Introduction
Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing bacteria and toxins to pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. This can lead to a variety of health issues, including digestive problems, food sensitivities, and autoimmune diseases. Fortunately, there are signs that can help you identify if you have leaky gut, and steps you can take to improve your gut health. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs of leaky gut, as well as the foods you should eat and avoid to help heal your gut.
Signs You Have “Leaky Gut,” Say Physicians
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have a condition known as “leaky gut,” according to physicians. Leaky gut is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing bacteria and toxins to pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.
1. Abdominal Pain and Bloating
One of the most common signs of leaky gut is abdominal pain and bloating. This can be caused by the presence of toxins in the bloodstream, which can irritate the digestive system and cause inflammation.
2. Food Sensitivities
If you find yourself suddenly sensitive to certain foods, it could be a sign of leaky gut. When the intestinal wall is damaged, it can cause an immune response to certain foods, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of leaky gut. This is because the toxins that are leaking into the bloodstream can cause inflammation, which can lead to fatigue.
4. Skin Issues
Leaky gut can also cause skin issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. This is because the toxins that are leaking into the bloodstream can cause inflammation, which can lead to skin issues.
5. Mood Changes
Mood changes can also be a sign of leaky gut. This is because the toxins that are leaking into the bloodstream can cause inflammation, which can lead to mood changes.
What to Eat to Help Leaky Gut
If you think you may have leaky gut, there are certain foods that can help. Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help to heal the gut lining. Additionally, eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
What to Avoid to Help Leaky Gut
In addition to eating certain foods to help heal leaky gut, there are also certain foods that should be avoided. These include processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, as these can all irritate the gut lining and make the condition worse.
In recent years, science has uncovered more and more evidence for the importance of the gut microbiome, the beneficial system of microorganisms in the stomach and intestines that have a role in immunity and overall health. But when something goes wrong in this intricate environment—such as the development of leaky gut syndrome—it can cause uncomfortable symptoms and a wide range of health issues. These are the signs that you have leaky gut, according to physicians. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
“Leaky gut describes the breakdown of the integrity of the gut lining,” says Lynn K. Wagner, MD, an integrative medicine physician in La Pere, Wisconsin. “It occurs when the tight junctions between our intestinal cells are disrupted, creating gaps or holes in the gut. When this happens, undigested food particles, microorganisms and toxins can enter the bloodstream when they would normally be eliminated in your stool.” This can cause a variety of systemic problems throughout the body.
“Initially, leaky gut can be silent, meaning you may not even know you have it,” say Wagner. When symptoms of leaky gut appear, they commonly include:
- Irregular stools (diarrhea or constipation)
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Food sensitivities
- Generalized aches and pains
- Memory or mood changes
- Fatigue
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“Potential risks of leaky gut include malnutrition as the body’s damaged gut lining is unable to absorb nutrients from the food we eat,” says Jonathon Kung, MD, a gastroenterologist with Mount Sinai in New York City. “Malnutrition can manifest as changes in the skin, changes in vision acuity, weaker bones, changes in mood, and trouble concentrating, essentially a function of poorly absorbed essential vitamins. Other risks include ongoing fatigue affecting someone’s ability to function properly at home or at work.”
Leaky gut has been linked to autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto’s thyroid disease, says Wagner. “It can cause systemic inflammation, which can manifest as chronic aches and pains, generalized fatigue, and a higher risk of chronic disease states that are triggered by inflammation.”
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According to Wagner, the best ways to avoid leaky gut include:
- Avoid gluten-containing foods
- Eat a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet, high in fruits and vegetables
- Eat enough fiber
- Avoid foods high in sugar and highly processed foods
- Avoid chronic use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol or antibiotics
- Manage stress
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“The medical community has worked for years on trying to reverse leaky gut by increasing intestinal permeability,” says Kung. “Some have found that changes in diet and avoiding certain foods which cause changes in the gut flora have been helpful. The Low FODMAP diet is a good example of a diet good for the gut. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, spinach, kale, green tea, and even dark chocolate may help prevent or decrease gut imbalances.”
Probiotics can rebuild healthy gut flora, says Wagner. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove “bad” bacteria and pathogens from the gut with supplements, or in severe cases, antibiotic therapy. Supplements that target gut healing include zinc, carnosine, quercitin, L-glutamine, and aloe.
Kung recommends supplementing with liposomal bovine colostrum.”It has been shown in clinical studies to balance intestinal permeability and its growth factors work to restore the integrity of the tight junctions, making it a top superfood for remedying a leaky gut.”
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