Leaky Gut or sometimes referred to as ‘Leaky Gut Syndrome’ or ‘Increased Intestinal Permeability’, is a health condition in which large cracks or holes develope in our gut lining and partially digested food, toxins, and bugs penetrate the tissue beneath it. This can lead to inflammation and changes in teh gut flora, causing problems for the digestive tract and beyond. There still exists controversy on whether leaky gut causes the development of diseases outside the gastrointestinal tract in humans. However, there is little controversy on what can CAUSE leaky gut and how to CURE it.  

In integrative medicine practices, it is thought the leaky gut can lead to bloating, food sensitivities, thyroid issues, chronic fatigue, joint pains, headaches, skin disorders, digestive symptoms, and even weight gain.

So, what causes leaky gut?

Many things can contribute and worsen leaky gut. The main causes are:

POOR DIET

Food that are high high in refined carbohydrates, refined sugar, toxins, preservatives and chemical additives, dairy, and animal protein can cause and worsen leaky gut. These foods are low in nutrients and high in inflammatory substances which can lead to poor gut function and health. Additionally, these food do not adequately feed your microbiome.

PATHOGENIC ORGANISMS

Certain organisms such as candida, C. difficile, Giardia, and other infectious agents can cause damage to the gut lining. These organisms can compete for our nutrients and release toxins to further damage the gut. 

MEDICATIONS

Prescription and non-prescription medications such as NSAIDS (ibuprofen), antibiotics, and proton-pump inhibitors can all affect the gut lining. These medications can destroy your good gut microbiomes and promote growth of pathogenic organisms which can make it difficult for your gut to heal. Sometimes, these medications are necessary. Sometimes medications are needed!

If NSAIDS are need, always ensure it is taken with food.

If proton-pump inhibitors are needed, ensure to limit food that can cause GERD and make lifestyle changes.

If antibiotics are need, make sure to consume lots of prebiotic and probiotic food to replenish a health gut environment.

INFLAMMATION

Inflammation can be caused by eating pro-inflammatory foods, toxin exposure, unnecessary intake of medications, low stomach acid, and pathogenic organisms. All these things can cause and worsen leaky gut.

STRESS

Chronic stress leads to break down of the mucus layer inside our gut that protects us from the outside world. This can lead to leaky gut, suppression of the immune system, and overgrowth of pathogenic organisms.

So how can we heal a LEAKY GUT and NOURISH YOUR MICROBIOME?

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