More Crohn’s disease, more ulcerative colitis – and more and more ME/CFS: new studies show how important gut health really is
In the past, the intestine was simply the organ for eating and “getting it in”. Today we know: The gut is a complex, high-performance organ – sensitive, efficient and deeply interconnected with our entire body. What happens here does not remain in the gut alone. Chronic inflammation, immune disorders and even neurological syndromes such as ME/CFS often have their origin in a disturbed intestinal barrier, for which – still far too little known – the volcanic rock zeolite can be a real blessing.
Two recent studies show this impressively: Firstly, researchers worldwide are observing a rapid increase in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – particularly in countries that were previously hardly affected. On the other hand, a team from the University of Vienna was able to prove that people with post-COVID syndrome and ME/CFS show conspicuous disorders of the intestinal barrier. The intestine is therefore not just a follower, but possibly a central trigger.
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are increasing rapidly
What was considered a rare autoimmune disease just a few decades ago is now well on its way to becoming a global challenge. In the renowned journal Nature Reviews, researchers show that the number of people suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis has multiplied worldwide within a short space of time.
Particularly affected: emerging countries with increasing industrialization. The reasons? A Western lifestyle with processed foods, lots of sugar, little fiber – and: an environment full of pollutants, medicines, microplastics and heavy metals. All things that can irritate our intestinal wall and make it permeable.
Post-COVID and ME/CFS: The underestimated intestinal connection
ME/CFS – chronic fatigue syndrome – has long been an unsolved mystery in medicine. The people affected suffer from crippling exhaustion, concentration problems, muscle and limb pain, without any clear triggers being found. Before the corona pandemic, most doctors were also unable to do much with ME/CFS, although this disease can occur in all age groups and makes it impossible for many sufferers to work, study or attend school. After COVID-19, the number of people affected has exploded. Current estimates range from 250,000 to over 660,000 people affected in Germany – and the number is growing.
The University of Vienna has now made a crucial discovery: in many patients with post-COVID fatigue, the intestinal barrier is severely disrupted. The protective mucous membrane is permeable, inflammatory substances and microbial components enter the body – and permanently fire up the immune system. What follows is a silent inflammation throughout the body. Energy is lost. The massive and permanent exhaustion remains.
The intestinal barrier: a protective shield that receives too little attention
Imagine your intestinal wall as a border station. This is where it is decided what is allowed into the system – and what stays out. This barrier is wafer-thin, but highly complex. It consists of specialized cells, layers of mucus, immune cells and millions of friendly bacteria. If this system gets out of balance, the protective shield becomes a sieve. Harmful substances, toxins and pathogens penetrate – and the body is thrown off balance. But how can this barrier be protected?
Zeolite: The powerful ally from the volcano
Zeolite is the first choice for the health of the intestinal barrier and zeolite is also a gift of nature: the rock is a volcanic mineral with a crystalline structure and a unique ability to bind numerous pollutants like a sponge, to which we are massively exposed nowadays. Scientific studies have now shown that medically certified zeolite, such as PMA zeolite from PANACEO, can stabilize the intestinal barrier, reduce inflammation and support the microbiome. Zeolite can help to rebalance the intestines, particularly in cases of exposure to heavy metals, environmental toxins or after medication.
However, it does not act like a medicine, but like a cleansing aid: the zeolite collects what is disturbing – and leaves the body again. Without binding nutrients or vitamins. A kind of spring-cleaning for the intestines that relieves and protects the system.
Prevention is the key – because the gut is an early warning system
The latest studies show: The gut is often at the beginning of many disease histories. Whether we are talking about chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis or the diverse, sometimes diffuse symptoms of ME/CFS – gut health plays a central role. If you start here, you can achieve a lot: for your energy, your concentration, your quality of life.
Zeolite is not a miracle cure – but it is a scientifically researched building block in the big puzzle of therapy. And if you act early, you may be able to avoid what later becomes difficult to treat.
ZEOLITH WISSEN stays tuned – for a healthy gut in a polluted world
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease. ME/CFS. Environmental toxins. Stress. The list of stresses is growing. This makes it all the more important to take the gut seriously as a central organ of health. At ZEOLITH WISSEN, we show you how current science and naturopathy can go hand in hand – so that health is not left to chance.
Sources:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/all.16593
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08940-0
