Leaky Gut

Leaky gut is a condition that creates gaps/openings in the lining of the intestines. The intestines have an essential role in protecting the body from harmful bacteria and toxins.

GI Gastrointestinal Tract

The gastrointestinal or GI tract is a tube of connected organs. They include:

  • Esophagus
  • Stomach
  • Small and large intestines

Enzymes in the stomach and small intestine digest and break down nutrients from the foods and drinks that the body uses for energy, growth, and repair. There are openings in the walls that allow water and nutrients to pass into the bloodstream while the toxic/harmful substances are kept inside. With a leaky gut, the openings begin to widen and allow food particles, bacteria, and toxins to enter directly into the blood.

There is also a wide array of bacteria known as gut microbiota. These bacteria help with digestion, protect the walls, and support immune function. Research has found that imbalances in the gut microbiota can trigger an immune system response. The response causes inflammation and a higher probability of intestinal permeability or IP. Intestinal permeability looks at the ease of substances leaking out of the intestines and into the blood.

Signs/Symptoms

Symptoms of leaky gut can include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Nutrition issues
  • Poor immune system
  • Headaches
  • Brain fog
  • Memory loss
  • Fatigue
  • Skin rashes

Risks and Causes

Various risk factors can disrupt the gut microbiota and contribute. Examples include:

Lifestyle Changes

Healing a leaky gut involves making dietary adjustments and removing the foods that the body sees as toxic. Lifestyle changes and support for a healthy gut:

  • Regular exercise
  • Proper sleep
  • Reducing stress
  • Avoiding the use of antibiotics
  • Quit smoking
  • Adding probiotics to boost the good gut bacteria
  • Eating foods rich in prebiotic fiber
  • Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners

Health experts realize that leaky gut syndrome is interconnected to many other chronic health conditions. This is an issue that can be tested for and corrected, aiding professionals to catch diseases early and slow the progression.

Photobiomics and Gut Health: Part 2 | El Paso, TX (2021)

Introduction   The previous article talked about how photobiomodulation or low laser therapy can help improve the gut microbiome. Today's… Read More

November 3, 2021

Photobiomics and Gut Health: Part 1 | El Paso, TX (2021)

Introduction The body has a variety of functions that work simultaneously to make sure that it's working correctly. From the… Read More

November 2, 2021

The Integrative use of Herbal Therapy for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: The Functional Medicine Approach

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) has a prevalence of 56% among patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Over the years, this… Read More

October 31, 2021

Treating SIBO and IBS with the 5R’s Framework

Gastrointestinal issues are one of the main reasons why patients come into a doctor's office. Certainly, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)… Read More

June 1, 2021

How to Boost Tight Junction Integrity Through Nutrition?

Tight Junctions (TJ) comprise different proteins that bind to the actin cytoskeleton to provide barrier integrity to our gut lining.… Read More

March 8, 2021

Tight Junctions: Defective Intestinal Barrier and Pathological Conditions

Our main interaction with food, pathogens, and inflammatory signals is made through our intestinal barrier. Indeed, our gut epithelium is… Read More

March 5, 2021

How Barrier Tissues Protect Us Against Pathogens

Innate and adaptive immunity responses often take the spotlight regarding the defense and protection against pathogens. Nevertheless, barrier tissues have… Read More

March 1, 2021

Intestinal Permeability and Disease

Increased intestinal permeability is the gateway to autoimmune diseases. It has become well-known that intestinal permeability is the third element… Read More

November 27, 2020

Testing for Wheat Sensitivities

Gluten related diseases are a global phenomenon. The numbers are outstanding; 10% of the global population reports having wheat sensitivity,… Read More

November 27, 2020

Screening Technology in Gut Imbalances

Our gastrointestinal tract hosts more than 1000 species of bacteria that work symbiotically with us to promote a balanced immune… Read More

November 25, 2020