Leaky gut syndrome: What is this syndrome with the unfortunate name?

Leaky gut syndrome also known as intestinal hyperpermeability is a condition that affects your digestive system, and although very real, it remains a controversial diagnosis by physicians that practice western medicine (traditional medicine).

Symptoms include:

• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, and or bloating
• Gastric ulcers
• Headaches
• Depression or anxiety
• Brain fog or memory loss
• Poor immune system and respiratory infections
• Severe fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome
• Skin rash, acne, eczema or rosacea
• Arthritis or joint pain
• Craving for sugar or carbohydrates
• Autoimmune disease such as lupus, MS, and type 1 diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Obesity related metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• Esophageal and colorectal cancer

What is intestinal hyperpermeability or leaky gut syndrome?

Intestinal hyperpermeability occurs when the tight junctions in the intestine start to loosen and no longer work properly, allowing foreign substances, such as food or toxins to penetrate, or leak into, the bloodstream.

The digestive system breaks down food, removes waste, and absorbs nutrients and water.  Your intestines have tight junctions that allow the nutrients and water to pass into your bloodstream while keeping food, toxins and other harmful substances in the intestine.

If those tight junctions or gaps loosen and allow unwanted substances into the bloodstream it causes an immune reaction including widespread inflammation and allergic reactions. In addition to allowing unwanted substances into the bloodstream, leaky gut syndrome keeps your body from absorbing essential nutrients which can lead to a weakened immune system and hormone imbalances.

What causes intestinal hyperpermeability?

Leaky gut syndrome can be caused by your diet. For example, celiac disease has been linked to intestinal permeability and is caused by an intolerance to gluten.

Foods linked to intestinal permeability include gluten, soy and dairy. Medications such as antibiotics, aspirin and Tylenol can also damage the intestinal lining and lead to intestinal permeability.

Some underlying causes of leaky gut syndrome include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Poor diet
• Chronic stress
• Drug and alcohol consumption
• Certain medications
• Bacterial imbalance

What can you do to feel better?

A diagnosis of intestinal hyperpermeability can be difficult. The symptoms of this condition are not unique so it is critical to find a doctor who will take the time to listen to you and work with you to make an accurate diagnosis. At the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic we ensure each patient receives the personalized attention and care he or she requires.

Our clinic offers comprehensive blood testing and food sensitivity testing to help make an accurate diagnosis. Once we have determined the cause of your specific issue our physicians and nutritionists will work together to develop a diet and nutritional plan that will help you feel better. The clinicians at the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic can help you develop a treatment plan customized to your specific needs.

The nutrition and supplement plan developed by the experts at the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic will ensure you are receiving and absorbing the essential nutrients your body has been missing. Many patients suffering from leaky gut syndrome will be deficient in vitamin B12 and magnesium. We will work to strengthen your weakened immune system and reverse any hormonal imbalances you have.

Services at the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic include:

• Comprehensive laboratory testing
• Food intolerance testing
• Chelation therapy
• IV nutritional therapy
• Nutritional counseling

If you think you may be suffering from leaky gut syndrome, below is a list of foods you should avoid and a list of foods you should start enjoying. Start by removing processed foods. Processed foods contain added sugar, refined oils, and synthetic additives to extend their shelf life.

Foods you should avoid eating:

• Food containing gluten including barley, oats, rye and bulgur.
• Products containing wheat including bread, pasta, flour and cereals.
• Sugary sweets like cakes, cookies, pies, protein bars, ice cream and candy bars.
• Junk food such as potato chips, fast food, crackers, and popcorn.
• Processed meats including deli meat, hot dogs, bacon and sausages.
• Refined oils like canola oil and sunflower oil.
• Beverages such as alcohol, soda and energy drinks.
• Artificial sweeteners including aspartame, saccharin and sucralose.

Enjoy the following foods:

• Raw cultured dairy such as yogurt, buttermilk, butter and raw cheeses
• Vegetables
• Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut
• Fruit such as apples, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, lemon, limes, and pineapple.
• Coconut products including coconuts and coconut milk.
• Sprouted seeds such as chia seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds.
• Bone broth
• Gluten-free grains such as buckwheat, rice, sorghum and gluten free oats.
• Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as wild caught fish (avoid tilapia and other farm raised fish)
• Meats and eggs including chicken, grass fed beef, lamb and turkey.
• All herbs and spices
• Raw nuts
• Beverages including tea, nut milk, kombucha and especially water.

Don’t suffer any longer. Contact the professionals at the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic today. Let us help you live your best life.