Patients with celiac disease, irritable bowel, and Crohn’s disease experience the loosening of the tight junction as seen in leaky gut syndrome. They also experience the loss of microvilli ( tiny hair on the intestinal cells that absorbs nutrients are seen in all these conditions. It is unclear if they are the same diseases or the progression of each other. The consequences of a leaky gut can be dire. It is thought to be linked to autoimmune disorders and many other chronic diseases. Leaky gut also appears to be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic infections, autism, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, food allergies, liver disease, asthma, acne, obesity, and mental illness.
How to Heal a Leaky Gut
There are a few things that can help those suffering from leaky gut syndrome:
- Get tested for food allergies and avoid foods with moderate to severe sensitivity
- Avoid inflammatory foods like dairy, eggs, gluten, and wheat
- Avoid processed and fast foods
- Eat foods high in fiber
- Consume foods or supplements high in glutamine like GreenMed
- Eat green leafy vegetables
- Take Enzyme Restore digestive enzymes which help break down food particles
- Take Flora Repair 50 billion probioticsto help restore gut flora
- Eat less meat
- Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Reduce stress
- Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics
The gut or intestines play an important role in protecting the body from harmful bacteria and toxins. However, the gut has other important functions than digestion. It contains most of our immune system and produces neurotransmitters like serotonin and acetylcholine. The gut-brain axis consists of a two-way communication system between the brain and the gut system. This connection links the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with GI functions. Individuals with leaky gut are more likely to suffer from autoimmune disease, anxiety, and depression because of the disruption of the gut-brain axis. They are also more likely to suffer from recurrent infections and inflammatory diseases.
