Leaky Gut Syndrome - Symptoms & Natural Ways Of Healing

Do you have a leaky gut? Know various signs & symptoms to recognize the leaky gut syndrome and the natural ways to heal leaky gut. Read now!

A phenomenon named “Leaky Gut” has gained some prominence in the press. Leaky gut, from a medical point of view, is not a disease. As the name suggests, a leaky gut is an abnormal digestive process in which bacteria and toxins leak through the intestinal walls. 

Medical science does not have any standard treatment for leaky gut. However, this syndrome can lead to myriad other health issues, like asthma and autoimmune conditions. 

This article covers everything you need to know about the leaky gut syndrome, its symptoms, and some natural ways to alleviate this condition. 

What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

When you have a healthy gut, your intestines break down the digested food. The gaps in the intestinal wall allow water and other healthy nutrients to pass through them into the bloodstream. These gaps block the passage of harmful toxins. 

However, when the permeability of the intestine is affected and these gaps become loose, bacteria, toxins and other undigested food pass from the intestine into the bloodstream. Such a condition is called leaky gut syndrome or increased intestinal permeability. 

When toxins enter your bloodstream, and your gut is leaky, it can lead to inflammation and immune reaction. 

Leaky Gut: Causes

Medical professionals around the world are still trying to determine the exact root cause of leaky gut. Several studies show gut health and unhealthy lifestyle as some major causes of leaky gut. Here are some factors that can lead to increased intestinal permeability:

1. Anxiety & Stress - Depression and chronic stress can enhance the gut barrier permeability and cause gastrointestinal issues like leaky gut. 
2. Excess Consumption of Sugar - Excessive intake of fructose, a type of sugar disturbs the barrier function of the intestinal wall.
3. Usage of NSAIDs - Continuous usage of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can expand intestinal permeability.
4. Dysbiosis - Dysbiosis is also called bacterial imbalance. When there is an imbalance between the good gut bacteria and harmful bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, it can cause a leaky gut. 
5. Nutritional Deficiency - Deficiency of vital nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Zinc, and Vitamin A can increase intestinal permeability and leaky gut can be a consequence of it.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut

Some common Leaky Gut Symptoms include digestion issues like bloating, acidity, gas and constipation. However, apart from poor gut health, here are some of the other signs and symptoms of leaky gut. 

• Hormonal Imbalance

When your gut is not healthy, it leads to hormonal imbalance. There’s research that concludes that the gut microbiome plays a vital role in regulating estrogen levels3. Elevated estrogen levels can lead to conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). 

• Autoimmune Diseases & Joint Pain

When harmful, undigested substances and toxins are released into the bloodstream, these substances can inflame the joint and cause a lot of pain. A study also establishes a link between arthritis and dysbiosis. It can even lead to autoimmune conditions.

• Skin Related Problems

While this may sound unusual, your gut health impacts the appearance of your skin. An unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to skin disorders like eczema, acne, skin rashes, and rosacea. Persisting skin issues can be a prominent sign of a leaky gut.

• Chronic Fatigue

Lack of sleep, muscle pain, restlessness, chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia are all a result of unhealthy gut microbiome composition, which is caused because of loose intestinal permeability. 

How To Treat Leaky Gut Syndrome Naturally?

The Leaky Gut Syndrome is best treated by adhering to a balanced diet and living a healthy lifestyle. Here are some daily diet changes that you can make to heal leaky gut:

• Reduce the Consumption of Processed & High-Sugar Foods

High fat and high-sugar foods, if consumed excessively, can lead to an unhealthy gut microbiome. An unhealthy gut microbiome increases the risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes and leaky gut syndrome (LGS). 

• Increase Your Intake of High-Fiber Foods

Consume foods that are a rich source of fiber like vegetables, fruits, Chia seeds, Flax Seeds and legumes. These foods support the growth of good gut bacteria in your gut. Increasing your fiber intake is a natural way to improve your gut microbiome and heal leaky gut syndrome. However, increase your fiber intake gradually, allowing your body to adapt to it and do not do it suddenly to a large extent.

• Say No to Alcohol

People who are regular drinkers and overindulge in alcohol experience inflammation in their intestinal structure5. This inflammation continues to grow and triggers the onset of leaky gut. Refrain from consuming alcohol to avoid this condition.

• Intake Probiotic Foods

Probiotic bacteria are the good gut bacteria in your body. Good gut bacteria positively affect the gut microbiome and intestinal permeability. Berry mix, bananas, oats, and yoghurt are rich in probiotics and can be added to your daily diet.

• Exercising

Daily walking, jogging, and simple exercises also play a vital role in healing the leaky gut syndrome. You should daily engage in some light exercises that get you moving. It is a great way to maintain good gut health.