The successful treatment of Leaky Gut Syndrome FIRST and foremost requires an understanding and investigation into the potential cause(s) behind the leaky gut. While this may seem obvious, most Functional Medicine Practitioners (FMP) jump to treatment without ever knowing the cause. This often lead to relapse. This video will help you understand some of the reasons behind a leaky gut.

A “leaky gut” has been associated with a number of chronic health problem including Thyroid Disease, Weight gain, Eczema, Depression, Inflammation and now even cancer.

The walls of the intestines are made up of a single layer of cells called enterocytes. These cells are linked and held together by tight junction proteins that act as gated openings to allow nutrients out of the intestines into the bloodstream.

When those tight junctions become damaged, undigested food particles, bacteria and toxins can “leak” into the bloodstream. Leaky gut occurs when a separation of the cells in the lining of the intestinal tract as a result of dysbiosis or as the result of an autoimmune attack on the structural proteins holding the tight junctions together.

Treatment for Intestinal dysbiosis and Leaky Gut

Leaky gut syndrome treatment focuses on the primary cause of leaky gut syndrome which can be traced to chronic infections, undigested food proteins that find their way into the bloodstream, antibiotic use, oral contraceptives aka “The Pill” and inflammation.

According to recent research, the cause of food allergies, low energy, joint pain, thyroid disease, skin conditions, autoimmune conditions and slow metabolism could be the result of the progression of a leaky gut.

For many chronic health conditions, the damage could have been done very long ago. Treatment for leaky gut syndrome is necessary because leaky gut symptoms develop once the beneficial bacterial balance is altered, then the chemistry of the gastrointestinal system changes, intolerance to certain foods develop or food allergies are created.

Symptoms of a Leaky Gut

If you have a leaky gut, you may experience:

Bloating and gas
Fatigue
Food sensitivities
Joint pain
Weight gain or weight loss

General Diet Recommendations

Avoid foods like gluten and Dairy. Both of these have been shown to cause Leaky gut.
Avoid Certain medications when possible. Don’t stop any medication unless under the supervision of your primary care doctor.
Limit or avoid sugar, alcohol
Increase levels of Good Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
Increase levels of Short Chain Fatty Acids.
Increase Fruits, vegetables, legumes,
Incorporate fermented foods like include yogurt and kefir, a yogurt-like drink.
Increase foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and miso.