Many people struggle with vague gastrointestinal symptoms that seem to have no clear cause. Recently, “leaky gut syndrome” has emerged in the mainstream media as a possible explanation for these symptoms.
Your Gut (or gastrointestinal tract) is a complex system that does more than digest food. It makes hormones, regulates your immune system, and communicates with the brain. With Trivida Functional Medicine Denver digestive help, it may take four weeks to six months to repair the intestines properly. After all, healing Leaky Gut Syndrome is a process that requires time since it does not occur suddenly.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut is a condition in which the intestinal lining becomes damaged, and small gaps or holes develop, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, bacteria, and other foreign substances to pass into the bloodstream. The immune system then fights these substances, which can lead to various chronic health problems.
Everyone has a small number of these gaps in the gut lining, but they are normally kept closed by tight junctions. Over time, however, the gap can widen, allowing harmful substances to enter the body.
The damage can also prevent the body from digesting and absorbing nutrients, leading to nutrient deficiencies and other issues. Symptoms may include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements. These symptoms often mimic those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Additionally, people with Leaky Gut may have a more difficult time controlling allergies and intolerances to foods such as dairy, wheat, gluten, sugar, and alcohol. They can also experience fatigue, brain fog, and a general feeling of unwellness.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut
The Gut also called the gastrointestinal tract, is like a conveyor belt that moves everything you eat from your mouth down to your anus. It’s lined with millions of cells forming a tight barrier that decides what gets absorbed and stays out.
When the gut lining breaks down, holes that let bacteria, partially digested food, and toxins into the bloodstream appear. The immune system sees these substances as foreign and attacks them, leading to various health conditions.
Leaky gut symptoms are similar to other GI illnesses and conditions, including bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. Other symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and nutritional deficiencies.
Many factors contribute to leaky Gut, but a poor diet high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats is the biggest culprit. It’s also important to drink plenty of water, avoid consuming too much alcohol, and get adequate sleep. Talk to a gastroenterologist or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to develop a plan to improve your digestion and gut health.
Causes of Leaky Gut
The lining of the intestines protects the body from bacteria, undigested food particles, and toxins in the digestive tract. If this lining becomes weakened, molecules leak through, allowing disease-causing bacteria, undigested food, and other wastes to enter the bloodstream. This causes an inflammatory response in the whole body, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, fatigue, food allergies, and sensitivities.
Some gastrointestinal diseases, like celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, can cause this increased intestinal permeability. However, other health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, depression and anxiety, diabetes and liver disease, have also been linked to leaky Gut.
Some laboratory tests can show if your intestines have a leaky lining. One test uses water-soluble molecules called mannitol and lactulose to see how well your intestines absorb them. If the intestine lining is damaged, the mannitol and lactulose will pass right through as if it was not even there. This is a good indicator of a leaky gut.
Treatments for Leaky Gut
Many digestive diseases have been linked to leaky Gut, such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease. It’s possible that other diseases found in different parts of the body also have a leaky gut connection, such as diabetes and liver disease.
These “holes” in the gut lining may be due to genetics, diet, or both. For example, certain foods can cause inflammation that weakens the lining of the Gut, while common everyday factors such as stress and an unbalanced diet can wear down the gut lining over time.
Some medicines like NSAIDs, antidepressants, and antibiotics can damage the lining of the Gut as well. These medications block the body’s production of a natural chemical called prostaglandins, which helps protect the intestines and stomach lining. Other medicines that may contribute to a leaky gut include corticosteroids, antifungals, and proton pump inhibitors. A healthy, balanced diet, exercise, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress can help heal the Gut.
We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.