Leaky Gut Syndrome

Poor Digestion and Leaky Gut Syndrome

If you have been feeling tired, bloated, toxic or generally unwell it could be your gut that is to blame.

A healthy gut normally assists with the digestion of foods and the absorption of nutrients into the blood stream. It also acts as a barrier and prevents unwanted toxic substances such as undigested food, toxins and bacteria passing through.

When the intestinal lining becomes inflamed and damaged it becomes more susceptible for toxic material to enter the bloodstream. The immune system then reacts to these foreign substances that should not be in the bloodstream creating an inflammatory response, resulting in a whole host of symptoms ranging from bloating, indigestion, reflux, diarrhoea/constipation and nausea.

This is known as Leaky Gut Syndrome (sounds bad, feels worse) simply because the gut lining has become leaky in allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream and therefore having an effect on the rest of the body.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome

Also known as Intestinal Permeability, Leaky Gut Syndrome is a condition where the lining of the intestines become inflamed or irritated. Large spaces develop between cells in the walls of the intestine lining. This allows toxic chemicals, undigested food and disease causing bacteria to enter the body. This can cause food allergies and chemical sensitivities.

Normal absorption becomes disrupted which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Poor digestion of food leads to the uncomfortable and irritating conditions of bloating, indigestion, diarrhoea and constipation. Other symptoms include;

• Abdominal pain
• Chronic joint/muscle pain (fibromyalgia)
• Foggy head
• Poor immunity
• Skin rashes
• Chronic fatigue
• Leaky Gut is also thought to be an underlying cause of auto immune diseases where the body attacks its own tissues.

What causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Anything that can cause inflammation of the intestinal lining has the potential to cause Leaky Gut and can include:

• Lactose and gluten intolerance
• Chronic stress
• Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications including aspirin/Nurofen
• Diets high in refined carbohydrates
• Intestinal overgrowths of bacteria and parasites
• Excess alcohol

How to treat Leaky Gut Syndrome naturally

At Burnett House our naturopath Trish works with you to make specific dietary changes, such as eliminating any known triggers or drivers of Leaky Gut that you may be taking or eating.

Foods like white flour products, gluten, milk and dairy, high fat foods, caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol are often looked as causing potential problems. Trish is also able to order specific tests including blood and stool samples that can be very helpful in determining any underlying causes other than food.

Along with this, Trish prescribes herbal and nutritional supplements that may reduce inflammation, promote proper digestion and  assist in healing the gut lining. Once your symptoms have settled Trish then uses a combination of pre and pro-biotics specific for gastrointestinal imbalances to help replenish the good bacteria into your gut and bowel.

If you suspect you may be suffering from Leaky Gut Syndrome, the most important thing you can do is seek advice. Trish our Naturopath can guide you in the right direction to heal your gut and alleviate your symptoms.