Zonulin → Gut Barrier, Inflammation, and Weight Gain

High levels of Zonulin leads to-

Leaky Gut & Inflammation

Elevated zonulin = looser gut barrier.
Toxins, food antigens, and bacteria leak into the bloodstream → immune system stays on high alert.
Chronic low-grade inflammation is directly tied to insulin resistance, fat storage, and slowed metabolism.
direct lead in to Auto Immune Dis-eases.

Fluid Retention / Puffiness -

Inflammation increases capillary leakiness and signals the body to retain water.
You see this as puffiness in the face, belly, hands, or ankles.

Cravings & Appetite-

Dysregulated gut permeability can alter gut hormones (ghrelin, leptin), driving overeating.
The microbiome also shifts toward calorie-harvesting bacteria when zonulin is high.

Enkephalins → Stress, Pain, and Weight Regulation

Stress Eating & Reward Pathways - Enkephalins normally calm stress and reduce pain.

When they’re low (from chronic inflammation), stress feels worse.
The brain seeks quick dopamine hits (sugar, processed carbs, alcohol). This fuels weight gain.
Poor enkephalin function worsens sleep quality and increases perceived stress.
Both of these drive up cortisol → more abdominal fat storage, more puffiness.

The Zonulin–Enkephalin Loop in Weight Gain & Puffiness

Zonulin ↑ → Leaky gut → Inflammation.
Inflammation → Weakens enkephalins → more stress, pain, cravings.
Low enkephalins → Stress eating & poor recovery → weight gain.
Ongoing inflammation → Water retention + puffiness.
The cycle repeats, making weight loss feel “impossible” without addressing both gut and nervous system balance.

FitnHealthy Tip -

Zonulin makes the body inflamed and puffy.
Enkephalins, when weak, drive stress eating and inactivity.
Together, they create the perfect storm for uncontrolled weight gain and chronic puffiness — even if someone is “dieting.”

Who wants a Solution to this NOW? Auto-Immune? Puffiness? Cravings? Weight Gain? No Sleep?

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