Vexing twenty-something-year-olds and post-menopausal women alike, leaky gut syndrome can wreak all kinds of havoc on the body. What you might pass off as inconvenient, could actually be a warning sign that your digestive tract is in urgent need of some TLC.
So what signs should you be looking out for? Here are 9 tell-tale symptoms that your gut may have sprung a leak…
- Bloating
As well as bloating, pay attention to symptoms like excessive gas, diarrhoea and IBS.
- Food allergies
If you find yourself experiencing discomfort after eating certain foods, your gut may not be watertight.
- Seasonal allergies and asthma
Leaky gut can weaken the immune system, which means hay fever and sensitivity to dust, pollen and other substances can often be a side effect.
- Fatigue
Just can’t seem to conjure up energy? Your gut could be the culprit.
- Joint pain
More than simply an ageing ailment, joint pain is a common symptom of leaky gut.
- Headaches
Leaky gut can inflame tissues and release toxins, which can lead to headaches, brain fog and memory loss.
- Skin issues like acne and rosacea
The nature of leaky gut syndrome also means it can cause conditions like acne and rosacea.
- Digestive problems
If you’re experiencing constipation or cramps, your gut could be guilty.
- Weight gain
Stacking on the kilos? Don’t blame your diet, as it could be your gut messing with your thyroid.
So, what exactly is leaky gut syndrome?
Basically, the lining of the digestive tract is constructed like a net. Tiny holes allow certain substances to pass through and block the bigger particles that can damage your system.
When someone suffers from leaky gut syndrome, the ‘net’ fails to keep the bad stuff out. The digestive tract becomes damaged, which means it allows proteins like gluten, bad bacteria, environmental chemicals and undigested foods particles to pass through. The ‘leaky’ net can also allow toxic waste to seep out from inside your intestinal wall, and into your bloodstream. This can trigger an immune reaction, and lead to major health problems like inflammation and the development of chronic diseases like Type 1 Diabetes.
Common causes and triggers
- Poor diet
The first is a poor diet. For some bodies, the proteins found in un-sprouted grains, sugar, GMOs and conventional dairy can break down the intestinal lining.
- Chronic stress
Another big factor is chronic stress. Over time, heightened stress can weaken the immune system and fast-track leaky gut.
- Toxin overload
Every year, we encounter more than 80,000 chemicals and toxins. These include antibiotics, pesticides, chlorine, VOCs and more.
- Bacterial imbalance
When it comes to gut health, bacterial balance is all-important. Dysbiosis is a leading cause of leaky gut, and occurs when the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria is thrown off.
Triple R – Remove. Repair. Rebalance
Fortunately, leaky gut isn’t necessarily life threatening. And there are some things you can do to prevent the deterioration of your digestive tract, and manage symptoms. Here’s how:
- The first step is to remove any foods that could be causing damage. As explored earlier, the main culprits are sugar, grains, processed dairy, conventional meat and GMO foods.
- Next you should start stocking up on gut-friendly foods that will help heal and strengthen. Bone broth is packed full of collagen and amino acids, which help heal damaged cell walls. Raw cultured dairy like pastured kefir, cheese and yogurt offer a great probiotic fix, while fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi are fantastic sources of the organic acids that stabilise intestinal pH and probiotics. Coconut oil is a great sub, as it’s easy to digest and doesn’t put strain on a damaged gut. Sprouted seeds like chia, hemp and flax are loaded with fibre that helps support good bacteria. You should also learn to love omega-3 fatty foods like grass-fed beef, lamb and salmon.
- You can also think about boosting your diet with supplements. There are plenty out there designed to support digestive health, with probiotics, l-glutamine, liquorice root, digestive enzymes, aloe vera juice, quercetin, NAG some of our favourites.
Even the smallest of leaks can cause big problems, but with the right approach leaky gut syndrome doesn’t have to be debilitating. If you suspect you could be suffering from leaky gut syndrome, you should absolutely get tested. As well as following the Triple R treatment plan, your doctor will also be able to fix you up with advice on the best way to manage your condition, and live life to the fullest.