“Leaky gut syndrome,” also known as leaky gut, is a complex and increasingly recognized condition that can have far-reaching consequences on your digestive and overall health. Identifying and evaluating increased intestinal permeability is essential because it can cause or exacerbate other gastrointestinal conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some studies suggest that leaky gut syndrome may also be associated with other autoimmune diseases (lupus, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis), chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies, asthma, acne, obesity and even mental health problems.
So, what exactly is leaky gut syndrome? And could this be why you’re experiencing bloating, stomach aches, and fatigue?
We will explore the underlying causes, the role of functional medicine testing, and practical strategies to promote gut healing and restore balance. Whether you’re looking to better understand leaky gut syndrome or looking for actionable steps to improve your gut healthThis guide aims to provide information and advice based on the principles of functional medicine.
58% of people have had gut health problems, and 45% of them say their problems are chronic (lasting more than 3 months).
What is leaky gut syndrome?
“Leaky gut syndrome,” or increased intestinal permeability, refers to a condition in which the protective lining of the intestinal walls is compromised, allowing the passage of undigested food particles, toxins and bacteria from the intestine into blood circulation.
This breach in the gut barrier can trigger inflammation and disrupt the balance of gut microorganisms, potentially leading to a variety of health issues beyond the digestive system, such as autoimmune diseases and systemic inflammation.
The complex intestinal lining, which extends over thousands of square feet, generally acts as a selective barrier, regulating the entry of substances into the bloodstream. However, in leaky gut syndrome, this barrier is disrupted, allowing unwanted particles to penetrate the tissues below, which can have far-reaching implications for overall health.
What is the role of the intestinal barrier?
What are the root causes of leaky gut syndrome?
Intestinal inflammation – which can be made worse by diet and lifestyle factors such as stress – plays an important role in intestinal permeability. However, leaky gut is usually the result of a convergence of several factors that contribute to the development of a weakened intestinal lining. time.
The root causes of leaky gut syndrome are multiple and often involve a combination of:
Food choices
The modern Western diet often includes high consumption of processed foods, such as those high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats and artificial additives, which contribute to inflammation and compromise the integrity of the intestinal lining, thereby increasing its permeability over time.
Additionally, people often eat foods they are intolerant to without realizing it. This is increasingly common and causes an immune response and inflammation that can further harm your gut health.
Good dysbiosis
Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in your gut microbiota, can contribute to leaky gut syndrome by affecting the integrity of the intestinal lining. A disrupted microbial balance can lead to inflammation and a weakening of the gut’s defense mechanisms, making the intestinal lining more permeable. This increased permeability allows harmful substances to pass through, contributing to the development or exacerbation of leaky gut syndrome.
Chronic stress
Prolonged stress – an increasingly common problem among people today – can impact leaky gut syndrome by disrupting the gut-brain axis and intestinal flora. High levels of stress trigger the release of stress hormones that weaken the intestinal lining by producing inflammation. This process, associated with alterations in gut microbial composition and immune responses under stress, contributes to the development or exacerbation of leaky gut syndrome.
Medicines and toxins
Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota and potentially increase intestinal permeability. Exposure to toxins, such as pollutants and certain chemicals, can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, further weakening barrier function and contributing to the development or progression of leaky gut syndrome.
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How does functional medicine treat leaky gut syndrome?
Personalized nutrition
A thorough clinical assessment of your eating habits by a functional medicine nutritionist is a bit like having your faulty car inspected by a competent and experienced mechanic!
These assessments not only identify potential problems with your diet (perhaps too much of a certain type of food or a nutrient deficiency), but also provide the information needed for your practitioner to then adjust individually a meal plan focused specifically on supporting your gut. with nutrient-rich and anti-inflammatory foods, as well as foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics to nourish your gut microbiome.
Balancing the gut microbiome
Functional medicine doctors prescribe personalized supplement protocols to be taken in conjunction with food to improve symptoms and restore healthy bowel function.
Supplements like L-glutamine, zinc, quercetin, and collagen are known to promote gut lining repair, while probiotics improve the diversity and abundance of beneficial gut bacteria to support the gut microbiome.
Stress management
Besides foods and supplements, lifestyle modifications can help restore proper functioning.
At Nutrition Diets, we integrate neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and lifestyle coaching techniques into our therapy to discuss and work through stressors, as well as recommend techniques to reduce stress and improve mood.
Identifying food sensitivities
A functional medicine approach uses various methods to identify trigger foods that exacerbate gut problems, including:
- nutritional assessment of a food diary
- eliminate suspected trigger foods
- using advanced functional testing
Detoxification
Support the body’s natural detoxification pathways to reduce toxin buildup.
Lifestyle adjustments
Recommend regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and hydration to support overall health and well-being, essential for the proper functioning of all your interconnected body systems.
Functional Tests for Leaky Gut Syndrome
Functional medicine testing can provide valuable information about the causes and underlying mechanisms of leaky gut syndrome. These tests go beyond conventional diagnostic methods to assess various aspects of gut health, allowing for a more personalized and targeted approach to treatment.
Tests such as intestinal permeability assessments, stool analyzes and food sensitivity panels can identify the extent of intestinal barrier dysfunction, the presence of unbalanced gut flora and specific dietary triggers that may contribute to the inflammation and permeability.
These findings help clinicians design tailored interventions that address the root causes of leaky gut, such as dietary modifications, probiotics and supplements, resulting in a more effective and comprehensive treatment strategy.
Functional medicine testing thus helps identify and treat factors contributing to leaky gut syndrome, thereby promoting intestinal healing and overall health.
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Talk to one of our gut health experts to find out which functional test is best for you.
YOUR HEALTH. YOUR CHOICE.
Addressing leaky gut syndrome through the lens of functional medicine offers a comprehensive, targeted approach to restoring your gut health and overall well-being. By recognizing the interdependence between intestinal permeability and a range of health problems, we can intervene in a timely manner to prevent the development or progression of chronic diseases.
At Nutrition Diets, we specialize in identifying and correcting our clients’ health imbalances using the functional medicine approach: balancing personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans, individual therapy and functional testing at residence.
We offer a thorough clinical assessment via simple and convenient online consultations. Getting started is simple and free. Take action today to get your health back on track.
