A health problem called leaky gut has become increasingly well-known among naturopaths. A person may feel sick due to an increase in the permeability of their intestines. This “leak” in the intestinal wall allows toxins and bacteria in the digestive tract to affect other organs in the body.
However, the idea is slightly controversial as it is not mentioned in mainstream medical books. Consequently, it is only diagnosed by naturopaths and not by doctors. Despite the fact that general medical practice fails to recognize this disorder, there is increasing scientific evidence to suggest that leaky gut syndrome exists. Researchers have also found that leaky gut syndrome is at the root of many health problems, particularly several common autoimmune diseases. In this article, we take a look at the evidence researchers have found about leaky gut syndrome.
What causes leaky gut?
Leaky Gut Syndrome, sometimes referred to as intestinal permeability, is often caused by damage to the lining of the small intestine. As a result of this damage, undigested food bacteria and toxic waste products can spill over into the body and attack tissues.
Besides introducing toxins into the bloodstream, which then circulate throughout the body, another major problem caused by intestinal permeability is the disruption of digestion. The body cannot produce the enzymes needed to digest food, regulate hormones, and boost the immune system.
However, damage to the lining of the small intestine is not the only cause of leaky gut syndrome. This condition can also be caused by certain foods, such as dairy, soy, gluten, and over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
Signs of Leaky Gut?
Leaky Gut Syndrome produces a variety of symptoms. Someone may experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea due to the body’s lack of enzymes and probiotics.
Someone may experience autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. You could suffer from food allergies, chronic fatigue, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome and migraines as foreign substances entering the bloodstream trigger a wide range of immune responses to ward off the perceived threat. Someone may experience mood disorders such as ADHD, ADD, bipolarity, anxiety, or depression.
Someone may have problems resulting from a lack of nutrients, such as: B. cravings for carbohydrates or refined sugar. They may also experience other problems like headaches, excessive tiredness or forgetfulness.
Someone may have health problems resulting from a weakened immune system, such as skin problems like rosacea, eczema, acne, or joint problems like pain in elbows, wrists, and knees.
Diet against Leaked Gut?
Leaky gut syndrome, which is caused by damage to the lining of the small intestine, is unlikely to occur unless someone has had an accident or been under excessive stress. Most often, leaky gut is caused by food allergies and medications. So if the cause of leaky gut is diet or medication, then changing your diet will do wonders. First, a person would need to eliminate certain foods that the immune system attacks because it views them as foreign invaders and defends the body against them as if they were as dangerous as germs or bacteria. Some common foods that trigger an immune response are:
- alcohol
- White sugar
- soy
- dairy
- gluten
If someone is taking medication, they should ask a dietician about whether medication might also be causing their leaky gut. By eliminating foods that overstimulate the immune system and changing medications that could cause intestinal inflammation, a person with this disorder will notice a change in just over a month. Your digestive problems like bloating and diarrhea will decrease, your physical energy will improve and you will sleep well at night. They will report feeling “like a new person.”
As a second step, a person would need to introduce foods that would rebuild the intestinal wall. These include foods high in glutamine, probiotics, flax powder, avocados, olive oil, coconut and seafood.