All You Need To Know About Suffering From Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome (LGS) is a hypothetical digestive condition in gastroenterology. It is a medical concept based on the increased permeability of the intestinal wall, allowing toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, and is currently not recognised as a proper medical diagnosis. 

Despite it being a medical concept, the signs of LGS may be real and play a significant role in other gastrointestinal diseases and conditions, such as Crohn’s disease. In this post, we will discover more about the condition.

What is leaky gut syndrome?

Our stomach and small intestine produce digestive enzymes that break down drinks and food for repairing, growing, and energising our body. The tight opening in our intestinal wall allows such nutrients and water to be absorbed into our bloodstream while ensuring toxins and bacteria are kept out. This process is called intestinal permeability.

LGS is often “diagnosed” when there is a significant increase in intestinal permeability, which means the intestinal wall is experiencing reduced protection, allowing toxins, bacteria, and food particles to be absorbed into our bloodstream.

Leaky gut syndrome microbiota

Our intestine is home to a community of bacteria known as our gut microbiota. They help in our digestion, protect our intestinal walls, and support our immune system. A common cause of LGS is the imbalance of our gut microbiome, also known as gut dysbiosis. 

The gut imbalance triggers an immune response from our body, resulting in inflammation and increased intestinal permeability, leading to LGS.

Leaky gut syndrome and its connection with other gastrointestinal diseases and conditions

A significant increase in intestinal permeability is one of the leading signs of several gastrointestinal diseases and conditions, such as:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Celiac Disease

• Food Allergies and Sensitivities

• Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms of leaky gut syndrome

Several LGS-related signs and symptoms are identical to other gastrointestinal conditions, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. Nevertheless, some of the symptoms that you take note of are:

• Chronic constipation or diarrhoea symptoms

• Bloated stomach symptoms

• Fatigue

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Widespread inflammation

• Joint pain

• Skin issues, such as eczema or acne

Causes and risk factors

While there is no definite proven cause of LGS, there are several risk factors that lead to the disruption of our gut microbiota, which may cause an increase in intestinal permeability. Examples include:

• Stress

• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus

• Chronic alcohol consumption

• Diabetes

• Infections

• Poor nutrition

How to treat and improve leaky gut syndrome?

Because there is no way to diagnose LGS properly, there is no standard treatment procedure that can be administered. However, trying to improve your gut microbiota may help to strengthen the intestinal wall, which leads to the improvement in LGS. 

The doctor may recommend a lifestyle and dietary change that may involve having a prebiotic fibre-rich diet, avoiding artificial sweeteners and added sugar, avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics, as well as exercising regularly.

Conclusion

LGS might not yet be a proper gastrointestinal condition, but the signs and symptoms associated definitely impact our gut health significantly. As such, ensuring a healthy gut microbiota is vital for good gut health.

With GUTCARE, we not only treat any gastro-related conditions and diseases but also educate and provide solutions that can help you maintain a healthy gut. Our team of experienced professionals are more than happy to help you today.

Contact us to make an appointment with us.