Leaky Gut

We are designed to digest our food into simple molecules that can easily pass through the digestive tract and into the bloodstream.

Leaky gut condition arises when the integrity of our gut wall is compromised becoming permeable and thereby allowing the entrance of toxins and improperly digested food particles into our body which can give rise to a number of health problems.

Symptoms and conditions associated with leaky gut are many and can be devastating to the individual suffering - acne, arthritis, autism, celiac disease, hyperactivity, chronic fatigue, depression and mood swings, diarrhoea or constipation, eczema, hives, infections etc.

There are many reasons why the intestinal tract can become 'leaky'.  A weakened immune system can be a significant trigger.  However, there are many irritants that we consume regularly that contribute, including gliadin in wheat, too much alcohol, coffee and many allergy provoking foods.  Other factors include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, gut bacterial imbalance, infections, long-term stress, low fibre diet and certain nutritional deficiencies.

As leaky gut enables toxins to enter our bloodstream, our liver may become overloaded and will excrete toxic chemicals in bile which will re-enter our digestive system and contribute to more damage - it can become a vicious circle in which leaky gut syndrome creates the conditions for leaky gut syndrome.

So, if you have some of the symptoms and conditions mentioned above and believe that leaky gut may have a hand to play it is probably worth getting a gut permeability test done.  This generally involves drinking a liquid that contains certain chemicals, some of which should make it across the gut wall and some that should not.  A subsequent urine test can establish the degree of gut permeability.  A registered nutritional therapist should be able to arrange such a test.

Addressing the problem can take time as it requires identifying the cause(s) and removing same, followed by improving your gut flora through a course of probiotics and feeding your gut bacteria with appropriate prebiotic foods.  You also need to repair the gut, particularly with the use of certain supplements -L-glutamine, Vitamins A, C and D and Zinc are all worth supplementing with for 2 to 4 weeks after the causes have been identified and removed.  Again, a nutritional therapist is well placed to help in addressing leaky gut, but supplementing with the above can help a healthy gut stay healthy.