Leaky gut Syndrome Meaning

Leaky gut syndrome also known as increased intestinal permeability is a digestive condition where the intestinal walls leak and allow bacteria and other toxins to enter your bloodstream. The gastrointestinal tract consists of over 4,000 square feet of the intestinal epithelial lining that acts as a barrier and manages what to let into your bloodstream. If this lining is weak and unhealthy, it could be “leaky” with holes and cracks that allow unwanted bacteria, antigens, harmful toxins, and also partially digested food to penetrate the tissues beneath it. When such unwanted bacteria and antigens enter your system, it can trigger inflammation that changes the gut flora and leads to a problem within the digestive tracts and more.

Reasons one might have Leaky gut Syndrome

Leaky gut reasons can vary from person to person. It depends on what they consume, and how they live their life. If a person has large proportions of alcohol or several medications at once, improper diet, etc. it can irritate the bowel lining. The leaky gut seriousness level can cause major symptoms of certain gastrointestinal conditions. Some people are genetically more sensitive to the changes happening within the digestive system.

If the leaky gut symptoms are not taken seriously it can cause permanent damage to the intestinal permeability. It can cause several health problems such as 

  1. chronic fatigue syndrome
  2. depression
  3. fibromyalgia
  4. skin disorders
  5. Hormonal imbalances like PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
  6. Changes in the digestive system like diarrhoea, gas, bloating, or IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  7. Seasonal allergies or maybe asthmatic symptoms
  8. Autoimmune diseases like Lupus, Celiac disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
  9. Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and some food allergies or intolerance can develop. 
  10. Fungal infection in humans like Candida overgrowth.

The leaky gut causes gaps and an increased intestinal permeability, which plays a role in some digestive disorder such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. The cause and effect are not yet clear, however, a leaky gut syndrome is definitely associated with a lot of symptoms that are mentioned above. Leaky gut factors are risky and can disrupt the gut microbiota and contribute to increased IP that leads to poor nutrition, stress, and even diabetes.

What causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?

The four major reasons that lead to the leaky gut syndrome are as below:

  • Dysbiosis or any bacterial imbalances can lead to leaky gut syndrome. Your gastrointestinal tract has some helpful and harmful species of bacteria, an imbalance can cause this bacterial disbalance and considerably cause you distress. 
  • Poor diet: A diet should include all the important nutrients to make one well-nourished meal. It helps the body and the digestive system to enrich a healthy lifestyle. However, the diet should exclude proteins formed in unsprouted grains, genetically-modified foods (GMO), sugar, and dairy products. 
  • Toxin intake: Toxin can be found in several of the edibles we consume in the form of chemicals and substances. An overload of these toxins can lead to leaky gut syndrome. We come in touch with more than 80,000 chemicals and other toxic components on a daily basis. However, the main toxin content is found in antibiotics, aspirin, pesticides, and contaminated tap water can lead to leaky gut syndrome. 
  • Stress: Exposure to stress for a longer period can cause anxiety and depression. This makes the immune system weak, and therefore the ability of the body to eradicate viruses and bacteria weakens. This results in a leaky gut and inflammation of the digestive system.

If you face severe symptoms or any other medical conditions, consult a gastroenterologist in Faridabad. 

Leaky gut preventions include both ways, and that is dieting and medications. Following are some tips that can prevent it.

  • Cutting out on inflammatory that influence gut flora is necessary. Avoid foods such as – High-sugar foods, High-fat foods, Processed foods, Food that triggers allergies, such as gluten or dairy, Alcohol etc. 
  • Add foods that contains probiotics and prebiotics. They promotes good bacteria that make your gut healthy. For a more personalized diet plan, consult a food pipe specialist. Here are few foods that help your gut:
  • Kefir
  • Bananas
  • Kimchi
  • Probiotic yoghurt
  • Berries
  • Self-care is another measure for leaky gut prevention. It is essential for your digestive system and overall growth. 

Given below are tips for healing Leaky gut Syndrome- 

  1.  Avoid refined carbohydrates. The sugar content should not be too much as it can negatively affect the gut barrier.
  2. Reduce the use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These  include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen that can increase intestinal permeability.
  3. Increase the intake of high-fibre foods. The soluble fibre in vegetables, fruit, and legumes assist the gut’s good bacteria.
  4. Probiotic supplements help in many gastrointestinal conditions. The beneficial bacteria are considered helpful even in IBS cases.
  5.  Reducing your stress levels helps a lot. Chronic stress can have an impact on Gut bacteria.
  6. Setting limits on alcohol intake is a must. Heavy consumption of alcohol may increase intestinal permeability.
  7. Tobacco too, increases the digestive tract inflammation, and that can risk several bowel conditions. Quit smoking is one preventive measure

For more tips, consult a hepatologist in Patna. 

Leaky gut Syndrome prevention and diagnosis

Leaky gut may accompany with other disorders. In such cases, it is important that you teleconsult a liver doctor or gastroenterologist live chat. It’s essential to get diagnosed by a professional if you have symptoms of leaky gut syndrome. Following tests would be recommended for further diagnosis assistance.

  • Intestinal permeability assessment
  • IgG food antibodies (Food sensitivities)
  • Zonulin test

The bottom line is, if you are diagnosed with leaky gut syndrome, proper leaky gut medication can help to alleviate your symptoms and improve the intestinal barrier function. Dietary changes can have a great impact on your condition. For further precautions and medications, consult the best gastroenterologist in India.  If you face any of the problems related to your liver or other organs, immediately consult the best hepatologist in Patna and liver specialist doctor in Patna or liver doctor in Patna, Dr Nivedita Pandey. You can also find her as the best doctor for hepatitis b in Patna, a gastroenterologist in Faridabad, the best gastro doctor in Delhi, NCR, a gastroenterologist In Uttarakhand, a liver specialist in Jhansi.