What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, describes a condition where the lining of the gut becomes compromised, allowing inflammatory molecules to pass from the gut into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation.
When we consume food, it travels through our body, carrying bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Within our gastrointestinal tract, consisting of the small and large intestines, a delicate lining just one cell thick acts as a protective barrier known as the gut lining. This layer of cells is reinforced by tight junctions, small gaps that permit nutrients to enter the bloodstream while preventing harmful substances from passing through.
Your gut microbiome hosts billions of beneficial bacteria, known as "probiotics," crucial for safeguarding the gut barrier and maintaining healthy junctions. However, various environmental factors such as stress, medications, food additives, and chemicals can disrupt the delicate balance between good and harmful bacteria in our intestines. This imbalance leads to inflammation within the gut, compromising the integrity of tight junctions.
As these junctions break down, the gut becomes "leaky," allowing larger molecules and harmful substances to pass through. Imagine if the fabric of a teabag were too loose, letting tea leaves scatter into the drink. Similarly, when the gut leaks, the immune system detects these invaders in the bloodstream, triggering alarms that travel via the vagus nerve to the brain and throughout the body. This response can lead to autoimmune reactions affecting multiple systems of the body.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut:
Gastrointestinal system: stomach pain, irregular bowel movements, bloating, gas, cramps,
Nervous system: fatigue, headaches, low energy levels
Skin issues: eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis
Nutritional deficiencies: due to poor nutrient absorption
Autoimmune conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (joint pain) or lupus
What causes Leaky Gut?
There are a range of factors that can affect the gut lining, resulting in leaky gut.
Diet: A diet rich in inflammatory foods like gluten, sugar, dairy, and processed foods contributes to inflammation of the gut lining
Medications: Medications such as NSAIDs and antibiotics have been found to disrupt the gut lining
Alcohol: Increased alcohol consumption can irritate gut lining and increase permeability
Stress: When we are stressed our cortisol spikes, resulting win larger gut junctions, therefore increasing leaky gut
How to restore a healthy gut lining:
Find time to relax: Stress has a profound effect on gut flora resulting in overgrowth, bad bacterias and lack of diversity. Incorporating stress reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation and gentle exercises can improve gut health and our microbiome.
Eat more Fibre: Our good gut bacteria thrives off high fibre, unprocessed whole foods. Including more fruits and vegetables in our diets and reducing consumption of processed foods, alcohol and sugars is a great place to start.
Sleep: Ensure good quality sleep between 7-8 hours each night to allow the body to restore and detoxify.
Supplements: Numerous supplements are available to aid in repairing the gastrointestinal tract lining. However, it's essential to consult with a qualified practitioner before self-prescribing to ensure you choose the most suitable products for your needs.
Addressing the root causes of increased intestinal permeability can greatly enhance your quality of life and overall health.
If you suspect that leaky gut may be contributing to your digestive symptoms, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Start your journey toward gut repair today!
