Current health issues such as easy weight gain, persistent acne, irritable bowel syndrome, skin inflammation, and other symptoms we are facing may stem from leaky gut syndrome, a condition characterized by abnormal intestinal absorption. One potential cause of this condition could be…
- Repeated eating behaviours
- Processed food groups
- Consumption of high-sugar foods
These can affect the body’s internal balance, including the immune system and metabolism, and may lead to serious chronic diseases.
What is leaky gut syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which the intestines absorb substances abnormally, causing the intestinal lining (microvilli) to function improperly.
In healthy individuals, the intestinal epithelial cells are tightly arranged to filter and control toxins or pathogens that enter the bloodstream directly. However, when these cells become inflamed, they can no longer maintain this tight arrangement and begin to separate, creating gaps between them. This allows toxins, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and various allergens to pass through these gaps into the bloodstream without proper filtration. When the intestines lose their ability to regulate the entry and exit of substances, allowing abnormal elements to easily cross the intestinal wall, this condition is medically referred to as “leaky gut syndrome.” When foreign substances enter the bloodstream, the body must rapidly produce antibodies to combat them, leading to chronic inflammation and resulting in various diseases and health issues.
Common causes of leaky gut syndrome include:
Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications: These drugs can weaken the integrity of the intestinal lining, potentially leading to leaky gut if used continuously for an extended period.
Antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs: A healthy gut depends not only on the integrity of the intestinal wall but also on the balance of bacteria within the body. Frequent or excessive use of antibiotics without replenishing beneficial bacteria can lead to the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms or other microorganisms such as fungi or unwanted bacteria increasing, resulting in inflammation of the intestinal lining.
Stress, anxiety, and insufficient sleep.
Food intolerance : Excessive consumption of dairy food and sugar.
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome:
- Frequent abdominal pain with no identifiable cause
- Excessive gas in the gastrointestinal tract
- Food intolerance and inability to digest certain foods, such as refined sugars and starches, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and fullness after consumption
- Chronic diarrhoea, occurring regardless of food intake, or experiencing diarrhoea or constipation more than once a week
- Easy fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and persistent exhaustion even with adequate rest
- Cold hands and feet
- Unexplained weight gain
- Headaches or joint pain of unknown origin
- Itchy rashes and persistent acne that doesn’t heal
Treatment for Leaky Gut Syndrome
Dietary Adjustments:
- Reduce the intake of refined sugars and starches.
- Choose whole grains, such as brown rice and whole wheat bread, along with brown sugar.
- Eat a more diverse range of foods to avoid prolonged exposure to the same chemicals.
- Focus on consuming more vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water.
- Maintain regular meal times.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and smoking.
- Reduce stress.
- Ensure sufficient rest.
- Minimize medication use: If experiencing mild symptoms, allow the body to recover naturally.
Foods Beneficial for the Gut:
High-Probiotic Foods:
- Yogurt
- Vegetables and fruits
- Legumes and nuts
- Whole grains and unrefined flours
Foods Rich in Vitamins:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Leaky gut syndrome can lead to various gastrointestinal diseases, such as allergies, food intolerances, chronic fatigue, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune disorders (SLE), and thyroiditis, among others.
Diagnosis of Leaky Gut Syndrome
If there is a history of gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, bloating, indigestion, or frequent constipation, individuals may be at higher risk for developing leaky gut.
Symptoms such as adverse reactions after eating foods like dairy or wheat, which manifest as acne, rashes, joint pain, or insomnia and restlessness within 1-2 days, may also suggest leaky gut. If these symptoms are present, laboratory tests can help evaluate whether they are caused by leaky gut. The laboratory tests include:
- Stool Analysis: A Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) assesses gastrointestinal abnormalities by analysing the quality of digestion in the stool, checking if food is being properly digested, if the balance of bacterial species is healthy, and if there is overgrowth of harmful bacteria, yeast, fungi, or parasites.
- Zonulin Test: This test measures the level of the protein Zonulin, which controls the size of the gaps between the intestinal epithelial cells. Elevated Zonulin levels in the bloodstream, especially in response to food allergies or sensitivities, indicate the presence of leaky gut syndrome.
- Food Intolerance Test: Food intolerance, also referred to as chronic food allergy, is a condition where allergic reactions occur due to the immune response involving IgG antibodies produced by the body against certain foods. Sometimes, these reactions can damage the body’s tissues or disrupt the overall immune system, leading to imbalances.
