Updated: 10/13/23
Do you feel like you have lost your spark? If so, Leaky Gut Syndrome could be to blame. This misunderstood and complex condition is often overlooked as the root cause of illness yet it affects countless people across the globe. Symptomatically, Leaky Gut Syndrome can present as anything from bloating, food allergies, fatigue and insomnia to skin issues such as eczema or psoriasis. Luckily, there are steps you can take to regain your vitality by healing and restoring your gut health with supplements specifically designed for leaky gut syndrome. In this blog post we’ll explore what leaky gut syndrome is all about and which supplements may help alleviate its symptoms effectively!
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome refers to a situation whereby the intestines’ permeability rate increases drastically — or becomes leaky. Leaky gut syndrome may not be a condition on its own, but it can indicate that there is an underlying condition that needs diagnosis.
Alongside other components within the stomach, there is an intestinal lining that stretches almost 4,000 square feet. In proper working condition, this intestinal lining makes for a very tight barrier that effectively regulates the substances that will be absorbed into the bloodstream eventually. When the gut lining is unhealthy, there may be holes or cracks which allow for toxins, bacteria and partially digested food to get into the tissues underneath.
There are a number of factors that lead to gut irritation. While some of these are beyond physical control, others occur as a result of actions taken by individuals. For instance, it is believed that the gut lining can get irritated and leaky due to factors such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and yeast overgrowth, antibiotic overuse or very poor diet. It is also believed that the bacterial toxins, undigested food particles and germs that pass through the gut wall goes on to trigger the immune system, which results in an inflammation that affects the entire body.
Leaky Gut Syndrome Symptoms
Food Sensitivity
Food sensitivity refers to the way your body reacts to certain foods. In the process of digestion, food passes through the small intestine from where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, due to the presence of an increased permeability of the small intestine, this exposure could lead to the small intestine reacting to some food that you take in.
There may be different reactions to the same food intake depending on the person. This implies that food sensitivity doesn’t usually display the same symptoms in people. For instance, it could lead to some inflammatory reaction such as fatigue or diarrhea. You may notice that it only occurs when you consume a particular food.
Skin Conditions
Typically, when skin conditions are not caused by other factors, they are usually caused by irritation or reaction of the skin to a substance like a new moisturizer or fabric conditioner. However, if the skin is getting inflamed regularly or skin conditions are developing for an apparently unknown reason, this might indicate that it is a symptom of leaky gut syndrome.
Skin conditions such as acne and eczema have been associated with leaky gut syndrome. Inflammation of the skin usually occurs after the patient had been dealing with other symptoms for a period of time.
Digestive Issues
Both diarrhea and constipation are symptoms of leaky gut syndrome, as the whole digestive tract is affected by the relative health of its individual sections.
Chronic Fatigue
Leaky gut syndrome can cause chronic fatigue syndrome. This happens because the body is constantly fighting the inflammation caused by the toxins that leak into the bloodstream. The inflammation can also lead to a decrease in the production of energy by the cells, resulting in persistent fatigue.
Autoimmune Disorders
Leaky gut syndrome can contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. This happens because the immune system begins to attack the healthy cells in the body, mistaking them as foreign invaders due to the toxins that leak into the bloodstream
Joint Pain
Finally, people with leaky gut syndrome may experience joint pain and stiffness, as well as muscle aches. This is because the inflammation caused by the condition can affect your joints and connective tissues, leading to pain and discomfort.
Other Symptoms
Weight gain, nausea and fatigue are some other common symptoms that you would experience when you have leaky gut syndrome. High oxalate symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are also likely to occur.
Can Leaky Gut Cause Constipation?
Leaky gut syndrome is an intricate condition that can lead to constipation, but the gut is a dynamic organ that is capable of healing toxins and bacteria ingested over time. By giving the gut adequate nutrients, reducing inflammation, and taking preventive measures to take care of gut health, we can care for our gut and overall health while also reducing the onset of constipation. Remember to consult with a health-care provider before starting a new supplement regimen, and get screened for leaky gut when you suspect that leaky gut is a cause of constipation.
Can Leaky Gut Cause Bladder Problems?
The bladder is responsible for storing and releasing urine from the body. When the lining of the bladder becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause a range of symptoms, including frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and painful urination. Research has shown that a leaky gut can contribute to bladder problems by leading to inflammation and irritation not only in the gut but also in the bladder. When bacteria and other harmful substances enter the bladder, they can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and further damage to the bladder’s lining.
Leaky gut and bladder problems can be linked due to the inflammation and irritation caused by toxins and bacteria passing through the gut lining and into the bladder. While leaky gut may not be a recognized medical diagnosis, it can have a significant impact on overall health and well-being. Improving gut health through balanced diet, stress reduction, and supplementation with beneficial bacteria can help prevent leaky gut and related health issues, including bladder problems. As always, it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome is a phenomenon that researchers are still examining. However, it has been established to an extent that there are certain common characteristics that have been noted in affected individuals.
Genetics
It has been discovered that Zonulin, which is a protein within the body that can be taken in from grains and wheat, is actually an intestinal permeability regulator. However, leaky gut syndrome can begin to manifest in genetically susceptible individuals who have this protein activated. Similarly, a longer activation period worsens the leaky gut.
Candida Overgrowth
Candida refers to a fungus or a yeast type. It is present in various parts of the body such as the mouth, gut, throat and vagina and can remain there for a long time without causing any issues.
However, candida yeast can result in infections when there is an overgrowth or when they gain access into the body such as the kidney or bloodstream. Having insufficient levels of healthy bacteria due to candida overgrowth could result in candida sinus. In this case, candida begins to affect the sinuses, resulting in symptoms like post nasal drip and diarrhea. Candida muscle pain is one other condition caused by candida and is one of the signs of candida overgrowth.
Other Stomach Inflammation
Gastritis and nausea also have a very strong link due to the fact that stomach inflammation can result in irritation.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases or disorders refer to the misfunction of the immune system.
Since the immune system is responsible for battling potentially dangerous foreign organisms within the body, detection of these bodies triggers the immune system to send autoantibodies.
Usually, the immune system has the ability to differentiate between your healthy cell and foreign bodies. However, in the case of autoimmune diseases, the autoantibodies that are released end up attacking healthy cells as well. A leaky gut implies that foreign bodies get access to the bloodstream, which is why the immune system responds in this manner.
Gluten Intolerance
Research has also shown that sensitivity to gluten can lead to increase in intestinal permeability, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease.
Diet
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is one of the conditions that share an association with leaky gut syndrome as well. Excessive sugar intake alongside consumption of large amounts of alcohol can lead to increase intestinal permeability. Certain foods result in an increased amount of mucus within the intestines, which slows the movement of food through the gut down. When this slowing down occurs, it presents an opportunity for bacteria and food particles to permeate the intestinal wall. From here, the condition begins to build up.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is another cause of leaky gut syndrome. When the body is under stress, it produces a hormone, cortisol, which can contribute to inflammation in the gut. Stress can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can impact the integrity of the intestinal lining. Finding ways to manage stress, such as through exercise or meditation, is essential for supporting gut health.
Environmental Toxins
Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and herbicides, can also contribute to leaky gut syndrome. These toxins can damage the intestinal lining and disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut. Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins by eating organic foods and using natural cleaning products can support gut health.
Medications
Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, can damage the intestinal lining, leading to leaky gut syndrome. NSAIDs can contribute to inflammation in the gut, while antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut. It’s important to take medications only when necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Leaky Gut and Psoriasis
Recent studies have shown that there might be a link between leaky gut and psoriasis. In a leaky gut, undigested food particles and bacteria from the gut can enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. The immune system attacks these foreign substances, causing inflammation throughout the body, including the skin.
Moreover, the digestive tract plays an integral role in the immune system, and when the intestinal walls become permeable, they allow undigested food particles and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. These particles can then cause an immune response, which can trigger the development of psoriasis.
Leaky Gut and IBS
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes damaged, allowing harmful substances such as bacteria and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. When this happens, it can trigger an immune system response, leading to inflammation and a host of other health problems.
On the other hand, IBS is a chronic digestive disorder that causes a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While the exact causes of IBS are not fully understood, it is believed to be by a combination of factors, including stress, diet, and changes in gut bacteria.
So how are these two conditions related? Well, researchers have found that a leaky gut can actually trigger the development of IBS. When the lining of the intestines is damaging and harmful substances leak into the bloodstream, it can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria that live in the gut. This disruption can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can then trigger IBS symptoms.
Diagnosing Leaky Gut Syndrome
The diagnosis of a leaky gut is an intricate process—almost always requires more than a single test. The assessment includes evaluating your medical history, dietary habits, medications, lifestyle routine, and genetic makeup. After a careful initial assessment and evaluation of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend additional diagnostic tests such as a stool analysis or a blood test to confirm a diagnosis.
A leaky gut syndrome test is by determining the levels of lactulose and mannitol, which are indigestible sugars. A urine sample is to check the levels of these sugars, and this determines whether or not an individual has a leaky gut. Lazy bowel syndrome, or otherwise known as slow gut or sluggish bowel is a condition that has symptoms that include painful bowel movement and constipation. It is mainly an intestinal reaction to an overuse of laxatives. Yeast overgrowth diet refers to one that removes gluten, alcohol, sugar and certain dairy products, which result in candida overgrowth. Diagnosing these underlying causes and subtypes of leaky gut syndrome is key in developing a treatment program.
Living with Leaky Gut Syndrome
Living with leaky gut syndrome can be hard work. Since you are dealing with a condition that is internal and is in a very sensitive area, treatment would have to done by the process of ingestion. Your diet is what determines how successfully you live with leaky gut syndrome.
Eat Healthy Meals
For one, you would definitely need to consume foods that heal the stomach lining, such as vegetables, roots and tubers, fruits and gluten-free grains, among others. This is how to improve the digestive system naturally, and it also aids the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The leaky gut meal plan basically consists of foods that help to heal your gut lining. A dysbiosis diet is one that helps to increase the number of beneficial bacteria present.
Herbs for leaky gut provide the gut with the nutrients that it needs to heal. Similarly, some warning signs include fatigue, weight gain, constipation and skin reactions, among others. Glutamine for leaky gut is the most important nutrient that has a requirement for healing leaky guts due to the fact that it serves as fuel for colonocytes and enterocytes.
Foods to avoid with autoimmune disease include eggs, all dairy products, legumes, all grains, nightshade vegetables and a host of others. Vitamins for leaky gut treatment are also advised, as well as other natural processes.
Taking Supplements
Certain supplements like probiotics, digestive enzymes, and glutamine can help to repair the gut lining and restore healthy gut bacteria. Be sure to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Reducing Stress
Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the gut. Finding healthy ways to manage stress is crucial for healing leaky gut. Try practicing yoga, deep breathing exercises, or meditation.
Getting Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for overall health, and can also help to reduce inflammation in the gut. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Avoiding Triggers
Certain foods or environmental factors may exacerbate your leaky gut symptoms. Keep a food diary to identify any trigger foods, and try to avoid or limit these as much as possible.
Leaky Gut Syndrome Treatment
Treating leaky gut syndrome requires a diet change and elimination of foods that your body regards as toxic. Basically, this involves getting rid of gluten, soy, alcohol, caffeine and refined sugar. Healing gut inflammation usually requires a number of massive changes to your lifestyle, especially what you ingest. Similarly, leaky gut supplements are a lot of help as well and serve as natural remedies for intestinal inflammation.
One of the most effective ways to treat leaky gut syndrome is to change your diet. To improve gut health, you need to consume a balanced diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, healthy fats, and vitamins. A diet that is high in sugar, carbohydrates that have refinement, and processing foods can contribute to inflammation and increase the permeability of the gut. It’s best to avoid foods that contain gluten, dairy, and soy as they can be difficult to digest and exacerbate inflammation in the gut. Focus instead on whole foods such as leafy greens, healthy fats, lean protein, and fermented veggies.
Probiotics for stomach pain also help to restore the healthy bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract. This is essential because you need to up the number of beneficial bacteria within the gut in order to balance the levels of harmful bacteria. Essential ingredients that aid proper digestion include bile acids and hydrochloric acids. Providing the essential nutrients that the gut requires to heal itself is also an important part of the entire process. Intake of an amino acid such as L-glutamine helps to rejuvenate the intestinal wall lining.
Can Leaky Gut Be Cured?
Leaky gut syndrome is a complex and widespread condition that can significantly affect your overall health and wellbeing. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to curing leaky gut, by addressing its root causes through dietary and lifestyle changes, supplementation, and medications. You can significantly improve your gut’s integrity and prevent future relapses. So, start taking care of your gut today and experience the transformative effects of a healthy gut-immune connection.
Supplements for Leaky Gut Syndrome
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system. They help balance the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation in the gut lining. Look for a probiotic supplement that contains multiple strains of beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Studies have shown that probiotics can improve symptoms of leaky gut syndrome, such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract. They can help those with leaky gut syndrome, as the condition often impairs digestive function. Digestive enzymes can help reduce inflammation and improve absorption of vitamins and minerals. Look for a supplement that contains a variety of enzymes, including protease, amylase, and lipase.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that is essential for skin and joint health. It also plays a role in gut health, as it helps repair and strengthen the intestinal lining. Collagen supplementation has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve gut function, and promote healing of the gut lining. Look for a collagen supplement that is hydrolyzed, as this form is more easily absorbed by the body.
Pure Slippery Elm Bark Extract Powder
Slippery elm bark has been in use since the medieval period. It is well useful for its beneficial properties to humans and to the gut in particular.
The suggested serving size for slippery elm bark extract powder is 700 mg once a day, or as directed by your doctor.
Pure L-Glutamine Powder
Glutamine is an essential amino acid required by the digestive tract. It is famous for its function in repair of the gut lining. It has also been shown to support the growth and survival of intestinal cells or enterocytes.
Take 1 or 2 glutamine capsules up to three times a day, about an hour before eating. Consult with a doctor before adding this to your diet and avoid entirely if you are pregnant, have Crohn’s disease or liver damage.
Licorice Root
Licorice root contains up to 75 bioactive compounds, including glycyrrhizin. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is known for reducing inflammation and possessing various gastric benefits (x).
Take ¼ teaspoon of licorice root extract powder or as directed by a doctor.
Black Radish Extract Powder
Black radish has a lot of health benefits. One of which is that it helps to get rid of toxins within the body. Black radish extract powder also improves digestion and strengthens the immune system.
Pure Fish Oil Softgels
Fish oil is rich in Omega-3, which is famous for its ability to battle inflammation. Take up to 2 capsules of fish oil softgels up to three times per day, or as recommended by your doctor.
Turmeric Curcumin Extract Powder
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, which are of great benefit to the gut. Take a maximum of 1,000 mg a day which is less than ½ teaspoon of turmeric curcumin extract powder, under direction from a doctor.
The Bottom Line
Leaky gut syndrome results from damage to the lining of the digestive tract. The treatment of leaky gut is relatively simple — a person must change their diet in order to minimize inflammation and heal the gut lining. Several supplements can help in this task, from fish oil to slippery elm.
Leaky gut syndrome is a complex condition with many possible causes and symptoms. However, by taking steps to heal your gut through diet, supplements, stress management, sleep, and avoiding triggers, you can begin to reverse the damage and start feeling better. Remember to always speak with your healthcare provider before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle. Be patient with your healing process. It may take some time to see results, but your efforts will be worth it in the end!
Leaky gut syndrome can be a difficult condition to manage. With the help of supplements, you can support gut health and alleviate symptoms. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you are pregnant or taking medications. In addition to supplements, make sure to follow a healthy diet rich in whole foods, avoid inflammatory foods and toxins, manage stress, and get enough sleep. With the right approach, you can heal your gut and improve your overall health and well-being.