Let’s understand what is leaky gut:
The intestine by nature is selectively permeable barrier and performs critical functions. The intestinal lining is the first mechanism of defense for our immune system. The lining of the gut is only one cell layer thick, underneath this layer are barrier cells that keep the gut protected from toxins and keep waste products from entering the bloodstream.
The outer layers of intestinal cells are connected by structures called tight junctions. At the tips of these cells are the microvilli which are responsible to absorb properly digested nutrients and transport them through the cell and into the bloodstream.
During normal digestion process, the tight junctions stay closed forcing all molecules to effectively be screened and only pass into the blood stream. For some reasons these junctions can become open or permeable allowing unscreened molecules such bacteria, undigested food particles, and inflammatory chemicals that can trigger inflammation.
Leaky gut causes:
Anything wrongly done will contribute to leaky gut, let’s deep dive:
- Poor Diet: Diet high in sugar, simple carbohydrates and trans fat will contribute to development of leaky gut syndrome.
- Chronic nutritional deficiencies of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, Magnesium, Zinc, and Selenium.
- Excessive use of antibiotics will disturb gut microbiome which will ultimately lead to leaky gut.
- Stress, chronic stress also alters your GUT BRAIN AXIS functioning which is a causative factor of leaky gut.
- Alcohol and drug abuse increase your risk of getting leaky gut.
- Hereditary, your genes play a role in maintaining your intestinal integrity.
Leaky gut symptoms:
- Excess sugar carvings.
- Food allergies and intolerance.
- GI issues such as IBD, IBS, SIFO, SIBO.
- Chronic fatigue
- Hormonal imbalance
- Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis
- Brain fog
- Chronic inflammation
- Weakened immune system
Leaky gut diagnosis:
- Microbiome test
- Test for allergy and food intolerance
- Test for GUT markers such as IgE, igG
It is profoundly important to understand that a healthy gut is the foundation of health. It is the source of fuel and nutrients and the fundamental regulator of metabolism.
The gut produces greater than 75% of the neurotransmitters, contains more than 70% of the body’ immune system, and houses and nourishes the gut microbiota.
Any disruption including right from inadequate chewing, to altered digestion or absorption, to poor elimination can have negative health effects.
Ready to heal your gut and restore your health? Contact now to receive personalized nutritional insights from Karishmma Chawla and take the first step towards managing leaky gut naturally.
