Leaky Gut

Definition

“Leaky gut” syndrome refers to a condition caused by damage to the stomach and intestinal lining, particularly the mucosa. When food allergies, unfavorable bacteria or even parasites are present, the intestinal lining within the gut can become inflamed, and this inflammation can lead to a variety of serious health problems.

First, it can lead to jeopardized immune function within the gut, which is exactly where foreign germs, yeast, or even parasites can easily multiply without resistance from the immune system due to its weakened state. Second, it can create lesions, similar to tiny pinholes within the intestinal lining. These lesions on the skin allow larger than normal or not fully broken down protein molecules to seep from the intestines, into the bloodstream.

Once these undigested molecules enter the bloodstream, serious difficulties can result. The immune system responds to the substances as if they were foreign invaders, and creates antibodies to fight them off. These types of antibodies assault the protein molecules, however they also wind up attacking the intestine itself. Which is why, in addition to various GI disorders, “leaky gut” syndrome has also been linked to autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and ankylosing spondylitis.

The fighting between the immune system and the invading protein particulates creates inflammation around the intestines. This warfare can result in extreme gas, fatigue, poor waste elimination, looseness of the bowels or constipation, and sets up the perfect atmosphere for food allergies and sensitivities to build up.

The effects of the affliction can develop into epic proportions, where one finds they can hardly eat anything at all without having an allergic-response. Coupled with this is the inability to soak up necessary nutrients, which leaves your body heavily exhausted and vulnerable to further sickness. This process is known as Gastrointestinal Hyperpermeable Membrane Syndrome, more common referred to as Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Leaky gut syndrome leaves one vulnerable to other diseases. It may be brought about by parasites, medications such as antibiotics, NSAID’s and pain relievers such as Aleve, or Advil. Excessive use of herbal laxatives such as Cascara sagrada or Senna leaves may also cause problems. Leaky gut syndrome is sometimes behind numerous immune complications, auto-immune disorders, headaches, depression, allergies, skin rashes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia among others. Leaking gut is often overlooked within conventional medicine while an alternative or holistic physician would be highly aware of the signs and symptoms of the syndrome.

Organic Cures

Note: Since multiple nutritional deficiencies often occur with leaky gut syndrome, both a nutritional and dietary supplementation plan are suggested, and should both be undertaken using the guidance of a skilled health practitioner. Because of our unique biological makeup, it’s ideal to have an alternative specialist create a personalized diet and supplement plan that takes into account our way of life, specific requirements, and health challenges, particularly in the case of digestive system stress. We have compiled some general recommendations to assist you on your journey to wellness so you can begin immediately.

Diet plan: In the case of leaking gut syndrome and all sorts of digestive problems, healthy eating is of primary importance. Drink lots of pure strained water and increase your intake of clean, organic fruits and vegetables, free-range meat and poultry, wild caught fish, and complicated whole grains.

Avoid all commercial, processed, fried, and nonorganic food, as well as alcoholic beverages, coffee, sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, food chemical dyes, dairy products, whole wheat and whole wheat products, and delicate carbohydrates. Don’t eat saturated, trans-, hydrogenated or even partially–hydrogenated fats and oils. Instead select from coconut butter or oil, extra virgin olive oil, high lignin flax seed oil, and unprocessed hemp seedling, walnut, and sunflower natural oils.

Consider a rotating diet to reduce the impact or possibility of acquiring more food allergies. In addition, get screened for food allergies, and avoid all foods for which you test positive.

We recommend a whole foods diet because of the energy it provides and its ability to support recovery and eliminate many imbalances and illness.

Nutrition and diet are key elements in the healing and elimination of imbalance and disease. For a complete, nutrition packed, whole foods eating plan, browse the Whole Foods Diet Regime. In many cases, a raw food eating plan can be extremely beneficial. For more information, read Uncooked Food Diet.

Nutritional Supplements: As always, consult with an alternative physician before making important decisions that will affect your wellbeing. The following recommendation is not a personalized program; it is an effective guide to a health supplement program that addresses leaky gut syndrome:

L-Glutamine: one supplement, three times every day. Take fifteen minutes prior to meals.

MSM: One supplement, three times daily. Take fifteen minutes prior to meals, fine to take in combination with L-Glutamine.

Ginger root: Consume as tea or capsules. 1-3 glasses of tea daily or 1 capsule of ginger root powder 1-3 times daily.

Peppermint tea: 1-3 cups of Peppermint tea daily.

Zinc: 30 mg every day.

Gamma oryzanol: 100mg 3 times daily. Take with or without food.

Phosphatidyl choline: 300mg. 3 times daily. Take with or without food.

Gamma Linolenic Acidity, Borage, Evening Primrose, or Black Currant Seed Oil (200 mg. two times a day). Take with food.

Butyric Acid: 600-800 mg. twice daily. Take with meals.
For more information about Leaky Gut Syndrome and alternative treatments, please see our resource guide.