Leaky Gut Syndrome: The Hidden Culprit

I can guarantee that you or someone you know is suffering from Leaky Gut Syndrome!

Don’t believe me?  Here is a list of some of the things that it can cause:

• Fatigue
• Fever of unknown origin
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Diarrhea
• Feelings of toxicity
• Memory problems
• Difficulty with concentration
• Poor tolerance of exercise
• Chronic allergy symptoms
• Depression

But WAIT there’s more!  Leaky gut syndrome can also be an underlying factor in:

This is just a partial list.  Potentially just about any chronic health condition you can think of can be caused or worsened by leaky gut syndrome. Did you notice how this condition causes problems in all age groups?  It is astounding how much havoc it causes in the body.  From mental illness to asthma, leaky gut syndrome should be seriously considered as a possible underlying cause.

WHAT IS LEAKY GUT SYNDROME?

The gut is comprised of the small and large intestines.  Simply put, leaky gut is a damaged gut. It allows things from the inside the gut into the body that don’t belong there.  Therefore, as soon as the gut is damaged and toxins are crossing from the gut into the bloodstream, leaky gut syndrome has begun.  Depending on the severity, the type of toxins and a person’s genetic disposition, leaky gut syndrome will begin to manifest itself in some of the many symptoms and conditions listed above.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

Here is where the rubber meets the road.  The reason this syndrome is so common is because our gut is constantly under attack.  Virtually anything that is unhealthy for the gut can cause it to leak.  Consequently, here is a list of the most common causes of leaky gut syndrome:

HOW IS LEAKY GUT DIAGNOSED? 

If leaky gut syndrome is suspected, testing is needed to diagnosis it.  The first test is a blood test that will only be positive if the gut is allowing toxins into the bloodstream.  This is state-of-the-art test takes out all the guess work.  Depending on the results of the blood test other tests may be needed.  For example, if the leaky gut syndrome is caused by an overgrowth of bad microbes in the gut, a stool analysis is needed to determine what the microbe is so that it can be treated.

If you’ve been researching leaky gut syndrome you will find some pretty crazy stuff.  Unfortunately, many of these sources don’t mention testing at all.  In fact, they suggest that all you need is a change of diet and the addition of some vitamins to fix leaky gut.  However, in my opinion, that’s not going to do it. Diet and vitamins are a vital part of a treatment plan, but without testing, it will not be properly taken care of.

Because leaky gut syndrome can look like so many other conditions, it is impossible to know what the problem is based on symptoms alone.  Furthermore, when you look at the very wide range of things that can damage the gut, testing is extremely important to ending the damage and healing the gut.  Unless you test for leaky gut, there is no way to know that you have actually cured it and treatment for it can stop.

HOW IS LEAKY GUT TREATED? 

The reason testing is so important is that if the cause of the gut damage is not discovered, the first step in fixing leaky gut will not be successful.  The first step in treating the gut is going to be different for almost every patient.  For example, if one patient has gut damage from a parasite their treatment will be different than the patient whose gut problem is coming from trauma.  Once the initial cause of leaky gut is treated, the treatment protocol is pretty standard.

• Reduce sugar, refined carbohydrates and red meat
• Restore proper bowel transit time by increasing insoluble fiber and water
• Replace  digestive support with enzymes
• Reinoculate with friendly bacteria
• Repair the mucosal lining

WE CAN HELP YOU!

If you have any questions, please contact us. Unfortunately, the vast majority of healthcare providers are still in the dark ages.  If you can’t find help where you live, distance does not need to be a barrier.  It is not difficult to get testing done in North America. If you’re ready to get help and want a no-nonsense scientific approach to your healthcare, please contact me.