Is Leaky Gut Syndrome A Real Condition An Unbiased Look
A phenomenon called leaky gut has gained quite a bit of attention lately, particularly among natural health enthusiasts.
Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to leak through the intestinal wall.
Mainstream medical professionals do not recognize leaky gut as a real condition.
However, there is quite a bit of scientific evidence that leaky gut does exist and may be associated with multiple health problems.
This article takes a critical look at the evidence on leaky gut syndrome.
Understanding Diverticulosis And Diverticulitis
The colon is the last part of the digestive tract. It absorbs water from stool and changes it from a liquid to a solid. In certain cases, small pouches called diverticula can form in the colon wall. This condition is called diverticulosis. The pouches can become infected. If this happens, it becomes a more serious problem called diverticulitis. These problems can be painful. But they can be managed.
Possible Connection Between Ibs And Diverticulosis
There may be a connection between IBS and diverticulosis.
One 2013 study followed over one thousand people who were diagnosed with diverticulitis, with no previous history of a functional gastrointestinal disorder , such as IBS, over a period of approximately six years. Compared with a control group, they found that these individuals were at an almost five times greater risk for developing IBS. These results led this group of researchers to propose the notion of post-diverticulitis IBS , though it is not yet considered an official sub-type of IBS.
Other researchers have concluded that a link may exist, but that the connection and its implications for treatment are not yet clear.
Read Also: Probiotic Side Effects Nausea
How To Manage Diverticulitis With Diet
While newly-diagnosed people often feel overwhelmed by the limitations of a diverticulitis diet, the good news is that you dont need to be overly restrictive with what you eat. There are a few golden rules when it comes to choosing safe foods for diverticulitis that can make it easy to keep your stomach happy.
Does Anyone Have Diverticulitis With Diarrhea
I had diarrhea almost daily since starting on a 10-day antibiotic regime along with stomach pain that radiated into my back. I wanted to finish the course of pills the doctor gave me so I beared with it. Now that I am off the medication, and am following a very bland diet, yet I still am getting daily loose stools and/or diarrhea? I even began probiotics. Anyone else experience diarrhea?
You May Like: Align Probiotic Dose
Also Check: Align Kids Probiotic
What Are The Symptoms Of Diverticular Disease Vs Ibs
Diverticular Disease
- Pain in the belly
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Cramping
- Pain in the abdomen, usually in the lower-left side
- Bleeding, bright red or maroon blood may appear in the stool, in the toilet , or on the toilet paper. Bleeding is often mild and usually stops by itself however, it can become severe.
- Fever
- Chills
- Constipation
- Worsening abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation for an extended period of time
- Burning or pain during urination
- Bleeding from the rectum
IBS
- Abdominal cramping and pain that is relieved with bowel movements
- Alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation
Those who mostly have diarrhea as a symptom are considered to have IBS with diarrhea , characterized by sudden urges to have bowel movements, along with loose stools, frequent stools, abdominal pain and discomfort, gas, and the feeling of being unable to completely empty the bowels.
In severe cases of IBS-D, individuals may lose control of their bowels. Those who mostly have constipation as a symptom are considered to have IBS with constipation , characterized by the passage of hard, lumpy stools, straining during bowel movements, and infrequent stools. Symptoms include:
- Change in the stool frequency or consistency
- Gassiness
- Passing mucus from the rectum
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in stools or urine
- Vomiting
- Pain or diarrhea that interrupts sleep
- Fever
Do Prebiotics Help Return The Gut Microbiome To Normal
Prebiotics are foods for probiotics and include fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, cereals.
Mixing prebiotics with probiotics, such as yogurt with fruit and cereal or sauerkraut with a vegetable stir fry could be helpful for your gut, although there is no scientific evidence to support this.
Good prebiotic foods include vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, garlic, onions, and any green vegetable fruits such as bananas, berries, and tomatoes herbs such as chicory or garlic grains like barley, oat, and wheat and other fibers such as inulin that may be available on its own or added to foods such as granola bars, cereal, and yogurt.
Read Also: Peanut Butter Heart Burn
Remove Gut Irritating Foods
Common food allergens associated with diverticulitis include gluten, grains, corn, soy, nuts and seeds. These foods, commonly GMO crops, disturb the balance of beneficial bacteria present in the gut leading to gastrointestinal disturbances and a weakened immune response.
Clinically, diverticulitis is comparable in symptoms to irritable bowel syndrome . In study these patients have low concentrations of good bacteria, heightened inflammation, and weakened immune systems. By addressing food sensitivities through an elimination diet, the patients symptoms significantly improved.
Some patients report experiencing pain in the lower left lower abdomen when consuming foods like seeds and nuts feared to become lodged into a diverticulum . However, diverticulitis can be accompanied by other bowel complications like irritable bowel syndrome making the cause of diverticulitis hard to identify.
Learn what food irritants trigger your diverticulitis symptoms by learning these 5 Steps to Following an Elimination Diet. Giving your gut the rest it needs from food irritants can help you heal your gut and improve digestive health.
Use Probiotics To Your Benefit
By now you should be more aware of the potential side effects of overdosing on probiotics and how to eliminate or minimize those side effects. If you continue to have discomfort while taking probiotics, I recommend you stop taking that particular brand.
Because of the differences in dose, diversity, and delivery mechanisms, not all probiotics are created equal. One probiotic will not have the same benefits or side effects as another.
For example, a probiotic using one strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus may help your digestive health, but another using a different Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain may not have the same effect. It may take some experimenting to determine the right brand for you.
Don’t Miss: Ibs Mayo
Should You Take Probiotics If You Have Diverticulitis
Treatment depends on how bad your symptoms are.
-
For mild symptoms. You may be put on a liquid diet for a short time. Antibiotics are usually prescribed. If these two steps relieve your symptoms, you may then be prescribed a high-fiber diet. If you still have symptoms, your healthcare provider will discuss more treatment choices with you.
-
For severe symptoms. You may need to be admitted to the hospital. There, you can be given IV antibiotics and fluids. You will also be put on a low-fiber or liquid diet. Although not common, surgery is needed in some people with severe symptoms.
Probiotics And Antidepressants: 7 Things You Need To
2 mins readA A Probiotics may relieve side effects of some antidepressants, HI morgane-The drug interaction checker on this site did not indicate that there would be a problem.Good question, Risskov, Johns Wort has actually been shown to improve the symptoms of depression just as well as antidepressants can, pragmatical and non-stigmatizing prevention and adjuvant therapy in depression, prompting further interest in the link between these organisms and mood function., Lund S , pragmatical and non-stigmatizing prevention and adjuvant therapy in depression, Effectiveness
Read Also: Align Probiotic Supplement Facts
Protects Gut Cells From Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a condition that triggers cell death, and, with regards to intestinal cells, these molecular mechanisms contributing to cell survival and apoptosis are programmed.
Meaning, it is sometimes needed during inflammatory bowel diseases.
Spontaneous apoptosis of cells is normal and essential especially when there is inflammation due to leaky gut or other GI issues because an inflamed cell has to die to stop the spread of the inflammation.
However, keep in mind that proliferation and apoptosis must always be balanced.
It cannot be like this: more cell death and less cell production or vice versa.
According to a study in Minnesota, many factors can disturb this balance such as the following:
- Oxidative stress
- Nutrient deprivation
- Lack of growth factor
Thus, without these factors, sustained apoptosis could occur, and that is dangerous to gut health, making the leaky gut condition more severe.
Sustained apoptosis can trigger some of the following health conditions to occur:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Bacterial infection
- Celiac disease
In a study published in the journal of Infection and Immunity, l-glutamine can protect cells from cell death by suppressing apoptosis.
It has an anti-apoptotic property and at the same time, it maintains normal cellular redox status.
In another study from China, l-glutamine is reported to be associated with caspase activation as the amino acid regulates the said activity.
If You Have Diverticulitis
Treatment depends on how bad your symptoms are.
-
For mild symptoms. You may be put on a liquid diet for a short time. Antibiotics are usually prescribed. If these two steps relieve your symptoms, you may then be prescribed a high-fiber diet. If you still have symptoms, your healthcare provider will discuss more treatment choices with you.
-
For severe symptoms. You may need to be admitted to the hospital. There, you can be given IV antibiotics and fluids. You will also be put on a low-fiber or liquid diet. Although not common, surgery is needed in some people with severe symptoms.
You May Like: Side Effects Of Sodium Bicarbonate
Conventional Treatment For Diverticulitis Symptoms
Treatment for symptomatic diverticular disease is largely based on the symptoms. Traditional therapy includes fiber, rest, antibiotics, pain control and surgery for selected cases. The goal of management of diverticular disease is to treat the infection, improve the symptoms, and prevent the recurrence of symptoms or development of serious complications.
Mesalamine is a medication thats commonly used to treat certain bowel diseases. It works by decreasing swelling in the colon, and its used to reduce symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, stomach pain and diarrhea.
Rifaximin is an antibiotic thats commonly used in the treatment of digestive and diverticular conditions. Its typically used to treat travelers diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome by dropping the growth of bacteria that causes diarrhea. Side effects of rifaximin include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, excessive tiredness, headache, muscle tightening and joint pain.
If you have a severe attack or have other health problems, youll likely need to be hospitalized, and treatment will generally involve intravenous antibiotics and insertion of a tube to drain an abscess if one has formed.
Advantages Of Probiotics As Antidepressive Treatment
Probiotics are generally safe for consumption, except for immune-compromised and critically sick individuals wherein probiotics may cause sepsis, pneumonia, endocarditis and allergies . Still, it has been viewed by some that more human trials are required to establish the dosage efficacy and long-term safety profile of probiotics . For antidepressant drugs such as SSRIs, side effects occur in 40-60% of users which include sexual dysfunction, suicidality, emotional numbness and addiction . A meta-analysis data showed that users of antidepressant drugs were associated with a 33% increased risk of mortality . On the other hand, probiotics possess fewer side effects than antidepressant drugs. For instance, rats fed with L. brevis-fermented milk exhibited comparable antidepressive efficacy to fluoxetine-treated rats, but without side effects of fluoxetine .
Antidepressant usage is also associated with stigma, such as being perceived as emotionally weak and dependent on drugs, which contributes to the disease severity and poor adherence to treatment . In a survey study, 77% of depressed patients prefer to hide their use of antidepressant medication from others . However, the prevalence of perceived stigma against antidepressants differs based on the population studied . To this end, probiotics may help as an alternative treatment for depression, given that probiotics have not been associated with any perceived social stigma .
Recommended Reading: Align Probiotic Reviews For Bloating
If You Have Diverticulosis
Recommendations include:
-
Diet changes are often enough to control symptoms. The main changes are adding fiber and drinking more water. Fiber absorbs water as it travels through your colon. This helps your stool stay soft and move smoothly. Water helps this process.
-
If needed, you may be told to take over-the-counter stool softeners.
-
To help relieve pain, antispasmodic medicines may be prescribed.
-
Watch for changes in your bowel movements. Tell the healthcare provider if you notice any changes.
-
Begin an exercise program. Ask your healthcare provider how to get started.
-
Get plenty of rest and sleep.
What Is Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease is a group of conditions that affect your large intestine . It involves small pouches or sacs, called diverticula. These pouches can form in your intestine wall. They can push through the wall of your colon. The most common conditions of diverticular disease are:
- Diverticulosis. This is the base condition where the pouches form. It becomes more common as you age. Most people with diverticulosis dont know they have it.
- Diverticulitis. This occurs when the pouches become inflamed or infected. It can cause pain and other symptoms. Serious cases could require staying in the hospital.
- Diverticular bleeding. Diverticular bleeding occurs when a blood vessel in a pouch bursts. Its not as common as diverticulitis.
You May Like: Ibs In Pregnancy
How Probiotics Might Be Bad For You
Because these good bacteria already exist in the body, theyâre considered safe for most people. But there are some things to consider.
They can trigger an allergic reaction. They might cause mild stomach problems, especially the first few days you start taking them. You might have stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, or bloating. Those symptoms usually go away after your body gets used to them.
If you have an immune system problem or another serious health condition, you may have a greater chance of issues. Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people whove had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Dont take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
Always talk to your pediatrician before giving probiotic supplements to your child. If youre pregnant or nursing, you should also talk to your doctor before you try one.
Most probiotics in the U.S. are sold as dietary supplements. That means the companies that make them dont have to test their products and show that they work or that they are safe. More research is needed to confirm that probiotics are safe and effective.
Ask your doctor which probiotics are the right ones for you. Be sure to stop taking them if you have any problems.
What Is The Treatment For Diverticular Disease Vs Ibs
Diverticular Disease
A high-fiber diet is the mainstay of diverticulosis and diverticulitis prevention.
- Start a high-fiber diet because it will decrease the risk of complications and the accompanying symptoms however, will not make the diverticula a person has gone away. Foods high in fiber include:
- Whole-grain cereals and bread
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Beans, peas, and lentils.
In the past patients with diverticulosis/diverticulitis were told that foods to avoid included seeds, corn, and nuts because it was thought fragments of these foods would get stuck in the diverticula and cause inflammation. However, current research has not found this to be the case, and the fiber content of such foods may actually benefit individuals with diverticulosis/diverticulitis. Discuss your diet or potential diet changes with your doctor.
Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of the condition.
IBS
Most people with IBS have symptoms only occasionally and the following measures may treat or soothe symptoms during a flare:
Other home remedies to soothe and lessen IBS symptoms include:
The following medications are typically reserved for patients with symptoms that do not improve with the previously mentioned treatments:
You May Like: Colostrum Reverse Autoimmune Disease
Rebuilds And Repairs The Intestine
When you experience gastrointestinal health issues such as the leaky gut, the tendency is that your intestines will also be damaged.
Eventually, your intestinal health will not be optimal unless your intestines are rebuilt and repaired.
Take note that when you have digestive issues, your intestines might bleed.
But, what if I tell you that l-glutamine supplement can help you do this repair?
According to a study in Texas, l-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and the intestines utilize 30% of it.
Furthermore, as cited in a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, l-glutamine can help maintain gut barrier integrity.
This means that your intestinal epithelial cells will be repaired while helping them adapt to stressful conditions.
Leaky Gut: What Is It And What Does It Mean For You
- By , Contributor
Before the medical community had better understanding of the mechanisms that cause disease, doctors believed certain ailments could originate from imbalances in the stomach. This was called hypochondriasis. This concept was rejected as science evolved and, for example, we could look under a microscope and see bacteria, parasites, and viruses. The meaning of the term changed, and for many years doctors used the word “hypochondriac” to describe a person who has a persistent, often inexplicable fear of having a serious medical illness.
But what if this ancient concept of illnesses originating in the gut actually holds some truth? Could some of the chronic diseases our society faces today actually be associated with a dysfunctional gastrointestinal system?
The expression “leaky gut” is getting a lot of attention in medical blogs and social media lately, but dont be surprised if your doctor does not recognize this term. Leaky gut, also called increased intestinal permeability, is somewhat new and most of the research occurs in basic sciences. However, there is growing interest to develop medications that may be used in patients to combat the effects of this problem.
Don’t Miss: Diarrhea Pregnancy Medicine