Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, leading to gaps or “leaks” in the intestinal barrier. Normally, the cells lining the intestine are tightly packed together, forming a barrier that controls what passes from the intestine into the bloodstream. This barrier allows nutrients to be absorbed while preventing harmful substances such as bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles from entering the bloodstream.
When the lining of the intestine becomes damaged or inflamed, the tight junctions between cells can loosen, allowing unwanted substances to pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and lead to inflammation throughout the body.
Leaky gut is associated with a variety of health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it’s important to note that leaky gut is not universally recognized as a distinct medical diagnosis by mainstream medicine.
Common factors that may contribute to leaky gut include:
1. Poor diet: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and unhealthy fats may contribute to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.
2. Chronic stress: Stress can affect the function of the digestive system and may contribute to inflammation in the gut.
3. Imbalance of gut bacteria: Disruption of the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to intestinal inflammation and increased permeability.
4. Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), may affect the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
5. Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pollutants and pesticides, may contribute to intestinal inflammation and damage.
6. Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to intestinal permeability.
Treatment for leaky gut typically involves addressing underlying factors that may be contributing to intestinal inflammation and damage. This may include making dietary changes, managing stress, optimizing gut health with probiotics and prebiotics, avoiding certain medications or environmental toxins, and addressing any underlying health conditions.
A simple hair analysis can give you the information you need to improve your digestive health!
Unfortunately, invasive testing, an upper endoscopy, does not detect this issue leaving many to suffer needlessly.
A hair analysis can give us insight into your digestive system:
- Digestive toxins
- Good bacteria that is struggling or missing strains
- Bad bacteria that has taken over
Yes! Your hair can give amazing insight.
If you suffer from constipation, diarrhea, bloating, IBS, IBD, food sensitivities, weight issues, and autoimmune disorders, it’s time to test and find out for yourself that you can resolve these issues.
