Maybe you have heard of leaky gut before or even suspect that you have one, however be careful of what Dr. Google has to say about it.

What exactly is leaky gut? Leaky gut occurs in the small intestine, the part of your digestive system between your stomach and your large intestine. Usually, when food arrives in the small intestine, it is already thoroughly broken down and the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The walls of the small intestine are renewed every 72 hours. However, they are very vulnerable to stress. The cells, building the intestinal wall, might be not as healthy as expected, which can lead to not fully digested food to “leak” through the intestinal wall. The immune system reacts to these foreign bodies and it can lead to inflammation.

Some of the suggested causes of leaky gut are:

• Antibiotic use
• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Exposure to environmental toxicants
• Hemorrhage
• Immunosuppression
• Injury/trauma
• Intestinal infections
• Low-fiber diet
• Use of NSAIDs
• Sepsis

Do I have leaky gut?

The inflammation caused by leaky gut can result in digestive symptoms including heartburn, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping and hemorrhoids. In addition, other symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Achiness and pain (head or joint pain)
• Menstrual pain
• PMS
• Unexplained headaches
• Allergies and/or allergic reactions on skin
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Weight gain or difficulties gaining weight
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis)

There is no one-size-fit-all treatment plan for leaky gut and further research is needed.  However, some treatment options, determined by your dietitian or doctor, might include elimination of the causes leading to gut permeability such as food intolerances, slowing down when you eat, elimination of stress, intake of certain supplements and optimizing healthy bacteria in your intestinal tract.

If you suspect that you have leaky gut, it is essential to consult your doctor and he/she will be able to perform a permeability test to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.   You should also make an appointment with a dietitian so you can be properly guided with nutrition changes to address your condition.  Find a RDN at EatRight.com

Contributed by Kristine James, Dietetics Student

References

Kiefer, David, and Leila Ali – Akbarian. “A Brief Evidence-Based Review Of Two Gastrointestinal Illnesses: Irritable Bowel And Leaky Gut Syndromes.(Continuing Medical Education (CME))(Includes CME Test Questions With Answers)”. Alternative Therapies In Health And Medicine, vol 10, no. 3, 2004, pp. 22(11).

Wilson, Doni. “Understanding Leaky Gut: Five Steps To Wellness”. Alternative Medicine, Nov/Dec 2015, no. 25, 2015, pp. 42-45.