There are many barriers and defenses by which the intestinal tract mucosa is exposed to bacteria, antigens, and chemicals and yet it can still select what is absorbed and secreted. Leaky Gut Syndrome is an alteration in the intestine’s barrier function that causes intestinal permeability in some people.

Personal Story

When I was taking my herbalist training, one of the assignments was to teach a lesson for my peers. I chose the topic leaky gut to research and lecture on. I was surprised to learn that Leaky Gut Syndrome was not generally recognized by conventional physicians. I think that may be changing, since is a common chronic health condition.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

A medical definition for leaky gut syndrome is “an increase in permeability of the intestinal mucosa to luminal macromolecules, antigens, and toxins associated with inflammatory degenerative and/or atrophic mucosa or lining.” That’s a mouthful! A much simpler definition for leaky gut is something that happens when large spaces develop in the gut wall which allow molecules of food, bacteria, or toxins to leak into the bloodstream. Another name for Leaky Gut Syndrome is Intestinal Hyperpermeability (abbreviated IHP).

What causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?

There are several possible causes:

• Inflammation from food sensitivities or allergies, toxins, or poor diet.
• Stress that is not managed.
• Infections can lead to intestinal barrier function alteration and increased intestinal permeability by damaging the tight connections of mucosal cells. Candida, a yeast overgrowth, is an example.
• sIgA deficiency

Who is at risk for Leaky Gut Syndrome?

• People with auto immune conditions such as Addison’s disease, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, thyroiditis, and vasculitis. People who have Celiac disease also may have Leaky Gut.
• People who have these symptoms are also at risk: bloating and/or gas, bouts of diarrhea and constipation, Candida, depression, fever, food allergies, gastrointestinal cramping after meals, muscle aches, unbalanced gut flora, and, as time progresses, headache, irritability, memory, and concentration problems.

How does Leaky Gut Syndrome Affect People?

• Food allergies and sensitivities can be due to autoimmune responses
• Eczema in children
• Some women have chronic cases of vaginitis

Action

There is hope for those who have Leaky Gut Syndrome. It is an inflammation of the small intestine that is caused by large spaces developing in the gut wall that allow molecules of food, bacteria, or toxins to leak into the bloodstream. Once the intestinal wall is repaired, the symptoms are reduced or eliminated. Autoimmune diseases and the many symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome can be helped by improving the person’s diet, supporting their body with nutritional and herbal supplements, and making changes in their physical lifestyle. A person with Leaky Gut Syndrome needs to be educated about the condition and be willing to take the necessary steps to help their body heal. Their patience and perseverance in following a plan which includes eating well, taking supplements, balancing good bacteria, and managing stress will pay off as the body that God so marvelously designed heals itself. If you, or someone you know, is having symptoms of leaky gut, please seek help from your healthcare team or myself.

May God bless your wellness journey!

Joni

P.S. Do you know anyone who has leaky gut?