What is Leaky gut syndrome?

Leaky Gut Diet and Digestive Enzymes

What is Leaky gut syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome is a disorder associated with intestinal lining of the digestive tract. It occurs when the cells of the small intestine, which are designed to let tiny nutrients molecules to pass through and get into the bloodstream, are damaged. The damage causes the walls of the small intestine to be highly permeable than normal. The now ‘leaky’ walls of the small intestine allows larger semi digested food particles , a variety of toxin substances and bacteria to pass through and enter the bloodstream. Upon detection by the body immune system, antibodies are released to fight off the foreign substances which are later passed on to the liver to be metabolised. A continuous release of these harmful substances in the blood stream overworks the immune system along with the liver triggering a number of autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms
Due to individual unique genetic makeup, lifestyle and feeding habits, the body systems and organs may differ in their efficiency and performance. In this respect therefore, two individual with leaky guts may experience different symptoms. In general however, the symptoms of leaky gut condition include; gastrointestinal complications such as Bloating, Constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain and indigestion. A patient may also experience mental related disorders such as aggressiveness, confusion, brain fog, lose of memory, mood swings and nervousness.
If the condition remains untreated a myriad of other conditions may set in such as recurrent bladder infections which may lead to bed-wetting. Arthritis which involves chronic joint and muscle pain. Women may suffer from repeated vaginal infections, skin rashes and fatigue.

Causes
There are many things that damage the cells of the small intestine resulting to leaky gut syndrome. A number of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and others if taken regularly can lead to a leaky gut condition. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, birth control pills and synthetic steroid like prednisone are also likely to cause the condition. The chemical residual left behind after pesticide application on plants like vegetable may find their way into the intestine causing damage to the cells and thus leaky gut syndrome.

A carefree Lifestyle involving excessive intake of caffeine, consumption of alcohol and smoking may trigger the onset of the condition or aggravate an already existing one. Likewise an inefficient liver may lead to accumulation of toxic substances in the intestine increasing permeability.

Frequent attack by fungi, parasites, and certain bacteria increases the chances of triggering the condition. This micro-organism destroys the intestinal lining increasing permeability. In addition they can work on the food in the digestive track generating toxins and gases which weakens the intestinal lining and cause an accumulation of toxic in the body. Lack of adequate digestive enzymes or presences of hydrochloric acid in the gut are also favorable prerequisite of leaky gut syndrome.

Eating habits involving a diet high on refined sugar, processed foods with preservatives, coloring agents, flavours and other chemical additives may lead to accumulation of toxins. The toxins overload the immune system, overwork the liver and eventually affect the intestinal cells.

Healing of leaky gut syndrome

A comprehensive approach is required to heal the leak gut syndrome and its symptoms. A combination of nutrition supplements and change of lifestyle can help a patient improve the digestion and restore the intestinal optimal condition.

The starting point of combating the leaky gut syndrome is to adopt a leaky gut diet. The diet should be devoid of refined sugar and all the food stuff containing refined sugar. As earlier explained, it irritates the intestinal lining leading to leaky guts. Be very keen to read the label indicating the ingredients and avoid any food stuff whose ingredients include glucose, corn syrup, sucrose any other such components. Refrain from taking beverages such as soda which not only contain sugar but caffeine and other artificial chemicals that increases the work load of the liver and aid in formation of toxins in the body. Avoid fatty food, refined flour and any other junk food. In addition refrain from over the counter drugs, one is likely to overuse them resulting to reduction of useful bacteria found in the guts and causing an over growth of harmful bacteria.

To eliminate leaky gut syndrome one should use products rich in amino acid L-glutamine. It is normally found in the gut and enhances the healing of the intestine and reduces the urge to consume starchy food. Nutrients such as Marshall Mallow root, citrus Bioflavonoid also aid in the intestinal healing. Omega three essential fatty acids found in fish like salmon and sardines or in cod liver oil reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system and enhances the healing of the intestinal wall. When one is suffering from leaky gut condition there is a likelihood of deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body since the food is not fully digested as required. A regular dose of multi-vitamins helps in providing the lacking nutrient elements and helps in creating mucus and gastric juices in the stomach.

Digestive enzymes are also very important in healing the leaky gut conditions. They act on the food in the gut breaking it down to fine food molecules that do not irritate the intestinal lining. The microbe based enzymes are especially helpful since they act on the food long before they enter the intestine. By breaking down the food, essential elements and energy are released and absorbed by the body. Since the food is already broken down to a form readily absorbable in the body any leak from the intestine is not likely to cause harm.

Enzymes also clean the body off the waste and toxins allowing the body to heal far much faster. They clear the microorganism that contributes to the damage of the intestinal lining. Since bacteria, parasites and viruses are made of proteins; an enzyme such as proteases which acts on protein breaks them down and injects out of the body the resulting toxins. Similarly if these enzymes enter the blood stream along with food molecules, they clean and eliminate the toxins and waste that may have accumulated leaving the beneficial tissue and red blood cells. These cleaning activities of the enzymes ease the workload of vital organs like the liver and the body’s immune system restoring normalcy. Enzymes such as Bromelain and papain gotten from papaya and pineapples are known to ease inflammation and healing of gastric ulcers.

In the whole by taking enzyme supplements a person suffering from leaky gut is able to address a host of problems at once. They help the inflamed gut, address the issues of food allergies and solve the nutrient deficiency problem.