Signs and Symptoms of Leaky Gut

Leaky Gut or Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut is a gastrointestinal condition which is also known as “Leaky gut Syndrome”. The likely cause of leaky gut is increased permeability of intestine. The reason of this hyperpermeability can be the improper function of the lining of the small intestine, which results in leaking of the substances present in the intestine into the bloodstream.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut

Maybe you don’t know, but many health related problems are caused as a result of leaky gut. It is a condition which is the result of the improper function of tight intestinal junctions. These junctions work as the guards that take care of what should pass into the blood stream. These tight junctions keep the toxic substances like bacteria, undigested food particles, and wastes, from flowing into the blood stream.

When these junctions fail to work properly, the toxic substances from the intestine leak into the blood stream and cause multiple diseases and inflammation in the body.

Some conditions which can be a result of leaky gut are celiac disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, different allergies, eczema, autoimmune diseases, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes and inflammation throughout the body.

7 Alarming Signs of Leaky Gut

1.      Sensitivity from Food

Food sensitivity or food intolerance is a sign of having leaky gut. When large food particles pass through the leaky gut, the immune system takes them as antigens and as a result, produces antibodies against them. So when a certain food is consumed it becomes difficult to digest it. Gluten containing grains and dairy products are most commonly associated with the intolerance and cause gas buildup in the intestine.

2.      Mood Issues and Thyroid problem

Leaky gut can cause hypothyroidism and many other disorders such as improper metabolism, weight gain, and depression. It also causes mind related problems and makes it difficult to concentrate and work properly.

3.      Unexplainable Weight Gain

If there is a gain in body weight and all the fitness exercises and proper diet fail to lose it, you may have a leaky gut.

Intestinal permeability plays and important role in causing obesity. Bacterial imbalance, poor digestion, and nutritional deficiency can cause the gain in weight.

4.      Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome

People with leaky gut may complain about gas build up, diarrhea, bloating and problematic bowel syndromes. These signs make it obvious that something is wrong in the gut. Leaky gut is found mainly in Crohn's disease patients.

5.      Nutritional Deficiency

Because of a leaky gut, many important vitamins and minerals are wasted. As a result, deficiencies of vitamins and minerals occur. Poor digestion of food also causes it. You can blame leaky gut if there is a constant deficiency of certain minerals and vitamins in the body, despite eating nutrition-rich diet.

6.      Skin Problems

Painful skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis can be a result of a problem in the gut. It is scientifically proved that there is a strong connection between skin and the gut. Inflammation in the gut can cause these inflammatory skin conditions.

7.      Hormonal Imbalance

Studies have shown that a well-maintained balance between gut and hormones is very necessary for healthy living. If there is a problem in the function of gut it affects the hormones resulting in malfunction of different body parts. Deficiency of thyroid Hormones, sex hormones, and other important hormones can be a result of leaky gut syndrome.

Prevention from Leaky Gut

It is always said that “prevention is better than cure” and to prevent leaky gut from occurring, it is important to make some changes in the way of life,

·         Keep a moderated intake of certain foods such as Gluten rich grain, dairy products, sugar, processed food, caffeine, and alcohol.

·         Have proper lifestyle habits such as eating, sleeping, awareness of one’s self and Stress regulations. Proper exercise is also very helpful in leaky gut prevention.

Summary

It is not easy to diagnose leaky gut because of less knowledge about the problem. We have discussed some signs and symptoms of leaky gut. If there are similar symptoms, consult a specialist for a proper treatment. On a personal level, maintain a proper balance in life, stay away from toxic foods and substances that can worsen the symptoms. The healing process can be fast depending on proper care and some changes in lifestyle.