Leaky Gut

Today we are talking about Leaky Gut

What is leaky Gut?

Leaky gut, or “intestinal permeability,” is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, causing undigested food particles, toxic waste products and bacteria to “leak” through the intestines and flood the blood stream. The foreign substances entering the blood can cause an autoimmune response in the body including inflammatory and allergic reactions such as migraines, irritable bowel, eczema, chronic fatigue, food allergies, rheumatoid arthritis and more.

Leaky gut is a common and often an undiagnosed condition that causes inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation leaves us vulnerable to developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, allergies, asthma, acne, obesity, nervous system disorders and a host of other autoimmune diseases. 

In many cases, leaky gut is caused by your diet. For me, certain foods that I was consuming every day, including gluten, soy and dairy, were being treated by my body as foreign invaders that had to be fought off. When I ate these foods, my body went to war, producing antibodies, which triggered an immune response that included diarrhea, headaches, fatigue and joint pain.

Leaky gut can also be caused by medications including antibiotics, steroids or over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen, which can irritate the intestinal lining and damage protective mucus layers. This irritation can start or continue the inflammation cycle that leads to intestinal permeability.

10 Signs you have a leaky gut:

Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating

Nutritional deficiencies

Poor immune system

Headaches, brain fog, memory loss

Excessive fatigue

Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea

Cravings for sugar or carbs

Arthritis or joint pain

Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD

Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease or Crohn’s

Make sure to tune into my Health Buzz podcast next Wednesday to learn more about gut health. 

If you are ready to get started of if you have any questions call my office to set up your appointment at 251-949-2220 or visit my website www.lifewellnessforever.com

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