Can Leaky Gut Cause Weight Gain

They Affect How Your Food Is Digested

Since your gut bacteria line your intestines, they come into contact with the food you eat. This may affect what nutrients you absorb and how energy is stored in your body.

One study examined the gut bacteria in 77 pairs of twins, one of whom was obese and one of whom was not.

The study found that those who were obese had different gut bacteria than their non-obese twins. In particular, obesity was associated with lower gut bacteria diversity, meaning there were fewer types of bacteria in the gut .

Other studies have shown that if the gut bacteria from obese people are put into mice, the mice gain weight. This suggests that gut bacteria could affect weight (

).

A recent study found that the ratio of two types of bacteria in your intestines may determine how much weight you lose when given a particular diet.

These two bacteria are Prevotella, which digests fiber and carbohydrates, and Bacteroidetes, which people who eat more animal protein and fat have more of .

In this study, 62 people were given a high-fiber, whole grain diet for 26 weeks. Those who had more Prevotella in their intestines lost 5.1 pounds more body fat than those with more Bacteroidetes in their intestines .

Your gut bacteria also digest certain antioxidants found in plants known as flavonoids, which may help prevent weight gain .

Finally, your gut bacteria can influence how dietary fats are absorbed in the intestines, which may affect how fat is stored in the body .

Promoting Healthy Inflammation Responses

While probiotics help support your gut, inflammation can still be a threat. is a powerful super-nutrient that actively promotes healthy inflammation responses, supports your gut health and detoxifies your body. PectaSol is shown in over 70 published studies to support healthy immune and inflammation responses throughout the body.  

It also has additional prebiotic activity to nourish good bacteria in the gut and is shown to support GI health and microbiome balance.  

What The Medical Community Has To Say About Leaky Gut Syndrome

Do most conventional doctors support the idea that leaky gut is real?

WebMD refers to leaky gut as something of a medical mystery.  This isnt surprising, since its not a diagnosis that most doctors have been taught in medical school. From an MDs standpoint, its a very gray area, says gastroenterologist Donald Kirby, MD Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the Cleveland Clinic. In his opinion, Physicians dont know enough about the gut, which is our biggest immune system organ.

To make matters worse, government agencies have also contributed to the confusion. According to the United Kingdoms National Health Service , There is currently little evidence to support the theory that a porous bowel is the direct cause of any significant, widespread problems.

Yet, not everyone agrees. A roundtable review quotes the researchers at seven different European universities in 2014 agreeing upon the following:

Alteration of the gut barrier seems to have multiple consequences facilitating the onset of a variety of diseases depending on other hits and on genetic or  constellations, respectively. The growing significance of the gut barrier and bacterial translocation raises the questions of how we can improve gut barrier functions and gut microbiota.

So while its encouraging that science is coming around to leaky gut syndrome being a real problem, we are by no means at a point where there are standard diagnostic tools for testing and treating leaky gut.

Step 2: Improve Gut Flora With Probiotics

Youll want to make sure you are consuming probiotics to provide your body with healthy gut bacteria. Kombucha is by far my favorite probiotic , but you can also look for or make your own lacto-fermented pickles, pickled carrots, sauerkraut, beets, or many other vegetables.

Lacto-fermentation is the real way to make pickles, not like those ones you usually find in stores which are just soaked in vinegar. Real pickles will always be in the refrigerated section.

In the United States, Bubbies is a good brand for fermented pickles and sauerkraut and you should be able to find them at your local grocery store. There are also other great brands popping up every day. Just check to make sure the ingredients say only vegetable + salt. Thats it. No funny business.

The Path To Healing Leaky Gut

Healing leaky gut syndrome requires attacking it from various angles, and the treatment often varies person to person. The basics to get started

• Remove food triggers. The most obvious trigger of leaky gut is diet, so follow a leaky gut meal plan. First, eliminate damaging foods. Start by eliminating refined sugar, gluten, processed foods, alcohol, dairy, and caffeine, all common culprits of leaky gut.
• Add healing foods. Foods to add to your diet include: fermented foods, bone broth, and foods high in omega-3s.
• Consider supportive supplements. A few suggested supplements to nourish the digestive tract and lower inflammation include: L-glutamine, digestive enzymes, and omega-3s.
• Include prebiotics and probiotics. Healthy gut microbes help quickly heal the gut and reverse symptoms.
• Manage lifestyle triggers. Stress, lack of sleep, and other digestive illnesses can all trigger leaky gut, therefore, take a multi-pronged approach.
• Avoid medications-triggers of leaky gut, especially NSAIDs.

Healing leaky gut syndrome may not be a simple process. It takes time to figure out your personal inflammatory triggers. Knowing you have leaky gut and identifying a cause for your symptoms is the first step to starting the healing process. Work with a practitioner trained in how to heal leaky gut to target your individual triggers.

References

Is Leaky Gut Causing You To Pack On The Pounds

When you think of body fat you most likely think of cellulite and love handles , but theres another type of fat in your body that is much less visible and actually far more dangerous.

Unlike subcutaneous fat that lies just under your skin and is noticeable, visceral fat lies in your abdominal cavity, under the abdominal muscle, and often surrounds your vital organs.

Visceral fat, together with elevated blood pressure, unstable blood sugar and unhealthy levels of cholesterol make up what we call metabolic syndrome, which in turn increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Like all body fat, diet and exercise will help keep your visceral fat levels to a minimum; however there appear to be other factors involved as well, including the health of your digestive tract.

Leaky Gut May Increase Visceral Fat

New research from Sweden has uncovered a novel connection between intestinal permeability and visceral fat. Women with higher markers of leaky gut also had higher levels of visceral fat and liver fat, and larger waist circumference, which would suggest that this condition may promote the accumulation of visceral fat, as well as impact the related metabolic dysfunction.

So what exactly is leaky gut?

It is a condition that occurs due to gaps in the membrane lining your intestinal wall.

Why is this important?

Whats the Secret to Avoiding Leaky Gut?

Healthy options for probiotics include:

Can Leaky Gut Be Healed

Yes! Gut tissue has the ability to heal when given the opportunity. You may have seen the approach called 5R for healing leaky gut. This has been around for a while now but just like diets that are one-size-fits-all, you cant take one approach and apply it to everyone. We are all individuals and healing is done on a very individual basis. I am trained in the 5R approach but I adjust that process differently for everyone.

Healing leaky gut is a process and this process starts with diet. If you dont get this part right, then nothing you after this will be effective.

Gut Flora And Weight Loss: The Take Home Message

Your gut microbiome is pretty special, and its completely unique to you. Ultimately, that means you have a great level of control over its composition and diversity. So when it comes to gut bacteria, weight is a modifiable factor.

Your lifestyle has a real impact on the diversity of your gut microbiome and your susceptibility to weight gain and obesity. Eating more plant-based foods, prebiotic fibres, and doing more physical activity can enhance your gut microbial function.

TIPDiscover your gut bacteria’s butyrate, dietary fiber, and obesity protection levels with the Atlas Microbiome Test.

Brain Fog And Difficulty Concentrating

In the case of depression and anxiety, leaky gut leads to problems with brain function related to inflammation. The digestive tract is highly connected to the brain via what is called the gut-brain axis. When one is damaged, it causes the other to function poorly too. The hormone serotonin, primarily produced in the gut, is one of the main communication hormones of the gut-brain axis. When the gut isnt working properly, it affects the communication system, causing problems with concentration and a feeling of fogginess .

Does Leaky Gut Cause Blood Sugar Problems

Yeah, it goes the other way too. In an earlier 2007 study, a group of researchers found that a high-fat diet fed to mice caused an increase in bacteria that produce a toxin called lipopolysaccharide . Increased levels of LPS damage the intestinal cells and leak into the circulation. As a result, the mice experienced insulin resistance and high blood sugar. To confirm, the researchers injected LPS directly into the bloodstream and provoked the same response. Elevated circulating endotoxins not only caused insulin resistance in the liver but also high blood sugar and weight gain.

Seasonal Allergies Or Asthma

This symptom of leaky gut may have you scratching your head, but if you start having seasonal allergies or asthma problems that you previously didnt have, then it could be a sign of leaky gut syndrome. Usually people who have seasonal allergies and respiratory issues have had them for their entire lives meaning that any sudden onset of these problems could be an indicator that leaky gut is to blame.

Gain Weight With Leaky Gut

I ran across the Digestive Health Restoration Program by Dr. Jockers that focuses on restoring the gut so you can absorb your food and gain control of your mental health.

It focuses on the bacteria and fungus in the gut and how they are affecting your mental health.

Next, I added in some fungus and bacteria supplements. I took oil of oregano capsules, olive leaf, a biofilm disruptor, b12 vitamin, and a digestive enzyme before I ate.

Oil of oregano is pretty strong stuff but I took several, several times a day. I rotated that weekly with olive leaf, taking turns every week.

One week of olive leaf, one week of oil of oregano.

My goal.get my body back.

and had taken up residence.

I was losing weight fast and didnt have a way out. You have to fix your leaky gut if you want to gain weight back!

Im up 30 lbs now! I never dreamed I would actually gain 30lbs.

Not only did I start to gain weight but my toenail fungus disappeared, my acne disappeared and I could think complete thoughts and remember way more things than normal.

My brain fog disappeared.

The weight didnt come on all at once. It takes more time to gain weight than it does to lose it. You need to be patient with the process. Choosing healthy foods with high calories and being consistent in killing off those fungus buggers.

I currently dont eat high histamine foods such as aged items, vinegar, and leftovers.

How well are you absorbing your food?

I know the pain of being anxious, underweight and scared.

Nutrafol Hairbiotica Targeted Solution To Support Gut Integrity

Nutrafol®s Hairbiotic has been formulated to optimize the gut microbiome and support the pathways proposed as the gut-hair connection. The intent is to prevent system-wide inflammatory responses caused by stress or other etiologies, strengthen gut epithelial lining, and optimize nutrient absorption in the digestive system. Hairbiotic contains 20 billion colony forming units from seven prominent strains involved in dermatology, stress responsiveness, and immune system control.

Lactobacillus reuteri. Supp-lementation in a mouse model demonstrated improved hair quality, resulting in thick lustrous fur through interactions with IL-10 and IL-17. In humans, L. reuteri also has been shown to attenuate expression of pro-inflammatory gut cytokines decreasing TNF- to mitigate an inflammatory cascade throughout the body.18,19 IL-17 is implicated in various inflammatory diseases through induction of chemokines that recruit neutrophils and monocytes.18-20 It is thought that an increase in IL-17 subverts scalp hair growth, and it thereby becomes a prime target of anti-inflammatory therapies. 

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. L. rhamnosus GG have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects system wide but plays an important role in protection of the intestinal lining. At the cellular level, it stimulates production of cytoprotective shock proteins, preventing apoptosis and promoting cell growth.21

There’s Hope For A Leaky Gut

To gather further, poor diets that consist of lesser-quality fats and poor quality ingredients lead the body into a state of inflammation which can therefore cause weight fluctuation and poor weight management.

So I know eating the right foods may not be as realistic 24/7, 365 days of the year but dont be frightened; there is still hope to restoring your gut and reaching your fitness goals! For one, eat more fiberveggies, fruits, legumes, and grains all of which keep our blood sugar at bay and our satiety cues in check! Also, adding a probiotic and maybe even a digestive enzyme should help alleviate some of the stress your gut has been undergoing.

Now with the knowledge, Ive provided you its up to you to take action and move forward keeping in mind that with a better gut comes a happier you!

Thank you, my friends and I hope youve gotten some value from this piece. Wish you all the best on your gut health journey and health endeavors.

How Does Leaky Gut Happen

The intestinal barrier is made up of cells linked together by tight junctions. These junctions control what is allowed to pass through into the bloodstream this is how vitamins and nutrients are absorbed by the small intestine. Normally, these tight junctions remain small enough to prevent the passage of any harmful compounds that may cause disease.

But when the intestinal barrier becomes damaged often as a result of a diet high in inflammatory foods such as sugar, dairy, and processed foods these joints can become compromised. Tiny particles that would normally be blocked are allowed to leak into the bloodstream, allowing them to cause damage throughout the body.

How To Find Out If You Have Leaky Gut

Urine Test:

After drinking a carbohydrate solution you will need to collect your urine for 6 hours. Urine that contains high amounts of the sugar is considered a positive for leaky gut.

IgG and IgA Food Intolerance Testing:

Food intolerance testing can reveal leaky gut and provide information regarding which foods to avoid to help heal your gut. Learn more here. 

If you’re interested in having these labs ordered and finding out if you have leaky gut, a chat with our clinic to learn more.

Obesity Caused By A Leaky Brain

One more potential issue is the possibility that systemic inflammation can actually cause leakiness in the blood-brain barrier as well.

Furthermore, LPS toxins, released into the blood by a leaky gut, can rapidly increase blood leptin concentrations; this increase is enhanced by the presence of CRP, which could explain why chronic inflammation is associated with a rise in both CRP and leptin in humans. In this way, a leaky gut and a leaky brain, both caused by systemic inflammation and exacerbated by gut dysbiosis, can increase the risk of developing obesity due to the disruption in CNS and leptin function.

Is Leaky Gut Real

Your gut, also known as the gastrointestinal tract, includes over 4,000 square feet of intestinal epithelial lining that controls what gets into your bloodstream.

If unhealthy, this lining may be leaky with holes or cracks that allow bacteria, toxins, antigens, and partially digested food to penetrate the tissues beneath it.

That can trigger inflammation and changes in the gut flora , which could lead to problems within your digestive tract and beyond.

Although leaky gut is not recognized by mainstream medical professionals as a condition, its generally recognized as a symptom.

According to a

currently available specifically for leaky gut. The treatment recommendations youre likely to receive from your doctor will be focused on the underlying condition theyve diagnosed, which might include leaky gut as a symptom. For example:

• If youve been diagnosed withceliac disease, following a gluten-free diet may help heal your gut.
• If youve been diagnosed with IBD, anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, , pain relievers, and supplements such as iron, , and vitamin D may help the lining of your gut to recover.
• If youve been diagnosed with IBS, anticholinergic medications, tricyclic antidepressants, , , antibiotics, pain relievers, or medications specifically for IBS may help reduce your symptoms.

Signs And Symptoms Of Leaky Gut

Know that you need to have the following symptoms over a period of time to indicate leaky gut syndrome most doctors say between three and six months.

Sometimes, your body changes and symptoms arise due to other circumstances, such as a period of intense stress, which can cause intestinal distress. A womans menstrual cycle can also cause digestive issues. Pay attention to what else is going on in your life and try to gain an understanding of how it affects your health. Your body is constantly changing depending upon the normal ups and downs of life.

The following signs, if you continue to experience them over an extended period, may indicate that you have a leaky gut:

Leaky Gut Leads To Malnutrition And Obesity Even If Youre Eating Enough

Leaky gut can lead to a myriad of health conditions if left untreated. It can lead to malnutrition, obesity, immune irregularities, IBS, hormonal issues like PMS, depression, gas, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and perhaps the biggest concern, autoimmune disorders.

Autoimmune disorders are now so prevalent in the U.S. that they are now more common than cancer. New research shows that most autoimmune conditions may share a common root hiding in the mucosal barrier of individuals with autoimmune disorders, even years before the symptoms ever manifest. Research has shown that the first step of development of autoimmune disease is leaky gut. This is because when there is intestinal impermeability, incompletely digested food particles and antigens cross over into the blood stream and then overstimulate the immune system. This immune response can then attack any organ, tissue or system in the body. Recent research shows that this process that was once thought to be permanent and ongoing, is now believed to be possible to be modulated and even reversed.

What Is Leaky Gut

The digestive tract is like a net with extremely small holes in it that only allow specific substances to pass through. Your gut lining acts as a barrier to keep out bigger particles that arent meant to go through and can damage your system.

When there is leaky gut present or increased intestinal permeability, the net in your digestive tract gets damaged, causing even bigger holes in it that allow larger particles to pass through that shouldnt, like undigested food particles, candida, bad bacteria, pathogens and other invaders that dont belong. Toxic waste can also leak from the inside of your intestinal wall into your blood stream causing an immune reaction.

So when undigested food particles cross over into the blood stream where they are not meant to be, your immune system sets off an immune response and attacks the particles. Antibodies are created for those particles and then you can develop a food sensitivity to that particular food. Every time you consume that food again, an immune response is set off that you may be unaware of because there are no actual symptoms but there is inflammation occurring in the body. Chronic inflammation creates disease. So it doesnt mean that you are going to break out into hives or go into anaphylactic shock, but there is a response in the body that you may or may not be aware of.

Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies

One of the main jobs of the digestive system is to extract nutrition from food. But when damaged, it fails to do this job well. Nutrients affected by leaky gut syndrome include: vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Many times people with leaky gut also have digestive disturbances, such as diarrhea, making it even more likely that the body becomes deficient in vitamins and minerals. If the food moves through too quickly, their body cannot absorb the nutrition it needs. If you do suspect leaky gut, get tested for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Correcting these could help you start to feel better.

Here Are The Five Steps We Walk Our Clients Through To Heal A Leaky Gut:

1. Stop eating foods that damage the lining of your gut. Grains, legumes and processed, refined foods can be hard to digest and promote perforations in your intestines. This means cookies, crackers, bread, pasta, oats, and even brown rice are blameworthy. Its important to work hard at reducing consumption of these foodsat least for the duration of the healing process.

2. Start eating foods that reduce and heal inflammation and restore the healthy gut bacteria. Fermented foods like , sauerkraut, kimchi, and are important for replenishing your good gut bacteria. Healthy fats like coconut oil, avocado, olives, butter, fatty fish , and healing bone broth are important for calming that has occurred as a result of having a leaky gut.

3. Get stress and sleep under control. If these are out of whack, it will take a lot longer to heal a leaky gut, as youll be promoting more inflammation, and your body will need to focus on healing that before anything else. Do your body a favor and stay rested and practice stress management techniques so that it can focus on healing.

5. Use Inflam-Ez Powder Redefined. This powder is specifically formulated to reduce inflammation. For those with leaky gut, consuming 1 scoop of this powder mixed into 8 ounces of water, once or twice a day, will tremendously speed up the healing process. To help get you started, Im giving you 20% off your first order of Inflam-Ez Powder Redefined with the code LEAKY20. Get yours today!

Leaky Gut Supplements To Boost Weight Loss

Weight Loss1

The leaky gut syndrome is a condition that affects the lining of the intestines. It makes the intestinal walls weak, allowing toxins and bacteria to pass into the bloodstream.

The overall effect of this condition is a higher risk of diseases and weight gain. Unless you fix this condition, you will be on a vicious weight gaining loop. This is why leaky gut supplements are vital.

All humans have spaces between their intestines. However, when you become allergic to certain foods or get stressed or use certain antibiotics, the space gets wider. With time, undigested food, bacteria, and other particles leave your gut and enter the bloodstream. This leads to inflammation.

In this study, it was shown that inflammation causes insulin resistance . Imbalanced gut flora may also worsen insulin resistance.

After you add weight because of insulin resistance, appetite-controlling hormones like become ineffective so you feel hungry all the time. This causes you to eat more and gain more weight. To reverse break this vicious cycle you must take these leaky gut supplements.

Gut Flora Weight Loss: The Hard And Honest Truth

Its not as simple as change your gut flora and lose weight. Rather, its the impact these microbes have on your body that affects weight loss.

Your gut bacteria have roles in your digestion, fat storage, and hunger, all of which can have major impacts your weight. But you cant simply change gut bacteria and lose weight. No matter what youve read elsewhere, weve done the research, and its not a quick fix solution.