According to some medical professionals, leaky gut syndrome does not exist. However, there is quite a lot of scientific evidence proving them wrong. Many of the individuals experiencing this disorder are not even aware of their medical condition. That’s why it’s essential to maintain a diet plan that shows the foods you consume routinely.
Because sometimes, certain foods can cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive to them. Website www.rosewellness.com can provide you great information about this disorder.
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
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The big question here is, what exactly is this anomalous syndrome that doctors don’t seem to recognize? Leaky gut is more commonly referred to as the intestinal permeability that lets nutrients and even bacteria and toxins enter our bloodstream.
First of all, let’s understand the actual function of our intestines as they play a crucial role in this disorder. The foods we consume daily contain nutrients that enter the digestive tract and are broken down into digestible substances by the enzymes present in the stomach and intestines. The body then uses these small molecules for growth and repair. The intestines also function to protect the body from harmful substances like bacteria and toxins.
In normal and healthy individuals, the intestines contain minute openings for the transportation of water and nutrients into the bloodstream to be carried to all body parts for growth and repair. The barrier lining the intestines is semi-permeable. It does not allow bacteria and toxins to pass into the central bloodstream.
Leaky Gut Syndrome expands these openings enough to let bacteria, toxins, and even food molecules enter the bloodstream.
Symptoms of LGS
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One of the reasons leaky gut syndrome is challenging to identify and diagnose is the similarity of symptoms with other diseases. If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned below, then you must refer to a dietician immediately:
- Digestive problems
- Headaches ranging from mild to severe
- Pain after eating
- Skin problems like acne, eczema, and itching
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
Leaky gut is also known to be linked with various health conditions that include the following:
- Crohn’s disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes
- Food allergy and sensitivities
How is food allergy linked with leaky gut?
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The relationship between leaky gut and food allergy is a bit complex. Sometimes, a leaky gut is the cause of allergies, while in others, it’s a leaky gut that triggers allergies. Leaky gut lets leak particles into the blood that shouldn’t.
Our immune system becomes confused and finally declares these invaders (foreign particles) as antigens. It commands the soldiers (immune cells) to fight them off. This war cry triggers an inflammatory response, and the whole body goes into fight mode. It then begins to experience several unpleasant symptoms that should be diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the intestinal lining.
As the fight in our body continues to rage on, the soldiers (immune cells) confuse the normally harmless foods with being one of the invaders (foreign substances). This can cause severe allergic reactions. Food allergies and sensitivities start to develop. This inflicts further damage to the gut, worsening the situation.
The causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome
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Every individual is unique and different. That’s why this medical condition can develop due to different reasons in individuals. There are six typical causes of leaky gut. Be mindful to keep your eyes skinned for these stimuli.
Stress
Stress and hypertension increase the production of hormones like cortisol. Bacteria and toxins present in our body react with these hormones by multiplying in numbers. This can trigger an inflammatory response and thus weaken your digestive as well as your immune system.
Inflammatory foods
Wheat and some other foods are rich in gluten which triggers a protein called zonulin. This protein reacts with the intestines’ epithelial cells and causes them to shrink, creating a space in the intestinal lining and directly causing a leaky gut. Other foods you might want to avoid are dairy products, sugar and soy.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
There’s a particular type of beneficial bacteria present in our gut. It helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients into our intestines. In leaky gut syndrome, these bacteria mutate or multiply rapidly. They can damage the epithelium of your gut and worsen your condition.
Alcohol and medication
Alcohol and ample intake of medicines can cause pain in the gut and damage to the intestinal lining, which almost always leads to some serious medical condition, if not a leaky gut syndrome.
Inflammation or infection
Infections involving the gut can be pretty dangerous as they directly cause the leaky gut syndrome. Intestinal parasites may also be a considerable threat where your health and welfare is concerned.
Food sensitivities and allergies
As mentioned above, sensitivity to a particular food may or may not cause harm to the semi-permeable intestinal cells.
If you are experiencing the symptoms that suggest you have a leaky gut, you should immediately identify the food/foods you’re allergic to. Before it’s too late and your gut is in no shape to repair itself and start functioning as it once used to.
Is there a Cure for the Leaky Gut Syndrome?
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Since some medical professionals don’t believe that leaky gut syndrome exists, there seems to be no natural remedy. However, that doesn’t mean you raise the white flag. Preventive measures and changes in diet and lifestyle, including gut health microbiome support, would probably be a more practical route to improve your gut health. There seems to be no standard remedy. However, that doesn’t mean you raise the white flag.
First and foremost, you’ll need to work towards a better and potentially healthy diet plan. Recognize and remove all foods from your routine consumption that may cause allergic reactions when inside the digestive tract. That done, say yes to all plant-based foods. The last box to tick is strictly no toxins. No over-the-top meds. No alcohol. No nothing. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
