What is Leaky Gut? And How Do I Fix It?

Healthy Beings Staff
Nov 30, 2021 8:09:16 PM

It is normal to experience occasional stomach issues like constipation or diarrhea due to sickness, diet, or medication side effects. However, combined with other ongoing symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or food sensitivities, these problems can indicate something more serious. Leaky Gut Syndrome, or LGS, is connected with various health problems, yet there is still much to learn about how it affects the body. Read on to learn more about what causes leaky gut and how to fix it.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

The gastrointestinal tract contains the esophagus, stomach, and both the small and large intestine. A tight lining surrounds these organs to help protect the body from harmful digested substances such as toxins, bacteria, and partially digested food. Nutrients from food need to pass through or "permeate" this lining to be used by the body for energy, nutrition, and repair. To do this, digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestines break down food and liquid into tiny pieces. These molecules are then small enough to slip through the intestinal lining and enter into the bloodstream. The leftovers are pushed along the digestive system until they are fully converted into waste and finally exit the body through elimination. Occasionally, a substance that should convert to waste passes through this lining as well; this is normal and can happen to everyone. However, for people with leaky gut syndrome, the openings in the intestinal lining widen, and cracks may develop, which allow too many toxic substances to pass through into the bloodstream. These toxic substances present in the bloodstream can lead to a variety of ongoing health problems.

What are the symptoms of leaky gut?

Leaky gut may cause a variety of syndromes such as fatigue, nutrition deficiencies, chronic constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, cramps, headaches, acne, rashes, eczema, widespread inflammation, and joint pain. Because these symptoms can also indicate many other health problems, it may take some time to get a final diagnosis.

While there is still a lot to be learned about leaky gut syndrome and how it affects the body, it may also contribute to other more severe health conditions. These include diabetes, chronic liver disease, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and more.

Many doctors still do not believe that leaky gut is a diagnosable condition, while others debate if the syndrome is a cause of other health problems or a symptom of these more significant conditions.

What causes leaky gut syndrome?

At this time, the cause of leaky gut syndrome and how it may contribute to other health problems isn’t fully understood. Triggers that lead to imbalances in gut microbiota may cause an immune response, resulting in gut inflammation and leaking. Other factors that affect the permeability of the intestinal lining could also lead to developing leaky gut syndrome. These factors include the overconsumption of alcohol, autoimmune diseases, stress, poor nutrition, diabetes, and infections. Some think genetics may play a large part in those affected by this syndrome, though there is still much to learn about it.

How can you fix leaky gut syndrome?

Further experimentation and study will be needed before all doctors consider LGS to be a legitimate medical condition. Because the exact cause and effects of leaky gut syndrome are still unclear, there isn’t one standard medical treatment for it. However, some lifestyle and diet changes can help to improve overall gut health, which may ultimately reduce some leaky gut symptoms.

These changes include:

Eating a well-balanced diet, including high-fiber vegetables and whole grains, and reducing consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs.
Limiting or avoiding added sugars and artificial sweeteners.
Including a probiotic supplement to boost good gut bacteria.
Consistently getting enough restful sleep every night.
Reducing stress and exercising regularly.
Limiting the use of unnecessary antibiotics or taking a probiotic supplement along with them.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Many chronic health problems are linked to lifestyle choices, which may be frustrating as they typically do not have quick fixes to finding relief. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms you might have to narrow down potential causes and work towards feeling better faster.