There is a condition called leaky gut that can lead to a host of health problems. Did you know that 80% of your immune system is located in your gut? The health of your gut bacteria and the health of your immune system are vitally linked.When your gut bacteria is balanced, your immune system is also balanced. But when it’s out of balance, so is your immune system. While many conventional physicians once distanced themselves from the leaky gut and autoimmune connection, the science behind leaky gut is now too convincing to ignore.
What is a leaky gut?
The gut is naturally permeable to very small molecules in order to absorb important nutrients. One of the basic function of the cells that line the intestinal wall is regulating intestinal permeability. Gluten can cause the gut cells to release zonulin, a protein that can break apart tight junctions in the intestinal lining. Think of your gut lining like a “net” with very small holes that only allow specific substances to pass through. It works as a barrier, keeping out bigger particles that can damage your system. If you have leaky gut, your gut lining becomes inflamed and more porous that it should be. This means that things like undigested food particles, toxins, microbes, and more can travel through your body via your bloodstream. Other factors such as age, stress, toxins, infections, yeast overgrowth can also cause these tight junctions to break apart. One this happens, you have a leaky gut!
What causes a leaky gut?
The main culprits of leaky gut are foods, infections, and toxins. Gluten is the number one cause of leaky gut! Other inflammatory foods like sugar, excessive alcohol, and toxic foods are also likely suspects. The most common infection is yeast overgrowth, intestinal parasites, and SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). Toxins include some medications such as NSAIDS (Advil, Motrin), steroids, antibiotics, and protein pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium). Sometimes there are environmental toxins like mercury, pesticides, and BPA from plastics. Stress and age also contribute to a leaky gut. Surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy may also factor into a leaky gut.
9 Signs that mean you may have a leaky gut!
1. Seasonal allergies or asthma
2. Hormonal imbalances including PMS
3. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, or IBS
4. Diagnosis of an Autoimmune Disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto’s, Lupus, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Psoriasis, Celiac Disease, etc.)
5. Diagnosis of CFIDS or Fibromyalgia
6. Skin issues such as Acne, Rosacea, or Eczema
7. Diagnosis of Candida Overgrowth
8. Food allergies or food intolerances
9. Mood and mind issues such as anxiety, ADD, ADHD, Depression, Bi-polar disorder, etc.
How do you heal a leaky gut?
In my practice, I use the 4R program:
1. Remove the bad. Specific foods are removed, as well as any parasites and infections.
2. Replace the good. Replace with healthy foods and essential supplements for proper digestion and absorption.
3. Repair the gut. It is essential to provide the nutrients necessary to help the gut repair and heal.
4. Rebalance with good bacteria. It is critical to rebalance and reseed beneficial bacteria to reestablish a healthy balance of good bacteria.
From gut health to total health!
Even when your symptoms seem like they have nothing to do with your gut, remember that your gut effects your total health. It is also important to remember that 80% of your immune system is located in the gut. We offer a Free 30 Minute Phone Consultation to answer your questions and identify your next step. Take the next step with a Free Phone Consultation, click here!
