Leaky Gut Syndrome

It’s been said that Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS) is currently one of the most researched, under-diagnosed and misunderstood health conditions in recent times.

There have been over 11,000 studies done since 1960.

It is a major contributing factor to many chronic health conditions and problems that are becoming more and more common.

What is the Gut?

The stomach, belly or abdomen are all synonyms for what can be seen on the outside of a person’s body. The gut, which is a vital part of the body’s digestive system is on the inside.

The gut is also known as the gastrointestinal tract. It is the long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus.

The gut system is filled with chemicals and enzymes needed to digest food to fuel the body as energy. Whatever can’t be digested becomes eliminated waste.

There are many billions of beneficial and healthy bacteria here. It has been estimated that 80% of the body’s primary immune system is located in the gut.

This also includes over 90% of the serotonin hormone. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter to the brain which makes a person feel happy.

Scientists have even called the gut the “second brain,” since there is so much of the body’s serotonin present.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

The gut is permeable. It has tiny pores in the intestinal walls. These are designed to naturally allow gases and liquids to pass through in molecule form. Because of this intestinal flow, vital nutrients and healthy bacteria enter the pores and are absorbed within the gut.

The gut is made up of clusters of intestinal cells, known as tight junctures. These tight junctures are supposed to remain closed.

Leaky gut syndrome (LGS) is when the openings in the tight junctures are opened.

When you have LGS toxins, healthy enzymes, undigested food particles, even serotonin escapes from the intestines and leaks into the bloodstream. These leaks are often provide a pathway for infection and unhealthy bacteria that now can travel anywhere in the body.

Once these toxins start moving through the bloodstream it results in an autoimmune reaction. the immune system begins to react. It reacts by attacking healthy cells

When the gut becomes too permeable and the “tight junctures” are unintentionally open it is called “intestinal hyper-permeability” which is often the medical name for “leaky gut syndrome”.

What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?

The short answer to this question is that diet causes a leaky gut. When the gut encounters something it cannot digest, it may cause the tight junctures to expand and break apart.

Although diet is not the only potential cause of LGS, it is the most likely culprit.

Here are the 4 most common causes of a leaky gut.

Foods: Gluten allergies or Celiac Disease has been called the most common cause of leaky gut. Gluten, in the form of bread, pasta, crackers, etc… releases the zonulin protein into the gut. Inflammatory foods like processed sugar and dairy are also a problem. It is very difficult to digest and can cause breaches in the tight junctures.
Medications: The gut can spring a leak when it has prolonged exposure to certain medications like Motrin, Advil or other NSAIDS. Antibiotics, steroids and acid reducing drugs are also a risk.
Toxins: Mercury, pesticides and other environmental toxins may be present in food and water. These toxins contribute to LGS.
Infections: An infection in the gut or bowel can cause LGS. It’s also possible to get it from Crohn’s disease or other conditions where inflammation is present in the digestive tract.Candida and parasites can also be called infectious. Both can have negative effects.

This is a serious systemic problem. It can result in serious diseases as diverse as: arthritis, diabetes, asthma, thyroid problems, autism, depression, autoimmune diseases, liver failure, MS, depression, chronic fatigue and skin disorders.

Symptoms of LGS

Acid reflux,stomach issues, diarrhea, IBS, heartburn
Autoimmunity diseases and disorders (lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis)
Seasonal allergies or breathing disorders (asthma)
Fatigue, Lack of Energy, Being Tired all the time
Anxiety, Depression, Mood disorders, ADD, ADHD
Bloating, unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Achiness, migraines, fibromyalgia
PMS, menstrual issues, hormonal imbalance
Nutrient deficiencies
Skin problems (acne, eczema, rosacea)

How do you treat and heal LGS?

There may be a wide array of symptoms to LGS. That’s what makes it so difficult to diagnose. Many practitioners have started to treat the people that show up with certain chronic for LGS.

Because LGS almost always stems from diet issues, diet changes are the most effective treatment.

There are specific probiotics, nutrients, enzymes and herbs that promote healing in the intestinal lining. Holistic and natural treatment plans have been effective. They treat the underlying problem, the gut, as well as, reduce the symptoms of some more chronic disorders that have developed.

Dr. Amy Myers, MD, is a pioneer in Functional Medicine and New York Times Bestselling author of “The Autoimmune Solution.” She is at the forefront of research and treatment for LGS.

Dr. Myers recommends that her patients follow a detoxification diet to eliminate toxins from the body. She has also created the 4R program as a primary treatment to heal LGS.

Dr. Myers 4R Program

Remove.

Removing the toxins must be achieved first. Getting rid of all the toxic foods, inflammation and infection is the goal. Remove the bad. It is important to have a comprehensive clean-out of the GI tract.

Replace.

Replacing the good entails the use of probiotics, digestive enzymes and vital nutrients to assure proper digestion in the future.

Re-inoculate.

Once you have detoxified the gut environment and replenished the healthy digestive elements, it’s time to re-establish balance. A healthy balance comes when the the much needed good bacteria is working, as it’s supposed to throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

Repair.

It’s of vital importance to provide the nutrients that heal the problems. This is where supplements are introduced. In order to enable the gut to repair itself L-glutamine or similar amino acids may be required.