Understanding Leaky Gut
Introduction
It's become clear that many of my clients share a common thread: signs of what's often referred to as "leaky gut." While I never formally diagnose clients, leaky gut highlights a potential breakdown in the gut's protective lining, allowing unwanted substances to seep into the bloodstream. By analyzing red flags and patterns in their functional lab tests, I can often identify healing opportunities and develop a personalized approach and recommendations for healing the gut.
So what is leaky gut?
Hyperpemeability is often referred to as "leaky gut.” Increased intestinal permeability occurs when the gut's protective lining becomes compromised. Imagine your gut as a castle with fortified walls and behind the walls a moat filled with water. Leaky gut is like a breach or cracks in those walls, allowing unwanted and large substances to seep through. These walls, called epithelial cells, and the moat, called our immune system, act as our major defense system as it is one of the first places our inside environment meets our outside environment. In reality, only the smallest of particles should make it through the wall and past the moat into the bloodstream to be used as the body sees fit –think vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and so forth.
These walls act as a barrier, shielding us from harmful bacteria, toxins, chemicals, and other larger components. Our barrier can weaken due to several things like stress, overwhelming toxin and chemical exposure, medications, gluten sensitivities, and more. When this barrier weakens, our physical barrier is compromised leading to a cascade of other issues.
Why does this matter?
When cells are not tightly packed together–there is a breach in the castle walls–this can negatively impact several bodily systems:
Immune System: Imagine the immune system as the moat filled with water behind the walls, designed to aid in protection. When the walls are compromised, then the only defense is the moat (immune system). This causes the immune system to work overtime to block harmful substances from entering the body. Initially, the immune system becomes on highly alert, mistakenly identifying even normal foods as threats, leading to increased food sensitivities and heightened immune activation. Over time, this constant state of alert can exhaust the immune system, reducing its effectiveness and leaving the body more vulnerable—like a moat that has run dry, providing less protection.
Liver: The liver becomes overwhelmed as it has to handle an increased load of harmful substances that bypass the weakened gut barrier and the overburdened immune system. With over 500 functions, including detoxification and filtration, the liver struggles to manage this extra workload. This strain can impair the liver's ability to perform its essential functions, which, in turn, affects nearly every other system in the body.
Increased Symptoms
Leaky gut can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including bloating, constipation, diarrhea, cramps, nausea, acne, anxiety, depression, malnutrition, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, inflammation, and fatigue, among others.
What can you do?
Start by minimizing your exposure to chemicals, toxins, and external stressors, as these can exacerbate the damage. Begin by evaluating your cleaning products, water quality, skincare items, cookware, and food storage containers. Also, focus on reducing stress and increasing restful activities and sleep to give your body the time it needs to heal and restore its health.
Incorporate nutrient-dense, whole foods into your diet to provide your body with the essential fuel for repair. Aim to include 15-20 different organic plant foods each week, opt for organic and grass-fed meats, and consume bone broth. Use cooking fats such as ghee, butter, tallow, or duck fat instead of other oils, and consider temporarily reducing gluten and dairy intake.
For additional support, you might use slippery elm tea, marshmallow root tea, bone broth, aloe vera, and l-glutamine to help repair leaky gut. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
Conclusion
Addressing leaky gut is vital for overall health, as it affects the immune system, liver function, inflammation, and other systems. To support gut health, reduce exposure to toxins, manage stress, and prioritize sleep. Focus on a nutrient-dense diet with whole foods and consider supportive supplements. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes. By taking these steps, you can enhance gut health and overall well-being.
With support,
Isabella