When Should I See A Doctor
Improving your diet may help you feel better, but a leaky gut sometimes can have other causes, like infection or disease.
In some cases, food sensitivities may be causing your symptoms. If you suspect you may have a food sensitivity, Dr. La Vella recommends working with a doctor to determine your sensitivity.
It is very safe for anyone to adopt a whole foods diet and youll likely start feeling better within a few weeks, says Dr. La Vella. If you have ongoing symptoms and are still concerned after making these changes, talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying cause that needs to be treated.
Get medical and nutritional support on your weight loss journey. Attend a free seminar to learn how Samaritan Weight Management Institute can help you feel your best.
Learn more about probiotics and improving gut health.
- Cells that form the lining of the intestines are called enterocytes. Permeability occurs when the junctions between these cells loosen and microorganisms and toxins can leak through.
How Do I Know If I Have Leaky Gut Syndrome
Because Leaky Gut Syndrome isnt officially recognized as a real condition, it can be hard to identify if thats whats bringing you down. Especially considering that Leaky Gut is often associated with and can lead to1,4,5:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
- Diabetes
Once these factors give way to a leaky gut, you then become at risk of developing the associated conditions listed above.
Leaky Gut Syndrome: 7 Signs You May Have It
May 8, 2018
If youve been around the natural health world very long, youve probably heard of a condition known as leaky gut syndrome. It sounds pretty gross, but its an important enough problem to consider. There are several leaky gut symptoms to be aware of, which is particularly important since leaky gut is associated with dozens of related conditions and diseases.
As more Americans are affected by poor diet choices, chronic stress, toxic overload and bacterial imbalance, it appears that the prevalence of leaky gut has reached epidemic proportions. The medical profession is just now agreeing this condition may even exist, which is especially shocking to me because intestinal permeability has been discussed in the medical literature for over 100 years!
Why should leaky gut syndrome concern you? Recently leaky gut has been called a danger signal for autoimmune disease. If youre wondering if you may be experiencing leaky gut, the first thing to do is access your symptoms. Keep in mind that its very common for people on a Standard American Diet to struggle with poor gut function and high levels of inflammation but just because digestive issues and autoimmune conditions are common doesnt make them normal!
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Is Having A Leaky Gut Bad For You
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What Do The Latest Studies Show About Leaky Gut
Many animal studies associate leaky gut with different health conditions. And some newer studies in people show that leaky gut may be associated with health conditions outside of the gut. Here are a few notable studies:
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Some children with food allergies or food hypersensitivity have increased intestinal permeability compared to kids who dont have any food allergies. The more severe the reaction to certain foods, the worse the leaky gut was.
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A recent study showed that people with anxiety or depression could have changes in their blood and stool associated with a leaky gut even though they dont have any GI symptoms.
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Leaky gut syndrome may be associated with some types of autoimmune diseases. For example, one study showed that people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis had signs of a leaky gut when compared to people without the condition.
Other conditions that researchers have linked to leaky gut include:
So far, these studies on leaky gut provide interesting information. But its important to note that we cant draw too many conclusions from them.
First of all, many of the studies are pretty small. We also dont know if leaky gut caused these conditions, is a symptom of them, or is just associated with them. Also, just because this process occurs does not mean you will have symptoms. Exercise can cause leaky gut to occur, but this does not mean you should not exercise.
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Gut Microbiota And Autism
2016 review , autistic children often develop significant digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In a small 2017 study, researchers compared stool samples from two groups of children autistic children with GI symptoms, and those without autism or GI symptoms. The researchers identified significantly higher amounts of Clostridium perfringens bacteria in samples collected from autistic children with GI symptoms.
Understanding The Gi Tract
To start with, the gastrointestinal tract is lined with a mucus layer that serves as a protective barrier. Just under this mucus layer there is a single layer of epithelial cells connected to one another by a series of “drawbridges” called tight junctions. The role of the tight junctions is twofold:
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How To Know If You Have Leaky Gut
Lab tests for intestinal permeability measure zonulinin blood or stool, or lactulose-to-mannitol ratio in urine. These lab testsarent well validated in the research, although blood testing for zonulinantibodies seems to provide some relevant information.
I generally dont find these tests clinically valuable or tobe a good use of my patients health care dollars. If you have digestivedisorders or gut health problems,you can generally assume that you have a leakygut.
As you work to heal your leaky gut, inflammation will reduceand your symptoms will improve as well. Thats how you know your leaky gut ishealing.
Are You Experiencing A Nutritional Deficiency Or Sensitivity To Certain Foods
In the case that your gut lining becomes swollen or subject to damage, your gut barrier can become permeable and allow for toxic substances to pass through your system. However, leaky gut syndrome can sometimes also be responsible for partial nutrient absorption. The swelling of your gut lining will likely affect the function of your microvilli those are the little bristles lining your gut barrier that help with nutrient absorption.6
If your tight junctions expand in width or stick open as you digest, unprocessed fats and proteins can pass through them and infiltrate your bloodstream. In this case, your body will react negatively to these threats and may greenlight allergic responses which can complicate the following symptoms:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Skin irritation7
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Leaky Gut Syndrome What Does This Mean For You
Leaky Gut Syndrome is an increase in permeability of the intestinal mucosa to antigens and toxins associated with inflammatory degenerative lining.
Many practitioners are quick to jump to the conclusion of âLeaky Gutâ purely because of associated symptoms. Donât be in a rush to believe them and certainly donât panic. Like with any âSyndromeâ it is a convenient way of giving the problem a name when we donât really know what the actual problem is. Same like IBS, CFS & MCS.
When you have LGS what happens is that basically the cells of the small intestine that normally allow the small nutrient molecules of digested food to pass between them and enter the blood stream become damaged. This creates a more permeable or âleakyâ intestinal wall and larger, undigested food molecules, toxins, bacteria and other substances are able to pass through these âleaksâ in the intestinal lining and enter the blood. Because these substances do not belong in the blood, our immune system creates antibodies against them and they are carried to the liver where they are metabolized. If the âleaksâ in the intestinal wall are not healed or become larger, over time the continual barrage of these unwanted substances overworks our immune system, overburdens our liver, and stresses the many and varied systems in our body.
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So Increased Intestinal Permeability Does Exist
But so do people who hijack and exploit the term for their own gain.
Unfortunately, restoring the intestinal barrier doesnt cure diseases like autism and diabetes, so dont believe anyone who tries to sell you on that idea. Most diseases are far more complex than a simple increase in intestinal permeability.
Random supplements and cures, scare tactics and diets, are not going to heal your impaired intestinal permeability or your chronic conditions. Dont buy in to any of that. You dont need to spend $14 on a cup of bone broth to heal your leaky junctions.
It appears as though increased intestinal permeability may be due to different causes, some of which may be fixed with alterations to diet and lifestyle.
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How Do You Get Rid Of Leaky Gut
Now that weve been talked about leaky gut symptoms, causes and opinions, lets talk about how to test for and repair leaky gut.
How do you test for leaky gut?
Several leaky gut syndrome tests are available that can help confirm a diagnosis and point you in the right treatment direction. Tests are helpful for identifying specific sensitivities and uncovering which types of toxins or deficiencies are contributing to your symptoms. Leaky gut tests include:
- Zonulin or Lactulose Tests
- Organic Acid Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Tests
- Lactulose Mannitol Test
What leaky gut treatments are available?
After years of research and patient care, I developed a four-step process for helping to heal leaky gut. I cover this process in my article entitled the Leaky Gut Diet and Treatment Plan. If youre concerned that you or a loved one may have leaky gut symptoms, I encourage you to read the detailed instructions, food suggestions and recommended leaky gut supplements listed in this article.
The basic steps to healing leaky gut are as follows:
Two of the most common questions people ask are: What can I eat if I have leaky gut syndrome? And what should I NOT eat when I have leaky gut?
Leaky Gut Syndrome/intestinal Permeability Symptoms
In alternative medicine, symptoms are said to include: abdominal pain, asthma, chronic joint pain, chronic muscle pain, confusion, gas, indigestion, mood swings, nervousness, frequent colds, recurrent vaginal infections, skin rashes, diarrhea, recurrent bladder infections, poor memory, shortness of breath, constipation, bloating, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue.
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What Causes Increased Intestinal Permeability
A compromised intestinal barrier can be caused by high stress levels, NSAIDs, alcohol consumption, radiation and chemotherapy, trauma, and infection.
We also know that harmful gut bacteria can chew through the mucus layer that lies on top of the gut lumen , exposing the cells and impairing gut barrier function.
Genetics also play a role: some people are at greater risk of reactivity to gluten, for example, and some are born with a trait that makes them more susceptible to increased gut permeability.
Diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, toxins in food , celiac, and irritable bowel can also affect the permeability of our gut.
Signs You Have Leaky Gut Syndrome & How To Heal It
7 Signs You Have Leaky Gut Syndrome & amp How to Heal It Contributing writer 7 Signs You Have Leaky Gut Syndrome & amp How to Heal It
Leaky gut syndrome, also known as intestinal permeability, is a digestive condition that can drive inflammation and autoimmunity. While it is not yet a widely recognized medical condition, integrative and functional medicine doctors are at the forefront of diagnosis and treatment, while more research is starting to emerge to explain what it is and how to heal it.
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So What Causes Imbalances In Gut Microbes
Recent research suggests that a diet thats low in fiber and high in added sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods is the cause for many Americans. Other contributors include stress, antibiotics and certain medications, artificial sweeteners, chemicals, and excessive alcoholessentially any food or environmental component that can inflame the gut lining.
Identify The Foods You Should Avoid:
While you take the time to consume the right kind of food, it is equally important to avoid eating certain foods to improve your gut health. Some foods come with higher possibilities of causing inflammation in the body. Such foods can also negatively affect healthy bacteria while promoting the growth of unhealthy gut bacteria responsible for many chronic health conditions. In order to ensure that this does not happen, it is vital to avoid consuming excess junk food, foods containing artificial sweeteners, refined oils, sugary beverages, processed food, and alcohol. All these foods can harm healthy gut bacteria and compromise the guts protective lining. It is also vital to stay away from wheat-based products like wheat flour, cereals, pasta, and bread, which can also trigger symptoms of an unhealthy gut. Also avoid eating foods such as oats, triticale, seitan, bulgur, rye, and barley frequently. Eating a lot of grain foods that contain gluten is very problematic as well.
In addition to that, it is best also to stay away from processed foods, processed meat, baked foods, and snacks. Processed meat foods include hot dogs, bacon, deli meats, and cold cuts. Baked goods include pizza, pastries, pies, cookies, muffins, and cakes. Snack foods to stay away from consist of the following pretzels, popcorn, muesli bars, and crackers. Sauces like salad dressings, teriyaki, soy, and hoisin sauce ideally have to be avoided as well.
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What Is A Leaky Gut Mean
, researchers confirmed an association between gut microbiota imbalances and autism.
A 2010 study observed increased IP in autistic people and their first-degree relatives. However, reported no significant differences in the IP of autistic children.
Scientists must carry out more research to establish whether IP plays a role in autism.
Since many doctors do not consider leaky gut to be a legitimate medical condition, there is no standard treatment.
However, certain dietary and lifestyle changes may help people to improve their gut health. This, in turn, may alleviate leaky gut symptoms.
The following dietary tips may help to improve gut health:
- eating more probiotics to boost beneficial gut bacteria
- eating foods rich in prebiotic fiber, such as vegetables and whole grains
- eating less meat, dairy, and eggs
- avoiding added sugar and artificial sweeteners
The following lifestyle changes can improve digestion and support a healthy gut:
- exercising regularly
How Is Leaky Gut Syndrome Treated
The treatment of leaky gut syndrome is centered on decreasing intestinal inflammation to restore the barrier function of the intestines. In many cases, the diagnosis of the underlying cause determines the treatment that is required. In the absence of a definitive diagnosis, however, there are some treatments that may be recommended.
“The treatment of leaky gut syndrome is centered on decreasing intestinal inflammation to restore the barrier function of the intestines.”
First, any allergens or potential toxins should be removed from your dogs diet. Your pet should be transitioned to a hypoallergenic diet, unless a food allergy has been definitively ruled out using a veterinarian-directed food trial in the past.
Medications with the potential to cause intestinal inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, should be discontinued if possible. If your pet has pain from arthritis or another condition, talk to your veterinarian about other options for managing your pets discomfort.
Probiotics may be recommended to restore your dogs normal intestinal bacterial flora. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best probiotic for your pet.
Finally, additional medications may be given to treat intestinal damage. Antioxidants, fatty acid supplements, fiber supplements, and other medications may be used to promote intestinal health and help restore normal intestinal function.
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The Link Between Leaky Gut And Diseases
Many digestive and autoimmune disorders are associated with a leaky gut, but it is not yet clear whether leaky gut causes all autoimmune disease, as some claim.
Symptoms of a general digestive disorderlike irritable bowel syndrome, for exampleare also symptoms of leaky gut.
There is clear evidence linking celiac disease and Crohns disease with increased intestinal permeability. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, there is a very immediate and clear increase in leaky gut along with digestive symptoms. Likewise, when a Crohns disease patient is having a flare, their intestinal permeability clearly increases, and appears to decrease as their symptom flare resolves. [28
Trusted SourcePubMedGo to source]
In fact, its been suggested that intestinal permeability may be associated with the onset of Type 1 diabetes , and that even the arterial inflammation of cardiovascular disease may be caused by leaky gut. Research is still in the early phases, and it is difficult at this stage to make generalizations.
Some in the alternative medical community claim that all autoimmune disease is caused by leaky gut. The research data do not yet support this claim. At this time, its not clear whether autoimmune disease is preceded by leaky gut, or if leaky gut is a consequence of the disease. There is an association, but not clear causation.