Leaky gut syndrome is a theoretical health condition. It is not currently recognized by medicine. The idea is that damage to the intestinal lining allows toxins or pathogens to enter the bloodstream, leading to illness. This is reported by WomanEL with reference to DoctorOK. Many people are trying to figure out how to treat leaky gut at home and come across thousands of options and answers.
ContentWhat is leaky gut syndrome? Leaky gut syndrome: causes Leaky gut syndrome: symptoms How to treat leaky gut at home: nutrition How to treat leaky gut at home: lifestyle
We understand that this condition and its symptoms are very unpleasant and can worsen the quality of your life. So let's talk about it in more detail.
What is leaky gut syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome is a rapidly growing condition that has recently people all over the world face. Although leaky gut syndrome starts with the digestive system, it affects other aspects of your health as well.
The intestines are lined with a wall that looks like a mesh with small holes. These small holes act as filters and only let certain substances through. They act as a shield, preventing larger and more harmful substances from entering your body.
When a person has a “leaky gut,” it means that the lining of the gut is damaged and can no longer function optimally as a barrier. The small holes become larger and allow harmful substances like gluten, bad bacteria, and undigested food particles to enter your body and cause significant damage to your health.
Leaky gut syndrome: causes
Leaky gut can develop if the lining of your gut is damaged. Or it can develop if groups of proteins called tight junctions break down. These proteins connect the cells that line the gut.
Damage to the lining of the gut can be caused by conditions such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), celiac disease, food allergies, and intestinal infections. In addition, your diet, alcohol consumption if you drink, and the ongoing use of certain medications can also disrupt tight junctions.
So, risk factors for developing leaky gut include:
- A poor-quality diet or a diet low in fiber and high in sugar and fat.
- Excessive alcohol consumption over the long term.
- Excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Food allergies.
- High levels of blood fats, such as cholesterol and triglycerides.
- High blood sugar.
- Insulin resistance.
- Obesity.
- Liver disease.
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Leaky Gut Syndrome: Symptoms
Symptoms that may occur with increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, include:
- Diarrhea.
- Excessive gas.
- Constipation.
- Abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Blood in the stool.
- Fever or night sweats.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue.
Medical tests can also reveal other problems associated with leaky gut, such as ulcers or dysbiosis.
How to treat leaky gut at home: nutrition
As we have already seen, people with celiac disease, food allergies, and sometimes IBS need to change their diet to manage their conditions.
There are also more general dietary strategies that can reduce intestinal permeability and support overall gut health.
- Switch from a Western diet to a Mediterranean diet. The so-called Western diet, which is low in fiber and high in sugar and fat, is a risk factor for increased intestinal permeability. Switching to a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, and eating fewer processed foods, will improve your gut health and overall health.
- Eat more prebiotics. These types of fiber and other nutrients are found in a wide range of plants. They serve as fuel for the “good” gut microbes. When they feed on prebiotics, they produce short-chain fatty acids that help regulate inflammation and perform a variety of tasks in your body. For example, one of them, called butyrate, provides energy to the cells lining your gut.
- Add fermented foods. Probiotics are bacteria found in some foods and supplements that are beneficial for your overall health. Regular consumption of fermented foods containing natural probiotics can help strengthen the intestinal barrier and improve overall gut health.
How to Treat Leaky Gut at Home: Lifestyle
There are many other steps you can take to improve your overall gut health:
- Get more sleep. Studies show that better sleep is linked to a healthier and more diverse gut microbiome.
- Exercise regularly. Even low-intensity exercise can help maintain a healthy gut and increase the diversity of your microbiome.
- Take antibiotics only when necessary. Antibiotics can damage your gut microbiome, so only take them as prescribed by your doctor.
- Reduce stress. Stress can disrupt your gut microbiome. Here are some tips for managing stress.
- Avoid smoking. The gut microbiome of smokers is similar to the gut microbiome of people with IBD.
Leaky gut syndrome is a rapidly evolving problem that can affect anyone. By following a healthy diet and combining it with exercise, you can ensure the health of your digestive system in the long term.
Did you know how exercise improves the condition of our intestines? We shared these details here.