Leaky Gut Syndrome

     Think about this.... so your gut is your largest immune system organ in your body... Now is your gut leaky? Gross sounding, right? Okay so what exactly is 'Leaky Gut Syndrome'.... Leaky Gut Syndrome is when the permeability of the large intestine is increased which causes toxins, nutrients, undigested food particles, and what not to be released into the body's blood stream. GLUTEN = the number one culprit in causing leaky gut syndrome (and most people have NO idea it's going on). I stress to people to find out their food sensitivities and see what causes their gut to be inflamed, every one is different and their bodies will act accordingly. Leaky gut syndrome can also be caused by food allergens, excess sugar, dairy, and excess alcohol. Another cause of leaky gut syndrome are intestinal parasites and toxins (i.e. medications such as Advil, Tylenol, Motrin, steroids, antibiotics, acid-reducing drugs.) Also environmental toxins can play a role in this too. These environmental toxins are anything from mercury, to pesticides, to the BPA in plastic. Age and stress are also affiliated with the causation of a leaky gut.

       Signs that your gut may be leaking:
 1. You have digestive issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and/or Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)
2. You have seasonal allergies or asthma
3. Your hormones are imbalanced and you suffer from PMS.
4. You have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease such as, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus, paralysis, or celiac disease.
5. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
6. Mood/mind issues such as depression, ADD, ADHD, or anxiety.
7. Skin issues like acne, rosacea, or eczema.

   If you believe you may be suffering from a leaky gut, no need to worry, there are ways to repair your intestinal walls. The first thing you may want to try is removing all of the foods from your diet that are causing your gut to be inflamed. I would recommend getting your food sensitivities checked and avoid all of those foods for at least four weeks depending upon the degree of sensitivity you have. After doing this, make sure to replace the good bacteria in your gut that will aid with proper digestive functions. Probiotics are great for assisting with this and will be crucial in restoring your gut. Eating fermented vegetables or drinking Kombucha tea aid in productions of the healthy gut bacteria. Also, taking L-Glutamine will be essential for healing a leaky gut. Glutamine is an essential amino acid that is an anti-inflammatory that is necessary for the growth and repair of a leaky gut.