What Causes Leaky Gut and How to Fix It?

A leaky gut affects the intestines. Causes include HIV, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, alcohol use, and abuse of NSAIDs.

A leaky gut has gained attention recently. Let’s explore its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

The gut, also known as the gastrointestinal or GI tract, is a long tube from the mouth to the anus. It includes organs where food is digested and eliminated.

These organs are:

• Mouth
• Throat
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small and large intestines
• Rectum
• Anus

Did you know the human intestine can have a surface area of over 4,000 square feet? It twists in places but occupies a small portion of the body. The small and large intestines in humans are approximately 25 feet long.

The intestine’s main function is to regulate what enters the bloodstream. Leaky gut occurs when gaps in the intestinal lining allow partially digested food, toxins, and microbes to escape.

This condition, also called intestinal permeability, can cause inflammation and affect the gut flora, the healthy bacteria residing in the intestine. This can lead to issues in digestion and other bodily functions.

Gut health and the gut microbiome, consisting of trillions of bacteria and microbes, are topics of research. They play vital roles in digestion and immunity, and an imbalance can lead to chronic health problems.

While the gut is not completely impermeable, in some individuals, it may become overly sensitive. Factors like an unhealthy diet, alcohol, and high stress levels contribute to this condition.

There is ongoing debate about the impact of leaky gut on the body. Conditions like Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and celiac disease share similar symptoms and are connected to chronic inflammation.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut

Intestinal permeability does not have specific symptoms but can result in various symptoms. These include:

Indigestion due to loss of mucosa in the intestines, which reduces nutrient absorption

Low energy levels caused by inadequate nutrient absorption and limited mucosal supply

Bloating sensation due to bacterial overgrowth and increased gas production in the gut

Burning sensation caused by ulcers in the gut

Causes of Leaky Gut

When the intestinal barrier breaks down, it indicates prolonged stress on the intestines. Common causes include:

• Health conditions like HIV/AIDS
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease
• Allergic reactions to certain foods
• Alcohol abuse or overuse of NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen

How to Fix Leaky Gut?

The primary way to treat leaky gut is to address the underlying condition. Treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, linked to leaky gut, have successfully restored the intestinal lining.

Repairing only the intestinal lining without considering other factors has not been effective in preventing a recurrence of leaky gut.

Other Precautions for Leaky Gut

Improving gut health involves practices like maintaining a balanced diet, consuming foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics, and reducing the intake of gut-aggravating foods.

A balanced diet provides essential nutrients for proper bodily functions. Micronutrients like vitamin D and L-glutamine aid gut restoration. Diets high in fat and sugar promote harmful bacterial growth and inflammation.

Prebiotics benefit the host and the good bacteria present in the gut. Foods like leafy green vegetables are good sources of prebiotics.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms found in fermented foods like yogurt. They enhance digestion, produce vitamins, break down harmful molecules, and maintain a healthy gut lining.

A low FODMAP diet helps those with gut conditions, allowing the gut to rest and repair. It also helps identify trigger foods through a three-step process.

What to Do If You Have Leaky Gut

Although some medical experts do not recognize leaky gut syndrome as a diagnosable condition, addressing underlying conditions and taking steps to improve gut health is vital. Maintain a balanced diet, consume probiotics and prebiotics, and seek advice from your doctor about suitable foods for your system.

References:

American College of Gastroenterology: "Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence."

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: "What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?"

Center for Academic Research & Training in Anthropogeny: "Small/Large Intestine Length Ratio."

Cleveland Clinic: "Leaky Gut Syndrome."

Foods: "Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications."

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology: "The Role of the Gastrointestinal Mucus System in Intestinal Homeostasis: Implications for Neurological Disorders."

Harvard Medical School: "Leaky gut: What is it, and what does it mean for you?" "Putting a stop to leaky gut."

International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics: "Prebiotics."

John Hopkins Medicine: "FODMAP Diet: What You Need to Know."

National Cancer Institute: "Gastrointestinal Tract."

National Center for Comprehensive and Integrative Health: "Probiotics: What You Need To Know."