dr. Lisa Silvani Leaky gut has been known for sometime, but it is more pronounce now more than ever. Most people with autoimmune disease who are keen into healthy lifestyle will stumble upon the word leaky gut at some point. other people with chronic diseases and those who took gluten free approach probably already aware of it too.
What Is the ‘Leaky Gut Syndrome’?
Leaky gut syndrome is a phrase that describes an increased permeability of the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to “leakage” of substances into the blood. Leaky gut syndrome may be due to a number of causes including inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivities, and overgrowth of the bacteria Clostridium difficile.
What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?
It’s not really clear on what is causing leaky gut syndrome since there are many factors that comes into creating this condition. Several of them are imbalance micronutrient, unhealthy gut flora, chronic exposure to gluten and many others.
Who gets a leaky gut (and why)?
Almost anyone can have leaky gut syndrome. But many people who have had and have it usually have something to do with gluten and or silent inflammation. Most of leaky gut patients ended up avoiding gluten and reducing their inflammation burden. Moreover, people with autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation also tend to have leaky gut syndrome in their system.
A Hint of Truth – Intestinal Permeability
Intestinal permeability is the grade or level of permeability on our ‘tight junction’ which is a small part of bridge-like structure that resides in our gut lining that control the flow of food particles and any other particles (bacteria, drugs particles) from our gut to our blood and circulation system. When intestinal permeability is intact, the bacteria, drugs particle that isn’t meant to got o our circulation will then stays in the gut. But when it changes, and turn to leaky gut, all of these unwanted particles can enter our blood stream and cause problems.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome?
1. Digestive issues
It’s only natural that many of leaky gut syndromes have signs and symptoms originated from digestive. Several symptoms such as bloating, constant diarrhea, chronic constipation are several signs that you might have leaky gut.
2. Hormone imbalance
Hormonal issues might not be what’s on your mind when you think about leaky gut. But, our hormone production also depends on our gut microbiomes. In fact, many of our gut bacteria that play roles in hormone productions. In fact, the gut microbiome has been linked to a number of different hormone deficiencies. A good example is Dopamine-butyric acid (DB) Axis which connects our gut health with our brain health. This axis is associated with mood disorders, anxiety and depression.
3. Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases are the most related disorder that comes from leaky gut syndrome. Many patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Allergy are also having the signs and symptom of leaky gut.
4. Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome and or fibromyalgia also deeply related to leaky gut. Not only because of the common correlation with the immune system, given that these two diseases are in fact autoimmune diseases, but also because of the disruption of energy production that can happen due to leaky gut.
5. Skin issues
Several skin issues such as acnes, allergies, seborrheic dermatitis can be cause or stem from leaky gut. Since our skin are also filled with bacteria, it’s only natural that healthy gut bacteria can affect our skin health too.
6. Food allergies or sensitivities
Food allergies and food sensitivity is not directly linked to leaky gut. But when there are too many food that induce sensitivity or allergies, than it’s important to also check the possibility of leaky gut.
7. Joint pain
Chronic joint pain can cause by autoimmune diseases, but it also can come from silent inflammation. This inflammation can be triggered by leaky gut that is not resolved yet.
What Diseases Associated with this imbalance?
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease happens because of gluten sensitivity. But it is different than gluten intolerance. Celiac disease happens when the body becomes sensitive to gluten and reacts negatively by attacking the small intestine, where the absorptive process takes place. A person can be intolerant of gluten but not have celiac disease, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Gluten intolerance can cause health problems, too, including fatigue, headaches, irritability, bloating, and gas.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. It causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the GI tract, and it can also cause fevers, weight loss, and pain. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. The inflammation can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, but it usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine and the large intestine. Ulcers form on the surface of the lining.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes the intestines to behave abnormally. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and even cramping. IBS is a very common disorder, with an estimated 15-20% of the population suffering from it at some point in their lives. The severity of symptoms varies greatly between patients, but because there are no visible signs of damage, many people put up with the pain without seeking treatment or help.
Food Allergies
Many people have food allergies. A person with a food allergy is allergic to a certain food, which is usually a protein. The body reacts to the food in a certain way, causing inflammation and swelling of the mouth and throat. In severe cases, the person can even have anaphylactic shock.
A path toward a healthier gut
The worst thing about leaky gut, is that it’s not known by many people and overlooked by many practitioners. But when we realize that we are having leaky gut syndrome, there are actually many steps that we can take to reduce this conditions and bringing back balance into our digestive environment. Several important steps are:
1. Reduce Inflammation
There are many ways to reduce inflammation. Very simple things to do is to exercise. When you exercise better and consistently, you will get less and lesser inflammation reaction in your entire system. Almost every types of exercise can reduce your inflammation but aerobics such as walking, running and jogging giver you better result.
2. Nourish and repair the gut
Nourishing your gut should be your second priorities after reducing inflammation. Get healthier by consuming lean protein, chickpeas, nuts and also taking bone broth to helps repair the gut lining.
3. Rebalance Your Gut Flora
The last thing is to rebalance your gut flora. Consume more food with active probiotics such as kefir, plain yoghurt, sauerkraut every day to maximize your gut flora varieties.
Gut microbiota and leaky gut syndrome
Our microbiome play very large roles when it comes to digestive issues, leaky gut is one of them. But it’s not necessarily clear which one comes first since both of them are affecting each other in simultaneously way. Any changes to gut microbiota compositions can then create dysbiosis and increase the risk of having leaky gut syndrome. Vice versa. Leaky gut can also trigger dysbiosis since many of the immune reaction will change the gut environment thus creating changes in the balance of gut microbiota.
Don’t let leaky gut take you from your happiness. Treat it as early as possible.
