Leaky Gut Syndrome

A common but poorly recognized problem, leaky gut syndrome occurs when paces develop between the cells of the gut (the intestines), allowing bacteria, toxins, medications, and partially digested particles of food to leak into the body. This can lead to a host of problems, including poor absorption of nutrients, infection, food allergies, chemical sensitivities, and autoimmune disease.

The symptoms of leady gut syndrome are wide in range, and include gastrointestinal complaints, such as abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, gas, and diarrhea; neurological problems, such as anxiety, confusion, mood swings, and poor memory; breathing problems, such as shortness of breath and asthma; and various other difficulties, including poor immunity, recurrent bladder infections, chronic joint pain, and fatigue.

Leady gut syndrome can have a number of causes. These include heavy metal toxicity; environmental toxins; nutritional deficiencies; the use of certain medications, such as broad-spectrum antibiotics, birth control pills, prednisone, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); fungal infection; food allergies; excess consumption of refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol; a deficiency of digestive enzymes or hydrochloric acid in the stomach; and even stress.

A healthy diet can help avoid leady gut syndrome, and aid in repairing the gut when problems occur. A number of vitamins and nutritional supplements can also improve gut health.