The small and large intestines are supposed to be one continuous looping of tubes. The small intestines are made up of 3 sections duodenum, jejunum, and the ilium. The small intestines role is to absorb nutrients, takes water back for the body, and absorbs vitamin b12. The colon absorbs water and takes the remaining food out of the body (waste). If the intestinal tract gets inflamed, that’s when leaky gut can happen.
What Is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut is cracks in the intestines that allows toxins, bugs, and undigested food out into the body and bloodstream. Once the toxins are in the bloodstream, they can cause severe problems like joint aches and pains, headaches, nausea, etc.
Who Can Get Leaky Gut?
Anyone can get leaky gut. There are varying degrees. With some people, it may be genetic. Heavy drinking of alcohol, eating processed foods, stress, certain medications, overuse of antibiotics, and sugar can all contribute.
Those who have Crohn’s, IBS, Colitis, and Celiacs already have cracks in their intestines. Researchers are seeing that those with Parkinson’s, Lupus, MS, allergies, fibromyalgia, acne, SIBO, candidae, and mental illness have varying degrees of leaky gut.
What Are Some Signs of Leaky Gut?
- Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Poor immune system
- Headaches, brain fog, memory loss
- Excessive fatigue
- Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea
- Cravings for sugar or carbs
- Arthritis or joint pain
- Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease or Crohn's
How to Treat Leaky Gut?
- Stay away from processed foods
- Decrease sugar intake
- Get plenty of sleep
- L-glutamine is used to help repair the gut lining
- Probiotics help to restore good gut flora
- Goldenseal helps to heal the gut and restore gut flora balance
- Chicory root decreases inflammation in the gut
- Seacure helps to heal the gut lining
- Triphala is used to restore gut lining and decrease inflammation
- Learn coping skills for stress like meditation because stress causes inflammation to the intestines
When Should I Consult a Doctor?
If over the counter treatment doesn’t work then you may need to see your doctor to have tests done to see if something else is causing the gut issues like SIBO, candidae, parasites, or cancer.