In integrative medicine, we consider the gut to be the root of all health. When there’s imbalance in the gut, a myriad of symptoms can occur.

Most people think of the gut for obvious gut-related symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, heartburn, etc.

Most don’t think of the gut for more systemic issues such as rashes and other skin disorders, joint pain, headaches, trouble concentrating, depression, fatigue, and more. 

Often, the gut IS the root cause of all of the above symptoms and even more chronic diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and autoimmune disorders. 

If you have any symptoms that typical western treatments haven’t been able to erradicate, then you might just have a leaky gut. 

What is leaky gut?

A more technical term for leaky gut is intestinal permeability.

In a normal functioning small intestine, there are tight junctions between all of the cells along the lining. These junctions hold the cells together and keep everything in the gut that is supposed to stay in the gut.

When this lining gets damaged, it thins causing microscopic substances to cross the intestinal lining into the blood stream. This causes a response from the immune system and a cascade of events that cause many different symptoms.

What causes leaky gut?

Leaky gut is caused by anything that can cause an insult to the gut lining. The most common things that do this include: 

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAIDs)
• Poor diet
• Poor digestion
• Alcohol intake
• Infections
• Imbalance of good/bad bacteria
• Antibiotics and other drugs
• Toxins

How is leaky gut diagnosed?

If you have gut issues or any other chronic symptoms, it’s safe to assume you have a leaky gut. 

In my clinic, I like to use the GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Analysis to diagnosis leaky gut and other underlying gastrointestinal concerns.

This testing uses biomarkers to determine the overall health of the gut, including digestion/absorption, inflammation/immunology, and the health of the gut microbiome (aka do you have the right balance of good/bad bacteria). 

When there is a leaky gut, we can use these biomarkers to understand whether or not you have a leaky gut. 

How is leaky gut treated?

The main goal of treating leaky gut is to tighten the cell junctions along the gut. 

In order to do that, we follow these steps: 

1. Remove the invading causes.
2. Treat any infections, such as bacteria, yeast, and parasites (will be revealed on the stool testing).
3. Use herbs and other supplements to heal the gut lining.
4. Replenish the good bacteria. 

Healing leaky gut isn’t complicated and often doesn’t take more than 6-12 months to diminish many symptoms. 

It does take dedicated effort and often expert support. 

To learn more, come on in to The Flourish Center this coming Tuesday, June 7 from 6:15-7pm for a free community presentation. 

And, if you know you want testing and support, schedule an appointment with me, Jen Owen, N.P. now. 

Please share this post widely because likely your friends and family are dealing with this, too.