12 Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut & How to Heal It
When exploring ways to heal our digestive system it often involves terms like "leaky gut," a concept gaining traction for its potential impact on overall health.
This guide aims to unravel the mysteries of leaky gut, delving into its definition, symptoms, causes, and strategies for healing. Let’s explore the complexities of intestinal permeability and discover the keys to restoring gut health.
What is Intestinal Permeability
Intestinal permeability is the ability of the intestinal lining to control the passage of substances from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.
The delicate balance of permeability is crucial for nutrient absorption while protecting against the intrusion of potentially harmful particles. When disrupted, the term "leaky gut" becomes apt, signifying a breach in the intestinal barrier.
What is Leaky Gut
Leaky gut, scientifically known as increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes more porous than usual. This means that the tiny holes that allow for nutrient absorption are growing larger and letting bigger particles through the digestive wall.
Normally, the intestinal barrier, or wall, acts as a guardian, selectively allowing nutrients to pass while preventing the entry of harmful substances. When compromised, undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria may escape into the bloodstream, triggering various health issues.
As the bloodstream carries these particles throughout the body, this is where we get symptoms in areas outside of the digestive tract like hair loss, acne, hives, joint aches, and muscle pain.
12 Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Digestive Issues:
Chronic bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements may indicate compromised gut health.
Food Sensitivities:
An increased permeability can lead to the development of food sensitivities, triggering adverse reactions to certain foods.
Chronic Fatigue:
The immune response and inflammation associated with leaky gut can contribute to persistent fatigue.
Skin Problems:
Conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis may be linked to gut health, as the skin reflects internal imbalances.
Joint Pain:
Inflammation stemming from a leaky gut can affect joints, leading to pain and discomfort.
Mood Disorders:
Anxiety, depression, or mood swings may be influenced by the gut-brain axis and the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain.
Autoimmune Conditions:
The link between leaky gut and autoimmune diseases highlights the role of gut health in immune system regulation.
Headaches:
Chronic headaches or migraines may be exacerbated by the inflammatory response triggered by a leaky gut.
Nutrient Deficiencies:
Malabsorption due to compromised gut function can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients.
Weight Fluctuations:
Leaky gut can contribute to weight imbalances, influencing both weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
Recurrent Infections:
A weakened immune system associated with leaky gut may result in frequent infections.
Hormonal Imbalances:
Hormonal disruptions, particularly in women, may be linked to the interplay between the gut and the endocrine system.
Leaky Gut and Nervous System Dysregulation
The intricate connection between the gut and the nervous system, known as the gut-brain axis, highlights how gut health can influence nervous system function. A leaky gut can contribute to nervous system dysregulation, impacting mood, cognitive function, and the body's stress response. Chronic stress, in turn, can exacerbate gut issues, creating a bidirectional relationship that negatively impacts both your gut and brain health.
Check out more information on nervous system dysregulation HERE, and additional insights on the connection between gut health and mental health HERE.
How to Test for Leaky Gut
Diagnosing leaky gut involves various testing methods, each with its strengths and considerations. Most commonly, it is diagnosed through stool, breath, or blood samples. The first two can often be completed in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Laboratory tests, such as the lactulose-mannitol test or zonulin measurement, can provide insights into intestinal permeability.
Functional medicine approaches, including comprehensive stool tests and IgG food sensitivity testing, offer a more holistic view of gut health. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
This article talks about the importance of getting tested, and where to get tested.
5 Common Causes of Leaky Gut
Dietary Factors
The standard Western diet, high in processed foods, sugar, and artificial additives, can contribute to gut inflammation and increased permeability.
Stress
Chronic stress activates the body's fight or flight response, impacting digestion and potentially leading to a leaky gut.
Imbalance of Gut Microbiota
Disruptions in the balance of gut bacteria, often caused by antibiotics or poor dietary choices, can compromise the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
Medications
Certain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, can negatively impact gut health and contribute to leaky gut.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, and a lack of access to clean, unprocessed foods can contribute to gut inflammation and permeability.
How to Treat Leaky Gut through the 4R Approach
The 4R approach—Remove, Replace, Reinnoculate, Repair—is a holistic strategy for addressing leaky gut and restoring gut health.
Remove:
Identify and eliminate trigger foods, processed foods, and environmental factors contributing to gut inflammation.
Inflammatory factors to remove can also include parasites, pathogens, and infections. This is why it is important to get proper testing and make sure you are clearing ALL possible inflammatories before proceeding.
Common inflammatory foods to remove include:
Alcohol
Food preservatives and additives
Sugar
Gluten
Soy
Corn
Dairy
Replace:
Supplement nutrients essential for digestion, such as digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid, to support optimal digestive function.
It’s also important to start incorporating healthy anit-inflammatory foods like:
Berries
Citrus fruits
Legumes
Tomatoes
Lentils
Cacao
Broccoli
Reinnoculate:
Restore a healthy balance of gut microbiota by incorporating a healthy amount of fiber and high-quality pre AND probiotics. This also helps to restore and repair the gut lining.
Beneficial gut bacteria in probiotics helps to fight off an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the digestive tract and help you properly break down those anti-inflammatory foods you are incorporating into your diet.
You can access supplements for repairing the gut lining and reducing inflammation HERE.
Repair:
Support the healing of the intestinal lining with nutrients like collagen, glutamine, zinc, and other key components. Specific nutrients have been shown to decrease gut inflammation and decrease intestinal permeability:
How Can You Tell Your Leaky Gut is Repaired
The journey to healing a leaky gut involves observing positive changes and improvements in symptoms.
Look for signs such as:
Resolution of digestive issues.
Increased energy levels and reduced fatigue.
Improved mood and mental clarity.
Reduction in skin problems and inflammatory conditions.
Stabilized weight and balanced hormonal function.
Remember that healing is a gradual process, and ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle, stress management, and supportive dietary choices is essential for maintaining optimal gut health.
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or don’t know where to begin on your gut health journey, feel free to schedule a free discovery call with me HERE, or try our self-guided detox and elimination diet HERE.
