The Leaky Gut Phenomenon

Most people may not be aware of it but they are probably suffering from leaky gut syndrome. It has recently become popular on the internet and with a growing number of medical communities but a vast majority of the worlds population is still unaware of its existence. So what is Leaky Gut Syndrome you ask? It is a condition where in particles that are found in our digestive system are able pass through the intestinal walls into our bloodstream. Normally the only substances that can go through a healthy intestinal wall are nutrients like fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. All these are essential for our body to function so one of the jobs that the digestive system does is absorbing nutrients.

When the intestinal wall becomes inflamed however, it causes the small holes in it to expand increasing permeability. Larger substances are then able to go through.The main causes of inflammation are antibiotics, bacterial overgrowth, NSAIDS, alcohol, stress, trauma and mold or fungal growth in the lining. The list seems diverse but they all have one thing in common, they can damage or cause the intestinal walls to become inflamed. Some of the mentioned causes are necessary, such as the medications mentioned in the list, so consideration for the possibility of causing damage to the intestinal wall should always be given when taking them. Others are negative to begin with, like alcohol, stress and trauma. These should be avoided whenever possible.

If for some reason you do get leaky gut, there are many symptoms that will become obvious to you. Allergic reactions to food and eventually environmental allergens will be observable. A general feeling of weakness and fatigue will occur because of the toxins in our system. Since the intestines can't keep them in, they are able to pass through the wall and into the blood stream. Liver inflammation is also possible because this organ won't be able to keep up with the inflow of toxins. And the more serious symptom of autoimmune diseases could develop. Our immune system will go overdrive because the foreign particles that are able to pass through the intestinal lining are seen as invading bodies.

Luckily leaky gut syndrome, as long as it doesn't complicate too quickly, is treatable. You just have to go on special diets which will involve avoiding allergenic foods and eating high energy and high nutrition foods. We need the energy and nutrition so that the damaged cells in our intestines can reproduce and recover. This type and diet regimen coupled with the avoidance or curing of whatever it is that caused the leaky gut in the first place should go a long way in getting back to good health.

However, be sure to constantly consult a physician once you think you have leaky gut. He should be the one instructing you to do these things as there might be particular aspects of your condition that are unique to you.


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When looking for an effective Leaky Gut Syndrome treatment be sure to find one that is uses diet and nutrition as the foundation and is not entirely based upon supplements.