Leaky Gut Syndrome

This is a very common but often overlooked condition that can just create havoc in one's digestive system, causing problems in nearly every area of one's body and brain.  So, today, I'm going to give Leaky Gut a little attention.  I've battled with this condition relentlessly during my 12 year battle with Lyme.  And due to my delicate system, I cannot tolerate glutamine - the main ingredient in all supplemental formulas to help heal a leaky gut.  So, this makes eradicating it bit more difficult.  Also, I'm an avid cyclist.  I recently read that even physical activity is a form of stress on one's body so eating within an hour post-exercising could lead to a Leaky Gut.  Hmmm...no wonder why my belly didn't digest anything after my long rides.  Here's the scoop on LGS-  

Over a lifetime, the average person ingests more than 25 tons of food that provides nutrients each of us need to survive; however, this food may also contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins, which can be damaging to the system.  Leaky Gut Syndrome, sometimes referred to as intestinal permeability, is a major gastrointestinal disorder that occurs when openings develop in the gut wall.  Harmful microorganism are then able to pass through these openings and enter the circulatory system.  As a result, leaky gut syndrome can lead to and is linked to many systemic inflammatory and immune-related symptoms including: rheumatoid arthritis, autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, eczema, dermatitis, fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, Raynaud's disease, chronic hives, ulcerative colities and inflammatory bowel disease.

Signs and Symptoms

• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Facial swelling upon exposure to strong smells
• Bloating, gas, and cramps immediately after eating
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea
• Headaches, poor concentration, and irritability
• Insomia
• Anxiety
• Gluten intolerance
• Malnutrition
• Muscle cramps and pains
• Poor exercise tolerance

It has been said Leaky Gut Syndrome affects millions of people worldwide and often goes undiagnosed by the mainstream medical profession despite being a chronic debilitating condition.  The main way to deal with LGS is through nutrition.  It is important to get one's body back to optimum health and avoid the foods or toxins which are causing allergic reactions, so that the damaged villi in the intestine have a chance to heal and so that your liver has the time and energy to detoxify your body.  There is no wonder drug to cure a leaky gut.  Dealing with LGS is about dealing with the causes of the condition.

What causes it?

Inflammation of the gut lining is the root cause of Leaky Gut Syndrome.  Gut inflammation is usually instigated by one of the several of the following:

• Prescription hormones (ie, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy) and prescription corticosteroids (ie, hydrocortisone)
• Processed food as well as foods and beverages contaminated by parasites, fungus, and/or mold
• Increased amounts of refined carbohydrates (ie, candy bars, cookies, soft drinks, and white bread)
• Shortage of important enzymes resulting from increased intake of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as asprin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen
• Increased alcohol and caffeine consumption

Under the concepts of functional medicine, assessment is oriented toward determining what is impeding your body's ability to function normally.  While some of the conventional medical approaches may help in this determination, they may not necessarily apply to a functional approach.  By working with a functional medicine physician, like Dr. Gulla in Colorado Springs, Dr. Mike Pierce in Denver, CO, or Health NOW clinic in SFO, they will help determine which assessment tools will be most helpful in establishing a treatment strategy specifically geared to creating a solution for your body's needs (IE, food sensitivity, candida or parasite testing).

NUTRITION as a SOLUTION

For many people, eating a proper diet lessens the symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome.  This 'diet' most likely will be based upon one's food sensitivities.  But know sugar is definitely an inhibitor to obtaining good health as it suppresses the immune system. Also, large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea in those with LGS so eating smaller meals more often or eating smaller portions may help to ease the pain.  I personally am eating little amounts all day long.  Since food allergies often times are invovled, discovering the foods which are not healthy for you will also reduce symptoms and promote overall gastrointestinal health. There are nutritional supplements which will help your belly heal quicker, too.  Making a paste with Slippery Elm and 1/4c water first thing in the AM will help coat the intestinal lining.  Aloe Vera juice in small amounts is a great natural remedy as are high-quality probiotics.