The leaky gut syndrome can make you experience varying symptoms. From migraines, allergies, digestive disorders, to fatigue, you can suffer from any of the signs due to the condition. Any of these signs or a combination of them indicates to poor gut health. Several underlying health conditions can lead to the condition. Also known as intestinal permeability, the condition can confuse your doctor as it mimics several other conditions. Earlier, many doctors never recognized intestinal permeability as a diagnosable condition. But, according to many studies, the condition can trigger other medical conditions. Read ahead to know more about it and if it is a disease or a symptom indicating another disease.
About Leaky Gut Syndrome
Before going into the details of intestinal permeability, you need to understand the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is the tube running from your mouth to the anus. The tube connects the following organs:
- The esophagus
- Your stomach
- The small and large intestines
In normal cases, the digestive enzyme in the stomach as well as the small intestine breaks down the food and drink you consume into smaller molecules to absorb the nutrients in it. It is essential for energy, growth, and repair. Inside your stomach, an extensive, covering acts as a barrier to control the absorption into the bloodstream. The intestine also plays an important role in protecting the body from harmful bacteria ad toxins. The intestinal lining of more than four thousand square feet of surface area forms a tight barrier. With the tight openings in the intestinal wall, it controls water as well as nutrients to pass through into your bloodstream. It keeps the harmful or toxic substances inside.
When you suffer from the leaky gut syndrome, the lining develops large cracks or holes. As the openings become wider, it allows food particles (partially digested), toxins, and bugs/bacteria to penetrate the tissue behind it or into the bloodstream. It triggers inflammation and also changes the gut flora. Gut flora is the normal bacteria present in your body. This can result in problems within your digestive tract or other areas. Due to modifications in your intestinal bacteria, you can suffer from inflammation, which can lead to the development of several chronic diseases, including intestinal permeability.
Relation Between Gut Microbiota And Leaky Gut Syndrome
Your intestines house a wide range of bacteria. These bacteria are referred to as gut microbiota. The gut microbiota helps in digestion, protecting your intestinal wall, and support the immune function. When you suffer from the leaky gut syndrome, it means an imbalance occurs in gut microbiota. This imbalance in gut microbiota triggers your body’s immune system response. So, you develop inflammation and intestinal permeability. It results in the leaking of substances from the intestine into the bloodstream. So, you need to ensure the balance of gut microbiota is maintained to prevent complications.
Symptoms Of Leaky Gut Syndrome
Every person suffers from some degree of intestinal permeability. It is because your gut lining is not completely impenetrable. Your gut lining must have some degree of permeability. But, some people suffer from severe permeability, which starts affecting their normal health. It occurs due to genetic predisposition or the modern lifestyle. Due to intestinal permeability, you suffer from several symptoms. But, since it resembles several other health conditions, it becomes difficult to diagnose the problem. The leaky gut syndrome can trigger the following:
- Headaches
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Digestive problems (like bloating, constipation, chronic diarrhea)
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Confusion
- Joint pain
- Skin problems like eczema, rashes, acne
- Widespread inflammation
Causes Of Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome remains a bit of a medical mystery, and medical professionals are still trying to determine exactly what causes it. You develop intestinal permeability due to a protein known as zonulin. It is the regulator of the disease. In genetically susceptible people, activation of zonulin can result in intestinal permeability. Zonulin is released in your body due to two main factors:
- Gluten (a type of protein present in wheat and other grains)
- Bacteria in your intestines
Several studies indicate gluten can only trigger intestinal permeability in people who already suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease. Several risk factors contribute to the condition.
Risk Factors Triggering Leaky Gut Syndrome
Several factors are believed to trigger the condition. The risk factors associated with the problem are:
Excess Sugar Intake
When you consume sugar in excess or consume a diet high in sugar, then it can harm your gut lining. High sugar, specifically fructose can damage your intestinal wall.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
The use of OTC (Over-the-counter) NSAIDs for a long time can result in leaking of your gut. So, when you use ibuprofen or other painkillers, get advice from your doctor.
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Consuming excessive alcohol can make your gut lining weak and make you more vulnerable to intestinal permeability.
Nutrient Deficiencies
When you suffer from deficiencies of different vitamins, it can result in intestinal permeability. The vitamins causing the issue are:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Zinc
Inflammation
When you suffer from chronic inflammation throughout the body, it can lead to intestinal permeability.
Stress
When you suffer from severe stress, it affects your body negatively. Chronic stress is a major contributing factor in several gastrointestinal disorders, including intestinal permeability.
 Poor Gut Health
Your gut has millions of bacteria. Not all are beneficial for your health. Some are good while others are harmful. A right balance is necessary to ensure good health. When this balance is disrupted, it affects the intestinal wall’s barrier function.
Yeast Overgrowth
Your gut has the presence of yeast naturally. But, when yeast overgrowth occurs, it results in intestinal permeability.
The exact reason for developing leaky gut syndrome remains unclear. Several factors play a significant role in developing the condition. It includes stress, unhealthy diet, chronic inflammation, or long term use of over-the-counter pain killers.
Diseases Associated With Leaky Gut Syndrome
The leaky gut syndrome is linked to several health problems in modern times. So, if you develop intestinal permeability, then the chances of developing multiple chronic diseases increases. The diseases linked to the condition are:
Leaky Gut Syndrome Causing Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. People suffering from it develop severe gluten sensitivity. Several scientific studies indicate the presence of intestinal permeability in people suffering from celiac disease. According to a study, people suffering from celiac disease can suffer from intestinal permeability when they ingest gluten. So, immediately after consuming gluten, they can see symptoms associated with intestinal permeability.
Diabetes
Some evidence indicates that intestinal permeability plays a significant role in the development of type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes develops in a person due to autoimmune problems. So, your immune system destructs the insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas. Several of the studies indicate that the immune system reaction of your body is triggered by foreign substances like the ones leaking through your gut. So, these foreign cells cause beta-cell destruction. According to one scientific study, around 42% of the individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes have high levels of zonulin, which triggers intestinal permeability.
Crohn’s Disease Leading To Leaky Gut Syndrome
People who suffer from increased intestinal permeability can develop Crohn’s disease. It is the chronic digestive disorder triggering severe and persistent intestinal tract inflammation. Studies also indicate that immediate relatives of people suffering from Crohn’s disease are at risk of developing intestinal permeability.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome are likely to develop the leaky gut syndrome. When you suffer from IBS suffer from constipation and diarrhea. So, it can weaken the gut lining. The risk, specifically increases in people suffering from diarrhea-predominant IBS.
Food Allergies
If you suffer from frequent food allergies, then you have weakened the intestinal barrier function. When the food protein leak into the bloodstream, it can trigger an immune system response. This food protein, also known as antigen results in food allergy.
Many studies indicate the presence of intestinal permeability in people who suffer from certain chronic illnesses.
Diagnosing Leaky Gut Syndrome
How can you detect the presence of intestinal permeability? When you suffer from certain signs and symptoms, consult your doctor. A medical professional can rule out other conditions and detect the problem by suggesting three tests. If your doctor suspects leaky gut syndrome, then it is diagnosed by undergoing the following tests:
Lactulose Or Zonulin Test
An ELISA test (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Test) is suggested to detect levels of a compound known as zonulin. When your results indicate high levels of zonulin, it indicates leaky gut syndrome.
IgG Food Intolerance Test
Your immune can go into overdrive when overexposure to microbes or toxins occurs internally. It can result in the production of antibodies by your immune system. These antibodies can react negatively when you consume food like dairy and gluten.
Stool Tests
To analyze the gut flora levels, your doctor conducts a stool test. The stool test can also help determine your intestinal health as well as the body’s immune function.
Diet For Leaky Gut Syndrome
When you receive the positive result indicating the presence of intestinal permeability, then your first reaction is to panic or fret. You can include a special diet that will avoid further complications due to gut problems. With advice from the doctor, you can follow a specific diet to prevent any severe reactions:
Foods You Can Include For Leaky Gut Syndrome
For better digestive health, you can include a special diet plan in your routine. Avoiding certain foods and including certain items in your diet can improve your overall digestive health. You need to choose foods that aid the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Including a diet rich in such food items will avoid any gut problems. When unhealthy gut bacteria increase in number, it affects your health negatively. You suffer from issues like type 2 diabetes, chronic inflammation, heart disease, and cancers. Here is the list of foods you need to include and avoid for better digestive health. You need to include healthy food options in your diet. It will improve your digestive health and strengthen the gut lining. Here are some of the food options you need to add to your diet:
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are essential for a healthy and nutritious diet. You need to include roots and tubers in your diet.
Fruit
Fresh fruits are essential for a healthy gut. You need to add different fruit in your diet to get the desired effect.
Sprouted Seeds
You can include beneficial seeds like:
- Sunflower seeds
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
Gluten-Free Grains
Since the leaky gut syndrome is linked to zonulin. Consuming foods containing gluten can worsen the condition. So, you can include gluten-free grains like
- Rice (brown and white)
- Buckwheat
- Teff
- Amaranth
- Sorghum
- Gluten-free oats
Healthy Fats To Avoid Leaky Gut Syndrome
Add healthy fats by using the following:
- Coconut oil
- Avocado/Avocado oil
- Extra virgin olive oil
Fish
Fish with omega-3 fatty acids are ideal to improve your gut health. So, you can include the following:
- Herring
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Tuna
Meats And Eggs
You need to include eggs, beef, lean cuts of chicken, lamb, and turkey.
Herbs And Spices
All herbs and spices are ideal for enhancing gut health.
Cultured Dairy Products
Include the following:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Greek yogurt
- Traditional buttermilk
Beverages
You need to drink water for better digestive health. Apart from water, you can drink the following:
- Nut milk
- Bone broth
- Coconut milk
- Teas
 Nuts For Managing Leaky Gut Syndrome
You can include raw nuts in your diet to protect the gut lining. Here are some of the nuts you need to consider:
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Nut milk
To protect your digestive health, add the foods from the above-mentioned group. Including fresh fruits and vegetables along with other items will help you safeguard gut health.
Foods To Avoid When You Suffer From Leaky Gut Syndrome
When you suffer from the leaky gut syndrome, then you need to avoid certain food that can affect your gut health. Certain foods can trigger inflammation in your body. So, it can result in the growth of unhealthy gut bacteria. The growth of unhealthy gut bacteria can cause several chronic diseases. Want to know the food item harming the gut bacteria? Below is the list of food items that can trigger issues and cause other digestive symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
Wheat-Based Products
Certain food items can affect your gut health like
- Pasta
- Bread
- Wheat flour
- Cereals
- Couscous
Grains Containing Gluten
Gluten can affect people suffering from intestinal permeability. So, have caution while eating the following:
- Seitan
- Barley
- Triticale
- Bulgur
Processed Meats
Try to avoid the following from your diet:
- Hot dogs
- Cold cuts
- Bacon
- Deli meats
Baked Goods
Avoid baked goods as they can worsen the gut problem. So, stay away from the following:
- Muffins
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Pastries
- Pies
- Pizza
Snack Foods
Snacking on the following can affect your gut health:
- Popcorn
- Muesli bars
- Crackers
- Pretzels
Junk Food
A high calorie, high-fat diet can alter the gut microbiota. So, including junk foods in your diet can increase the bacteria triggering obesity and reduces your gut’s overall bacterial diversity. Avoid the following:
- Potato chips
- Fast foods
- Candy bars
- Sugary cereals
Dairy Products
Due to trouble digesting lactose in the dairy products, intestine inflammation or permeability can occur when you include the following:
- Cheeses
- Milk
- Ice cream
Refined Oils
Try to avoid refined oils in your diet. Here is the list of oils you need to eliminate from your diet for protecting the gut lining:
- Safflower oil
- Sunflower oil
- Canola oil
- Soybean oil
 Artificial sweeteners
For keeping the gut lining safe, you need to avoid artificial sweeteners like
- Saccharin
- Aspartame
- Sucralose
Sauces
When you cook certain cuisines, it requires sauces. But, it affects your gut lining. So, avoid the following:
- Soy sauce
- Salad dressings
- Hoisin sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
Beverages
Try to avoid the following beverages to avoid gut problems
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcohol
- Other sugary drinks
Natural Treatment Methods For Leaky Gut Syndrome
Looking for a natural treatment to alleviate leaky gut syndrome, then you can try some methods suggested below:
Bone Broth
You can make bone broth by boiling animal bones as well as connective tissue and simmering it. It is a rich source collagen and other nutrients. You can take it as a healthy drink as it can nourish your gut lining. It also reduces inflammation. Drink bone broth will also help restore the gut microbiome you have lost.
Use Essential Oil
You can mix a few drops of essential oil in water and drink the mixture for good gut health. Essential oils lie peppermint and caraway oil restore the health of the gut lining affected by inflammation. It also promotes abdominal health. While peppermint oil can soothe your inflamed gut lining, caraway oil can relieve abdominal discomfort. It also cures the symptoms associated with intestinal permeability.
Mix Ashwagandha Powder And Drink
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb known for its medical properties. It is a natural adaptogen (non-toxic plant aiding the body to resist stressors) that helps your body regulate HPA activities. HPA is the hormone known to offer relief from the intestinal permeability symptoms. It is usually more effective for symptoms caused due to stress.
Drink Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera is used by many people for maintaining their skin health. But, it is also effective in healing damaged gut lining causing intestinal permeability. Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties along with healing effects to protect your gut from suffering from damage. Drinking aloe vera juice can flush out toxic as well as undigested substances from your gut wall. You can take fresh aloe vera extract and drink it at least one to two times daily to maintain your good health.
Garlic To Manage Leaky Gut Syndrome
Garlic is a well-known home remedy for different ailments. Including garlic in your diet is good for your gut health. Garlic contains allicin, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. So, you can prevent infections and restore gut health.
Include Gluten-Free Cooked Oats
To overcome intestinal permeability, you need to consume a bowl of cooked gluten-free oats every day. You can also add oats to your favorite milkshakes and smoothies to get benefits. Oats can help you manage the condition at home as it contains beta-glucan. It is a type of soluble fiber that can form a thick layer in your gut. The gel-like layer helps restore your lost gut flora.
Consume Plain Yogurt
Taking plain yogurt daily is beneficial to overcome intestinal permeability. It not just promotes healthy gut microbes but also relieves the symptoms triggered due to intestinal permeability. You just have to take it once a day for good gut health.
Neem For Gut Health
Do you know that neem is a natural detoxifier? Eating neem encourages the growth of healthy gut microbes. Neem also has anti-inflammatory properties, which accelerated gut healing. You can take a handful of neem leaves and blend them well. Take half teaspoon of minced neem and mix it with honey. You can take this mixture at least one to two times a day to see benefits.
Eat Papaya
Do you like papaya? It is a fruit containing immunostimulant and antioxidant properties. So, you can eat a bowl of freshly cut papaya to alleviate the symptoms of the leaky gut syndrome. It will speed up your recovery and promote good gut health.
Use Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin. It contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation in your damaged gut. So, using turmeric in your diet will relieve the painful symptoms. You can mix a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of water or milk and drink it.
Prevent Leaky Gut Syndrome
Is it possible to prevent leaky gut syndrome? You need to take some steps to tweak your lifestyle to prevent intestinal permeability. Follow the preventive methods suggested:
High Fiber Diet
When you include high-fiber foods in your diet, it can improve your gut health. So, add foods containing soluble fiber like legumes, vegetables, and fruit that can support your gut bacteria.
Avoid Refined Carbohydrates
When you consume a diet high in refined carbohydrates, the sugar can harm your gut bacteria.
Reduce Intake Of NSAIDs
When you use over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time, it affects the gut lining. So, taking ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen continuously without suggestion from your doctor can lead to intestinal permeability.
Take Probiotic Supplements
Probiotic supplements are beneficial bacteria improving your gut health. So, taking probiotic supplements is considered beneficial for many gastrointestinal conditions. You can take the supplements after consulting your doctor.
Reduce Stress
Excess stress can aggravate intestinal permeability. It is because the gut bacteria suffer harm when you feel stressed out. Several studies indicate the harmful effects of stress on your body, including your gut health. So, try relaxation techniques to get relief from stress.
Avoid Alcohol
Drinking alcohol affects your gut health. Overindulging in alcohol can result in intestinal permeability. So, you need to control or avoid alcohol intake,
Quit Smoking
Tobacco products like cigarettes increase inflammation of your digestive tract. So, smoking increases your risk of developing several bowel conditions.
Practice Yoga
Yoga is effective to offer you relief from stress. But, certain poses can make your gut lining strong. Practice poses like
- Bridge pose
- Supine twist
- Cow-cat pose
Conclusion
When you see the symptoms associated with the leaky gut syndrome, it is better to seek medical help. Since the symptoms mimic that of several other illnesses, only a medical professional can help diagnose the problem and get the necessary assistance to manage the problem. So, you need to get advice and follow it strictly to avoid distress.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326117#:~:text=Leaky%20gut%20syndrome%20is%20a,LGS)%20as%20a%20diagnosable%20condition.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-leaky-gut-real