Leaky gut syndrome
As more Americans are affected by poor diet choices, chronic stress, toxic overload and bacterial imbalance, it appears that the prevalence of leaky gut is potentially reaching epidemic proportions. The medical profession is just now agreeing this condition even exists, which is especially shocking considering that “intestinal permeability” (another name for leaky gut) has been discussed in the medical literature for over 100 years!
In recent years, leaky gut has been called a “danger signal for autoimmune disease.”
What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky gut is also referred to as “increased intestinal hyperpermeability.”
Leaky gut syndrome is intestinal permeability and not only a symptom of gastrointestinal disease but an underlying cause that develops independently. If your intestinal barrier is impaired, it may be letting toxins into your bloodstream.
What is the main cause of leaky gut?
Dysbiosis, or bacterial imbalance, is a leading cause of the leaky gut syndrome. It means an imbalance between helpful and harmful species of bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract. Poor diet, comprising proteins found in unsprouted grains, sugar, genetically-modified foods (GMO), and dairy products. In my opinion diet is a major concern for leaky gut.
What are the symptoms of leaky gut?
Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloating.
Nutritional deficiencies.
Fatigue.
Headaches.
Confusion.
Difficulty concentrating.
Skin problems, such as acne, rashes, or eczema.
Joint pain.
Widespread inflammation
These symptoms overlap with many other health conditions, leading experts to believe that leaky gut may actually contribute to their manifestation.
What I have learned is that leaky gut can be a symptom of poor diet choices over an extended period of time. Leaky gut has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, diabetes, and food allergies, among others.
The intestines are home to a wide range of microbes which help digestion, protect the intestinal wall, and support normal immune function. Research shows that LGS may involve imbalances in the microbiota, which can trigger the body’s immune response, resulting in gut inflammation and increased intestinal permeability.
Scientists have closely looked at the gut-brain axis, which is the relationship between the GI tract and the brain. Some research has shown that leaky gut may be a factor for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
What diseases does leaky gut cause?
Multiple diseases may arise or be exacerbated due to a leaky gut, including autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, autoimmune hepatitis, type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Leaky Gut and the Connection to Autoimmune Disease
Leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease. In fact, reversing symptoms of autoimmune disease depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Any other treatment is just symptom suppression.