Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome is a very common digestive disorder in which the intestinal lining becomes more permeable, more porous than normal. Abnormally large pores and spaces open between the cells of the gut wall and allow the entry of toxic material into the blood stream. When the gut is healthy and under normal circumstances toxins are repelled and eliminated through the normal digestive process.
What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky Gut Syndrome develops when there is inflammation in the lining of the gut. Inflammation has many causes, including prescription hormones (such as birth control pills and/or hormone replacement therapy), prescription corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone), antibiotics; and processed foods and drinks that contain parasites, mold or fungus. Other culprits include large amounts of refined carbohydrates such as chocolate bars, cookies and other sweets, soft drinks and white bread. An increased intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also results in a shortage of important enzymes that may effect your digestive system. A larger than normal intake of caffeine and alcohol may also be involved.
As a result of the excessively porous gut wall, harmful microorganisms are able to enter the circulatory system. This in turn can lead to many systemic inflammatory and immune-related symptoms and conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, eczema, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s disease, chronic urticaria (hives) and inflammatory bowel disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut symptoms can may involve facial swelling when exposed to strong smells. Intestinal gas, bloating and post-meal cramping; bouts of diarrhea and constipation are common digestive discomforts. Headaches; irritability; and lack of concentration. Individuals with leaky gut syndrome will eventually complain of fatigue, headaches, memory loss, poor concentration or irritability.
At Sunridge Medical, our highly-trained physicians can conduct a leaky gut syndrome test and are experts in providing an integrated approach to the treatment of chronic disease. Our treatment plans are individualized, and involve both traditional and alternative medicine. We have found that symptoms frequently can be improved and even reversed with our treatment. Our holistic approach to patient care strives to treat illness, alleviate discomfort, increase quality of life and, most importantly address the underlying cause of disease.
For answers or to make an appointment, call us toll-free at 800-923-7878 to speak with a Patient Care Team.
Recover your vitality, reclaim your energy and rediscover your health.
References on Leaky Gut Syndrome
2018 Oct 18; TI – Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain?; LID – 10.3390/microorganisms6040107 [doi] LID – 107; Leaky gut’ syndrome, long-associated with celiac disease, has attracted much attention in recent years and for decades, was widely known in complementary/alternative medicine circles. It is often described as an increase in the permeability of the intestinal mucosa, which could allow bacteria, toxic digestive metabolites, bacterial toxins, and small molecules to ‘leak’ into the bloodstream. Nervous system involvement with celiac disease is know to occur even at subclinical levels. Gluten and gluten sensitivity are considered to trigger this syndrome in individuals genetically predisposed to celiac disease.
However, the incidence of celiac disease in the general population is quite low. Nevertheless, increased public interest in gluten sensitivity has contributed to expanded food labels stating ‘gluten-free’ and the proliferation of gluten-free products, which further drives gluten-free lifestyle changes by individuals without frank celiac disease. Moreover, systemic inflammation is associated with celiac disease, depression, and psychiatric comorbidities.
This mini-review focuses on the possible neurophysiological basis of leaky gut; leaky brain, disease; and the microbiota’s contribution to inflammation, gastrointestinal, and blood-brain barrier integrity, in order to build a case for possible mechanisms that could foster further ‘leaky’ syndromes. We ask whether a gluten-free diet is important for anyone or only those with celiac disease. Obrenovich, Mark E M, Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
MEO5@CASE.EDU.AD – Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. MEO5@CASE.EDU., AD – The Gilgamesh Foundation for Medical Science and Research, Cleveland, OH 44116, Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA. MEO5@CASE.EDU. Departments of Chemistry and Biological and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA. MEO5@CASE.EDU.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6313445/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6313445/
