What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky Gut Syndrome is one of the main underlying factors behind Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), SIBO, and other gut health issues, many of which I see in my gastrointestinal Naturopathic practice.
Addressing leaky gut should always be part of your Crohn's natural treatment, Ulcerative Colitis natural treatment, or SIBO natural treatment. So let’s talk about how to do that.
In a healthy body, your gut is naturally semi-permeable. Your intestinal wall has tiny holes that allow micro nutrients through into your bloodstream. It will, however, stop toxins, large food particles, and pathogens from passing through.
Consuming inflammatory foods, environmental toxins, chronic stress, infections, and other unhealthy factors can break apart the tiny holes in your intestinal wall, creating bigger holes.
What happens in leaky gut syndrome is that our gut becomes ‘leaky’ and not only micro nutrients, but toxins, undigested large food particles, and microbes can also escape into your bloodstream. This condition is called Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome can increase your risk of chronic inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, Irritable Bowel Diseases (IBDs), autoimmune conditions, and other chronic health problems.
As a gastrointestinal specialist and SIBO Naturopath, I see patients all the time with Leaky Gut Syndrome. During Crohn's natural treatment, Ulcerative Colitis natural treatment, or SIBO natural treatment, it is very important to address the underlying Leaky Gut Syndrome to repair the gut barrier and regain gut health (1, 2, 3, 4).
Main Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome
The main causes of a leaky gut syndrome may include:
Gluten, dairy, and inflammatory foods.
Consuming foods that you are allergic, intolerant, or sensitive to.
Candida overgrowth, SIBO, parasitic infections, or other gut infections.
Pesticides, herbicides, BPA from plastics, mercury, and other environmental toxins.
Chronic emotional and physical stress.
Overuse of antibiotics, NSAIDs, or alcohol.
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy (may destroy the intestinal mucosa).
In my practice, we address these main underlying causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome as part Crohn's natural treatment, Ulcerative Colitis natural treatment, or SIBO natural treatment.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome
Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome may include:
Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and other digestive symptoms.
Food allergies, food intolerance, and food sensitivities.
Brain fog, poor memory, and trouble concentrating.
Acne, eczema, rosacea, and other skin problems.
Seasonal allergies and asthma.
Mood swings, anxiety, depression, and other mood imbalances.
Poor sleep and fatigue.
Irregular periods, PMS, PCOS, and other signs of hormonal imbalances.
Muscle pains and chronic pain.
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune diseases.
Zonulin and Leaky Gut
Zonulin is a chemical and a biomarker that is found inside our stool and indicates the level of our intestinal permeability. Gluten and processed foods may trigger the release of zonulin, making it one of the major risk factors for Leaky Gut Syndrome. Zonulin triggers your intestinal wall to become more permeable. This can may lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome, and an array of other health issues.
High zonulin levels in the stool mean you have Leaky Gut Syndrome. Ideal levels of zonulin are 22.3 to 161.1 ng/mL. Anything higher indicates a problem. Removing gluten is one of the best ways to reduce your zonulin levels and its risk factors (4, 5).
How to Repair Leaky Gut
To repair Leaky Gut Syndrome, first, you have to remove any inflammatory and triggering foods. Remove gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs, refined sugar and overly processed foods. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in nutrient-dense whole foods, such as greens, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and organic grass-fed meat.
At my practice, I uncover and address Candida overgrowth, SIBO, parasites, and other underlying infections. During the treatment, I support your gut with high-quality and high-potency probiotic supplements, digestive enzymes, and other supplements that your digestion, and help to rehabilitate leaky gut, and support your gut lining, your microbiome, and your overall gut health.
References:
1. Kanisi. Partners in Leaky Gut Syndrome: Intestinal Dysbiosis and Autoimmunity. Frontiers in Immunology 2021. Link Here
2. Camilleri MLeaky gut: mechanisms, measurement and clinical implications in humansGut 2019;68:1516-1526. Link Here
3. Paray BA. Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity: An Intricate Balance in Individuals Health and the Diseased State. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(24), 9770. Link Here
4. Fasano A. Leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2012 Feb;42(1):71-8. doi: 10.1007/s12016-011-8291-x. PMID: 22109896
5. Fasano A. Zonulin, regulation of tight junctions, and autoimmune diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2012 Jul;1258(1):25-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06538.x. PMID: 22731712
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