Leaky gut is a condition that impacts the lining of your intestines. When you have a leaky gut, gaps form in the intestinal wall, which allows toxins and bacteria to pass through the digestive stream and into the bloodstream. Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome include systemic inflammation, decreased immunity, cognitive difficulties, and many medical issues.
When bacteria become imbalanced, they can activate the body’s immune response. It can cause inflammation in the intestinal tract and increased intestinal permeability, which allows substances (partially digested food particles, bacteria, and toxins) to seep into the intestines and enter the bloodstream.
Causes of Leaky Gut
Although the exact cause of leaky gut syndrome remains unknown, several risk factors can cause an imbalance of the bacteria in your intestinal tract. The intestinal tract has microscopic holes that act as filters, enabling certain substances to pass through the intestines and enter the bloodstream. Your intestines prevent larger food particles and harmful substances from entering the bloodstream, causing damage to your health. Below are some of the leading causes of leaky gut syndrome:
- Alcohol Consumption—Drinking too much alcohol can lead to a leaky gut. Alcohol damages the cells in the intestines and causes improper functioning of the intestinal wall.
- Bacterial Imbalance—A bacterial imbalance occurs when the harmful bacteria in the intestines outnumber the beneficial bacteria, causing inflammation, loosening tight junctions, and increasing intestinal permeability.
- Diet—Eating a diet filled with inflammatory foods (gluten, refined grains, GMO foods, and dairy products (especially if you are lactose intolerant) can increase inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Nutritional Deficiencies—Nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamins A, D, and zinc, can cause leaky gut syndrome.
- Stress—Stress weakens the immune system and inhibits the body’s ability to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses, which can loosen the tight junctions in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Toxins—Our world contains millions of toxic chemicals and other substances that can damage the body. The most common poisonous substances include pesticides, herbicides, NSAIDs, pollution, antibiotics, medications, and tap water.
- Yeast Overgrowth—An overgrowth of yeast can increase the risk of a leaky gut.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome causes several symptoms that can occur throughout the body. The following is a list of the most common symptoms.
- Autoimmune Diseases—Leaky gut syndrome can cause a variety of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. Some common autoimmune diseases associated with leaky gut syndrome include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, lupus, and Multiple Sclerosis.
- Chronic Headaches or Migraines—Leaky gut syndrome causes an inflammatory immune response. When released, inflammatory cytokines can trigger pain receptors in the brain, increasing the risk of chronic headaches and migraines. In addition, the toxins that enter the bloodstream can reach your brain, causing headaches.
- Digestive Issues—Leaky gut syndrome can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea, bloating, gas, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), causes changes in your stool appearance and bowel movements. You may experience heartburn, appetite loss, gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation.
- Fatigue—Leaky gut syndrome can lead to increased fatigue. When the body cannot properly digest foods, you will experience nutritional deficiencies and illnesses that can cause fatigue. Furthermore, individuals with leaky gut syndrome are at an increased risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.
- Food Intolerances or Food Allergies—Individuals with leaky gut syndrome often experience food sensitivities, including intolerances and allergies. This condition results in inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to food sensitivities. Common food sensitivities include corn, dairy, eggs, gluten, nightshade vegetables (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, etc.), peanuts, and soy.
- Hormone Issues—The state of the digestive tract impacts almost all physiological processes in the body, including hormone production. The bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract activate and eliminate different hormones. When hormones are imbalanced, they can impact their function and levels. Individuals suffering from leaky gut often experience PMS, PCOS, ED, and many other hormone imbalances.
- Memory Issues or Brain Fog—Leaky gut syndrome allows toxins and harmful bacteria to cross the blood-brain barrier. It can cause inflammation in the brain and various cognitive issues, including memory loss and brain fog.
- Mental Health Issues—People with leaky gut can experience a variety of mental health conditions, including ADD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. The body contains a neural pathway between the brain and the digestive system. The digestive tract produces approximately 90 percent of your serotonin. If your digestive tract is not functioning correctly, it can impact your mental health and lead to several mood disorders.
- Nutritional Deficiencies—Leaky gut syndrome prevents the body from adequately digesting your foods and absorbing key nutrients. When this occurs, many people may need a digestive enzyme supplement to help ensure they can digest their foods. In addition, taking a high-quality multivitamin, magnesium, and vitamin B12 supplement can help your body get the nutrients it needs for optimal health.
- Skin Conditions—Leaky gut syndrome causes inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. Many people experience skin issues such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and Rosacea. Improving the health of your digestive tract will also improve your skin health, leading to clear, beautiful skin.
- Thyroid Problems—Systemic inflammation caused by leaky gut syndrome can affect your thyroid gland, leading to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes low thyroid function. Low thyroid function decreases metabolism, causes weight gain, increases fatigue levels, and impacts mood, which can lead to depression.
- Weakened Immune System—Leaky gut syndrome impacts the delicate balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies show that most of the immune system is in this area, and the gut microbiota can affect immunity. When the bacteria in the digestive tract become imbalanced, inflammation and decreased immunity occur.
Leaky Gut Treatment Options
Leaky gut syndrome causes several symptoms that can impact one’s overall quality of life. These include altered digestion, food sensitivities, mental health issues, difficulty losing weight, and a weakened immune system, which can increase one’s risk of illness. Over time, leaky gut syndrome can lead to several chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
Several things can improve your intestinal tract and heal your leaky gut. First, eat whole foods and reduce processed foods. Regular moderate exercise for 30 minutes daily and between seven and nine hours of sleep each night can help improve digestion, balance the microbiota in the gut, and restore digestive function. Reduce your stress levels, avoid toxin exposure, and stop smoking.
Our gut health program embraces integrative health protocols. Our team of functional medicine doctors understands that the digestive system is complex and affects all aspects of your health. When the gut is unhealthy, the rest of your body becomes harmful, and many health issues can occur.
