What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut (also known as Increased Intestinal Permeability) is a term used to describe the condition of the intestines when its lining becomes damaged and gaps appear between the cells. This allows large particles and toxins to pass through the intestinal wall and escape into the body - hence the name leaky gut.
This condition is not widely recognized by mainstream physicians but leaky gut, Dr. Oz said recently, is often overlooked because the patient can present with multiple, seemingly unrelated symptoms. Also, conventional testing does not indicate that leaky gut is present.
The lining of the intestine is like a net with very small holes, only allowing substances through which are meant to pass through. When leaky gut occurs, these holes widen and allow things to pass through into the bloodstream, such as viruses, food particles, bacteria and toxins. Because these “foreign objects” are not supposed to be in the blood they trigger the immune system to react, which sets up inflammation in different parts of the body. This in turn, results in a variety of symptoms occurring such as headaches, fatigue, food sensitivities, bloating and cramps.
Leaky Gut Symptoms
Leaky gut symptoms can affect many areas of the body and may include:
- Stomach gas and bloating
- Seasonal allergies or asthma
- Hormone imbalances
- Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease
- Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- Anxiety or depression
- Skin issues
- Diagnosis of candida
- Food allergies
- And many more
Causes of Leaky Gut
Since leaky gut is not as widely recognized as other gastrointestinal disorders, the causes of leaky gut are not as well documented. However, diet, chronic stress, certain medications and bacterial imbalances would appear to be the most closely associated as being causes of leaky gut.
A diet high in refined sugar can lead to a yeast overgrowth, something which has been identified as a cause of leaky gut. Processed foods contain multiple chemicals and preservatives which can attack the lining of the intestine, and so can gluten. Overuse of antibiotics can allow bad bacteria to grow in the intestine which can also cause leaky gut.
Leaky Gut Diagnosis
Leaky gut, Dr. Oz says, should be one of the first conditions to consider if a patient presents with multiple food sensitivities. This is because when particles of undigested foods leak through the intestinal wall they can cause an allergic response. A leaky gut diagnosis is also often made on patients who have pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS and Celiac disease because the increased intestinal permeability may potentially cause these conditions.
At LifeWorks Wellness Center, the symptoms which the patient is presenting with will be assessed, and a functional evaluation will be performed to assess the function of the intestine. If a leaky gut diagnosis is made, a functional stool test may also be ordered to evaluate the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, e.g. Is there inflammation in gut, what is the enzyme activity in the pancreas, is bacterial overgrowth or parasites present and what is the immune status in the gut?
Leaky Gut, SIBO and Autoimmune Diseases
Having a leaky gut not only affects your ability to absorb vital nutrients; it can also allow undigested foods and proteins through the gut barrier causing the immune system to overreact and attack these particles, often leading to collateral damage in other bodily systems and organs. This ongoing damage is often at the root of many autoimmune diseases. Fix the leaky gut and the body now has a chance of repairing the organ or system that was damaged. If you wait too long to address it however, the damage can sometimes be permanent. The message is to take care of a leaky gut asap. Watch the video to learn more!
Natural Leaky Gut Treatment
At LifeWorks Wellness Center once a diagnosis for leaky gut has been made, a natural leaky gut treatment program will then be followed to help the patient heal and restore full gut function. Each program is different and will depend upon the factors involved for each individual's case. Part of the natural leaky gut treatment program will not only be identifying and correcting the cause(s) of the problem but also helping to resolve other issues in the body which leaky gut may have caused. As part of treatment most patients will undergo testing to determine which nutrients their body needs to help rebuild their intestinal tract.
Clearwater & Tampa’s Best Leaky Gut Doctor
LifeWorks Wellness Center is long recognized as one of the foremost natural health clinics in the US. At our Tampa Bay, Florida alternative medicine office we have been offering treatment for leaky gut for a long time and many of our patients have benefitted from it. Our patients fly in from all over the world because they simply can’t find clinics offering leaky gut treatments that are natural & effective where they live.
Find out if you Have a Leaky Gut & Get it Fixed!
The key with healing the gut is to take action as soon as you start experiencing non-optimum gut symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, skin issues or any of the symptoms outlined above. Many people tolerate these minor symptoms for many years, all the while the damage is compounding until they experience a much more complex and severe condition, such as an autoimmune disease. Don't wait that long if you can avoid it. Make your friends and family aware of the fact that these conditions aren't "normal". Like many things, the earlier you catch this and address it, the easier it is for your body to heal.
Could your nagging condition be caused by a leaky gut? Why not find out. We have helped many patients regain their health and wellness and we would love to help you, too.
To become a patient, or for more information, feel free to call our New Patient Coordinator at (727) 466-6789 or simply submit an online web form with your request.
*Disclaimer: Individual patient results may vary based on a patient's medical history and other factors.