What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

You have to begin at the cellular level. The lining of your intestine is made of millions and millions of cells. These cells join together to create a tight barrier that acts like a security system and decides what gets absorbed into the bloodstream and what stays out.

When there is inflammation in the junctions of the intestinal walls, it becomes more permeable, which then allow bacteria and toxins to pass from the gut to the bloodstream. This can cause widespread inflammation, possibly even trigger a reaction from the immune system or lead to further disease.

What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?

There is emerging evidence that the standard American diet, which is low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fats, may initiate this process.

There are other multiple contributing factors that can lead to leaky gut syndrome.

Stress: Chronic stress is a factor to multiple gastrointestinal disorders

Yeast Overgrowth: We all have naturally present yeast in the gut, however an overgrowth may contribute to leaky gut

Excessive sugar intake: A diet high in sugar, particularly fructose, can harm the barrier function of the intestinal wall

Excessive Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake can harm the barrier function of the intestinal wall

Inflammation: Chronic inflammation throughout the body can contribute to a leaky gut

Poor gut flora: When the balance between good and bad bacteria is disrupted, it can affect the barrier function of the intestinal wall.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut can cause a wide variety of symptoms, both in the digestive system and in the rest of the body. But to improve the symptoms of leaky gut, it’s not necessary to try to address all those symptoms individually. Because leaky gut syndrome is more of a side effect of a gut imbalance, working to improve your overall gut health will improve your leaky gut symptoms

Symptoms are said to include: abdominal pain, asthma, chronic joint pain, chronic muscle pain, confusion, gas, indigestion, mood swings, nervousness, frequent colds, recurrent vaginal infections, skin rashes, diarrhea, recurrent bladder infections, poor memory, shortness of breath, constipation, bloating, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue.

The Link Between Leaky Gut and Diseases

Symptoms of a general digestive disorder—like irritable bowel syndrome, for example—are also symptoms of leaky gut. There is clear evidence linking celiac disease and Crohn’s disease with increased intestinal permeability. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, there is a very immediate and clear increase in leaky gut along with digestive symptoms. Likewise, when a Crohn’s disease patient is having a flare, their intestinal permeability clearly increases, and appears to decrease as their symptom flare resolves.

There is suggestive evidence linking other forms of inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, ankylosing spondylitis, and chronic fatigue syndrome with intestinal permeability. 

Preventative Measures

Unfortunately, controversy still exists on whether leaky gut causes the development of diseases outside the gastrointestinal tract in humans. However, it is always a good idea to eat a nutritious, unprocessed diet that includes foods that help reduce inflammation (and avoids foods known to trigger it), which may, help to rebuild the gut lining and bring more balance to the gut flora.  This means being more attentive about following a gut-healthy diet that limits processed foods and high-fat and high-sugar foods, and includes enough fiber. Sticking to a regular exercise program also can strengthen your digestive system. For example, studies have suggested that taking a 15-to 20-minute walk after a meal can aid in digestion.

Your gastrointestinal system is complex, but caring for it doesn’t have to be. If you would like to talk about your gut health, or ways to manage and overcome your leaky gut please click on the contact page and send me a message or email NicoleNugentWellness@gmail.com; 15 minutes is all it takes to get started on the path to great gut health!