Leaky gut is a digestive disorder that pertains to the intestines, specifically the lining of the intestines. In layman's terms, a leaky gut is when the lining of the intestines or stomach has been compromised and bad bacteria or other toxins are leaked into your body. And, while it is not a formal medical condition, it is thought to be the culprit of many different health issues.

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‍Causes of Leaky Gut

‍So, what causes a leaky gut? Well, as we said, toxins and bacteria go through the bloodstream. It is thought to be caused by various different things, including:

• Chronic Stress: Having high levels of stress on a continued basis can keep cortisol flowing through the body. This can have a big impact in many different ways.
• Poor Diet: This includes the regular consumption of alcohol, dairy products, sugars, and foods that are considered inflammatory foods.
• Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may be “triggered” by their surrounding environment and that will send their bodies into autoimmune responses.  

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6 Signs of Leaky Gut

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms this could be a sign of leaky gut syndrome:

• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, or bloating
• Headaches, brain fog, memory loss, excessive fatigue
• Gastric ulcers
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Respiratory infections
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s, or celiac disease

There are several leaky gut syndrome tests that are available that can help you confirm and pinpoint which types of deficiencies or toxins are contributing to your symptoms. Working with a knowledgeable healthcare professional who works to get to the root cause of your symptoms is a great place to start.

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Food and Your Gut

Leaky gut syndrome can wreak havoc on your body. Sometimes the easiest thing we can do for ourselves is to simply pay close attention to how our body speaks to us. By doing so we can respond by knowing what foods to try to eat more of and what foods to avoid. This may also include eating or supplementing with prebiotics and probiotics to grow beneficial gut bacteria.  Food that may serve benefits may include fermented foods such as kimchi or sauerkraut. Or, the following, in moderation:

• Grains such as rice, quinoa, corn, or oats
• Nuts, seeds such as peanuts, cashews, and almonds
• Fresh fruits including blue blueberries, papaya, grapes oranges, and strawberries
• Plant-based milk and dairy alternatives.

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Foods that may be difficult to adjust and lead to symptoms of bloating and other types of uncomfortable situations (flatulence) include:

• Fruits such as cherries, peaches, watermelon
• Certain vegetables like asparagus, garlic, onions, and mushrooms
• Black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas
• Grains such as wheat, flour, barley, almond meal, and rye
• Beverages such as soda, fruit juices, wine, and beer (alcohol in general)

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While you don't have to remove all of these foods from your diet, if you find you are dealing with heavy leaky gut symptoms, you may want to temporarily limit the consumption of these foods until you get it under control.

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Learn how to naturally approach your health and heal your leaky gut with Dr. Randy Hansbrough and his team. Call the office at (772) 287-7701 to schedule an appointment. Or sign up for a free, 30-minute consultation.