What is Leaky Gut Syndrome and How can it be treated

The human body consists of various organs, whose dysfunction can lead to many chronic illnesses. The mucous lining of our intestine is designed to absorb water and nutrients from food into our bloodstream. But some people have an increased intestinal permeability which results in Leaky gut syndrome, a hypothetical condition that is based on intestinal permeability.

Many doctors and even healthcare professionals do not consider it a diagnosable disease, as it is caused by the formation of gaps in the intestinal lining that allow easy flow of bacteria and other toxins in the bloodstream. But don't worry, since science has always guided us toward rehabilitation.

By delving into the science of leaky gut syndrome, we can understand its symptoms and causes of digestion, immunity, and even chronic illness. You can get a solution to explore strategies to strengthen our defense and restore the destruction caused by analysing the root causes and your health condition, with old dietary wisdom and current modernization through iThrive.

What is a leaky gut?

Our intestine covers around 4,000 square feet of the surface area. Digestive enzymes and the small intestine break food into simpler molecules, contributing to the growth and repair in the body.

When it works in a healthy environment, it works on the absorption of substances into the bloodstream. An unhealthy gut lining may be disrupted by large cracks or holes, allowing partially digested food, toxins, and bugs to penetrate the tissues beneath it. The rate of this passing is known as intestinal permeability.

This may trigger inflammation and changes in gut microflora that may lead to digestive tract diseases. The beneficial microflora can also produce metabolic products that moderate the interaction between the epithelium and the immune system and generate antimicrobial substances, inhibiting pathogens.

Who gets leaky gut syndrome?

We all have partial leaky syndrome since this barrier is not completely impenetrable. Some of us might have a genetic predisposition and maybe more sensitive to changes in the digestive system, but only our DNA is not responsible for it. Modern life may be the root cause of gut inflammation. Heavy alcohol consumption and stress result in disruption of balance.

Since, we know that increased intestinal permeability plays a role in gastrointestinal conditions such as Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and Irritable bowel syndrome.

Some studies show that leaky gut may be associated with other autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies, and even mental illness.

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Diseases Related to the Alteration of Intestinal Permeability -

A chronic increase in Intestinal Permeability may contribute to severe health conditions such as -

Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Inflammatory bowel disease is a term that refers to Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation in the intestine. Crohn's disease affects part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, whereas Ulcerative colitis damages the large intestine.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional digestive disorder characterised by frequent abdominal pain and changes in bowel movement, such as diarrhoea and constipation. To diagnose the condition, physical examination and some advanced tests like CT scan, Lactose intolerance test, and stool tests are determined to be of great help.
Obesity - Obesity is induced by a high-fat diet and is linked to changes in the population of intestinal bacteria related to inflammation and increased intestinal permeability. Clinical studies have observed a decrease in intestinal barrier permeability (IBP) after treatments for weight reduction in patients with obesity.
Celiac disease - It is a disease of autoimmune origin with a hereditary component caused by the ingestion of cereals that contain gluten. Consumption of gluten triggers an immune response to the gluten protein in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine's lining.

What causes leaky gut syndrome?

● Some chronic inflammatory states, like irritable bowel disease and celiac disease.

● Low-quality diet, which is low in fibre and high in sugar and fat.

● Diseases that cause intestinal injury, such as HIV/AIDS.

● Excessive consumption of alcohol

● Chemotherapy and radiation therapies

● Chronic overuse of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

● Gut microbe imbalances include overgrowth of the “bad” gut bacteria like Dysbiosis.

It is crucial to realise that even though these can play a role in the development of leaky gut syndrome, the experiences of individuals may vary. Let's explore various symptoms to aid the diagnosis.

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Symptoms of leaky gut syndrome are

Since the symptoms might be similar to other health conditions and may differ in individuals. Here are some symptoms that are usually observed:

● A burning feeling due to ulceration in your gut.

● Stomach ache - discomfort after consuming certain foods may suggest gut irritation

● Diarrhoea

● Gas, bloating, and food sensitivity

● Low energy due to reduced ability to draw energy from your food.

● Joint pain

● Mood and cognitive changes

● Unexplained weight changes

● Nutritional deficiencies

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Diagnosing gut-related issues requires a comprehensive assessment, preferably by an experienced professional in gut health, such as a functional medicine practitioner.

How is leaky gut measured?

Diagnosing leaky gut syndrome can be challenging, and figuring out the diagnosis usually involves a professional looking at their health, asking about their medical past, and analyzing blood and other advanced tests. Here are some ways that are found to be useful in diagnosing leaky gut syndrome -

● Blood test

● Urine test

● Lactulose-Mannitol Test

● Zonulin Test

● Tissue biopsy

● Confocal endomicroscopy

● Food Sensitivity Testing

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These tests might not confirm if someone has leaky gut syndrome, as different people might have different ideas about them. It's a great idea to consult a Functional Nutrition expert who understands this well to get wise advice and a customised plan for your specific health needs.

Diet and leaky gut -

● Probiotics and Prebiotics

● Reduce dietary fats and sugars

● Low FODMAP Diet

● L- Glutamine

● Vitamin D

● Fibre-rich foods

● Coconut oil and its products

● Bone broth

● Krill oil

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These recommendations might help in alleviating the condition, but the correct diagnosis and treatment of the condition in terms of dietary and supplements require a piece of expert advice.

Modify your lifestyle -

● Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption

● Take adequate sleep

● Manage your stress

● Keep your body physically fit

● Avoid taking birth control pills

Overall, understanding the leaky gut syndrome and analysing its causes, symptoms, and treatment is crucial. Although it may vary from person to person, consulting a functional medicine practitioner for personalized guidance is always recommended on your journey to a healthier gut.