With leaky gut syndrome, also called increased intestinal permeability, the symptoms include gas, cramps, aches and pains, food sensitivities and bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux. These symptoms can also progress to joint pain, muscle aches, brain fog, and headaches. It’s a condition where toxins and bacteria are able to leak through the intestinal wall. However, it’s not really a medical diagnosis and it means that a diagnosis still has to be made. Sometimes it can be hard to make a diagnosis but Anderson Chiropractic can help with some symptoms, such as headaches.
What Is Leaky Gut?
The human digestive tract is where nutrients are absorbed and food is broken down. The system plays a role in protecting the body from harmful substances. The walls of the intestines act as a barrier and control what will enter the bloodstream. Gaps in the intestinal wall, called tight junctions, allow nutrients and water to pass through while blocking any harmful substances.
What Causes Leaky Gut?
Medical professionals still aren’t sure what the exact cause of leaky gut is and there can be multiple contributing factors. A protein named zonulin is the only known thing to regulate intestinal permeability. A factor that triggers the release of zonulin is gluten. However, studies show that gluten will only increase intestinal permeability in people with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease. Other factors that have been known to play a role include excessive sugar intake, excessive alcohol intake, nutrient deficiencies, anxiety and stress, inflammation, and poor gut health. Certain medications, such as those for acid reflux and indigestion, can also cause issues.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Other Diseases Associated with Leaky Gut
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is characterized by constipation and diarrhea and those with IBS are more likely to have increased intestinal permeability. Chron’s Disease is a digestive disorder with inflammation of the intestinal tract and also comes with increased permeability.
How to Improve Your Gut Health
Since leaky gut isn’t an official diagnosis, there isn’t a recommended course of treatment but there are steps for improving your gut health and alleviating some symptoms.
Limit your refined carb intake. The harmful bacteria in your gut will thrive on sugar and so excessive sugar can harm the gut barrier function. It is also good to use probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help improve gut health and have been known to help with gastrointestinal disease. Fermented foods, such as plain yogurt and kombucha, have probiotics to help with gut health. Eat high fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes, to help with the bacteria in your gut. Lowering anxiety and stress can also help.
How Chiropractic Services Can Help with Leaky Gut
In order to treat symptoms of leaky gut, you need to find the root cause of the condition and get the support needed for the body to heal itself. Visit Anderson Chiropractic to learn more about healing your gut from the inside out and improving your general health. You can call us at (724) 941-5805 to schedule an appointment today!
