeability. Dietary supplementation with highly soluble fibre sources, such as fruit pectin or guar gum, has a biphasic effect. At low levels they reverse the hyperpermeability of low residue diets, probably by a mechanical bulking effect which stimulates synthesis of mucosal growth factors. At high levels of supplementation, they produce hyperpermeability, probably by inducing synthesis of bacterial enzymes which degrade intestinal mucins[148-151]. For maximum benefit with regard to intestinal permeability, dietary fibre supplementation should therefore contain a predominance of hypoallergenic insoluble fibre."
Both psyllium and flax meal are soluble fibers, so according to Galland they should be avoided. I know there is always disagreement on such things, but I am curious to hear your thoughts. Do you think he is wrong, or that adding the bentonite changes the effect?