By Dr. Rafiul Sameer Islam
Your gut plays an important role in your overall health. Incredibly, around 70% of your immune system resides in the gut.
The inner lining of your intestines acts as a protective barrier to prevent harmful substances from entering your bloodstream. If this barrier becomes damaged, you can develop leaky gut syndrome.
Keep reading to learn more about leaky gut syndrome and how you can heal a leaky gut.
WHAT IS LEAKY GUT SYNDROME
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that causes increased intestinal permeability. A leaky gut disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system and can lead to many health problems.
In a healthy digestive system, tight junctions seal intestinal cells together and only allow small substances such as water, vitamins, and minerals to pass through.
With leaky gut syndrome, the tight junctions between intestinal cells become loose. This creates gaps that allow harmful substances such as toxins, pathogens, and bad bacteria to enter the bloodstream. These gaps also let digestive enzymes and undigested food particles leak out of the gut.
COMMON CAUSES OF LEAKY GUT
Inflammation and gut dysbiosis are the most common causes of leaky gut syndrome. Gut dysbiosis describes an imbalance in the gut microbiome that occurs when harmful bacteria outweigh beneficial bacteria.
Many factors can contribute to inflammation and gut dysbiosis, such as:
Stress. Physical and emotional stress can increase inflammation in the gut and weaken the gut barrier.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Many people take NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation. But these medications can have adverse effects on your gut health. Research shows that taking NSAIDs can increase inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and cause ulcers.
An unhealthy diet. A diet that is high in fats and refined carbohydrates and low in fiber can increase inflammatory bacteria in the gut. This type of diet can also reduce the diversity of the gut microbiome.
Antibiotics. While antibiotics can treat infections by killing harmful bacteria, they also kill the healthy bacteria in the gut. This can lead to gut dysbiosis.
6 SIGNS OF LEAKY GUT SYNDROME
A leaky gut can significantly impact your health and well-being. Keep reading to discover 6 signs of leaky gut syndrome.
1. Digestive Problems
Leaky gut syndrome can cause changes in your digestive health. Common signs of a leaky gut include bloating, distention, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn.
2. Systemic Symptoms
A leaky gut can produce symptoms that affect more than just your digestive health. Other signs of a leaky gut may include fatigue, skin issues, hair loss, joint pain, and brain fog.
3. Autoimmune Diseases
The inner lining of the intestines comes into contact with foreign substances such as food, pathogens, and bacteria. If these foreign substances leak into the bloodstream, it can trigger an immune response. Leaky gut syndrome may increase the risk of autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease.
4. Food Sensitivities or Intolerances
Your body needs digestive enzymes to break down certain foods. But if your gut springs a leak, you may not have the necessary digestive enzymes on hand. This can cause food sensitivities or intolerances.
5. Mental Health Problems
Changes in your gut health can also cause changes in your mental health. Interestingly, your gut bacteria produce the majority of your body’s supply of serotonin . But if your gut isn’t functioning properly, you can experience depleted serotonin levels and develop anxiety and depression.
6. Chronic Diseases
Inflammation can speed up the progression of chronic diseases. Increased intestinal permeability may lead to the following diseases:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Colon cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases
LEAKY GUT TESTING OPTIONS
Many tests on the market claim to diagnose a leaky gut. But these tests aren’t clinically proven. Leaky gut tests generally use stool or urine samples to measure different markers.
Stool tests measure the types of bacteria, parasites, and pathogens in the gut. These tests may reveal if you have a microbiome imbalance.
Urine tests for leaky gut involve drinking a solution with mannitol and lactulose and then measuring the amounts of each excreted in the urine. Lactulose is a large molecule that resists absorption in people with healthy intestinal linings. High levels of lactulose in the urine indicate a diagnosis of a leaky gut.
With that said, leaky gut syndrome is a clinical diagnosis. This means it’s diagnosed based on your symptoms. An endoscopic procedure may help confirm a diagnosis of leaky gut by identifying inflammation and taking biopsies. But testing isn’t always necessary.
If you suspect you have a leaky gut, you can save your money by forgoing expensive tests and talking to your doctor about your symptoms instead.
HOW TO HEAL A LEAKY GUT
The best way to heal a leaky gut is to eat a diverse, plant-based diet. Plant-based foods contain fiber, which acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Your gut bacteria break down fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These metabolites have anti-inflammatory benefits and provide energy to your intestinal cells. Eating plant-based foods can improve the diversity of your gut microbiome and strengthen the gut barrier.
If you want to heal a leaky gut, you should add more of these foods to your diet:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Seeds
You can also promote a healthy gut by avoiding inflammatory foods and substances such as:
- Red meat
- Refined carbs
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- NSAIDs
THE BOTTOM LINE
Leaky gut syndrome is a real medical condition that affects many people. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a leaky gut, you should talk to your doctor. You can use several strategies to relieve your symptoms and reduce inflammation.
You can protect yourself from a leaky gut by investing more in your digestive health. You should follow a plant-based diet rich in fiber and limit high-fat, high-sugar, and processed foods. Practicing regular exercise, managing your stress levels, and getting adequate sleep can also boost your gut health.
Your gastrointestinal system is complex. But caring for it doesn’t have to be. If you’re suffering from symptoms of a leaky gut or have any digestive health concerns, you can schedule an evaluation by calling our office at 806-696-4440
Dr. Sameer Islam is a functional gastroenterologist in Lubbock and is a West Texas native growing up in Odessa, TX. He specializes in the comprehensive treatment of all digestive symptoms and conditions. To schedule an appointment, please contact Lubbock Gastroenterology (806-696-4440) located at 4505 82nd Street, Suite 5, Lubbock, TX 79424.
