The term “leaky gut” comes up frequently, but there is a lot of confusion surrounding the topic.
Leaky gut syndrome impacts millions of individuals worldwide, and many remain unaware of its presence.
Complicating the problem, the sources of leaky gut syndrome can originate from unexpected sources, such as foods often assumed to be healthy. Therefore, it’s worth taking a closer look at leaky gut, what it is, and what causes it.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut syndrome, also known as intestinal permeability, is a condition that occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream.
The gut is an extraordinary component of the body as it houses 80% of the immune system. It is also responsible for absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream and transforming them into energy. To enable the absorption of these nutrients, the gut cell walls have minuscule openings that allow for the passage of small particles.
However, certain elements, such as some foods and toxins, can cause your “drawbridge" to open, allowing larger substances to pass through into your bloodstream. This condition is known as leaky gut. Once these foreign invaders penetrate the gut wall, they trigger the immune system to perceive them as pathogens and attack them.
That is why, sometimes, even healthy foods can cause a reaction.
This leads to a wide range of health problems, including:
Inflammation
Autoimmune disorders
Chronic illnesses
What Causes Leaky Gut?
The problem arises when these foreign invaders appear similar to the body's cells, causing the immune system to become confused and attack the healthy tissues in the body, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases. If left untreated, leaving your leaky gut untreated can cause the condition to worsen and move you further along the autoimmune spectrum.
Listed below are some of the most common causes of leaky gut:
Food allergies or sensitivities. While eliminating these foods can help some individuals, it's not the solution for everyone. In fact, some people may be sensitive to other foods they're unaware of. Identifying food allergies or sensitivities through blood samples and food assessments is essential in determining which foods to avoid.
Inflammatory foods can also open the intestinal barrier and contribute to leaky gut. These include highly processed foods, refined sugars, alcohol, and caffeine. These foods can cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, making it easier for harmful substances to leak into the bloodstream.
An imbalance in gut bacteria. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. When the bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria, it can lead to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining. Restoring balance to the gut microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, and a healthy diet can help heal and prevent leaky gut.
Stress is also a significant contributor to leaky gut. Chronic stress can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the gut. This can damage the intestinal lining and contribute to leaky gut.
Environmental toxins and pollutants can also contribute to leaky gut. These toxins can be found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Exposure to these toxins can cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, making it easier for harmful substances to leak into the bloodstream.
If you suspect that you may have leaky gut, it's important to work with a qualified healthcare practitioner who can help you identify the underlying causes and develop a personalized treatment plan.
At Mountain View Vital Medicine, we believe that health and wellness is possible through holistic treatment. If you are ready to take the next step on your road to healing or would like to make an appointment and find out more, contact us today!