Have you heard of LEAKY GUT? It’s becoming more common!

The gut lining is naturally semi-permeable, allowing essential nutrients to be absorbed while keeping harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. 

However, factors such as chronic inflammation, poor diet, stress, medications, and infections can damage the tight junctions between intestinal cells, resulting in increased permeability.
Intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut), is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes compromised, which allows undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. 

This breach of the gut barrier can trigger a cascade of effects throughout the body, leading to various health issues and complications.

• Immune System Activation: When undigested particles escape into the bloodstream, the immune system identifies them as foreign invaders, triggering an immune response. This chronic immune activation can lead to systemic inflammation, contributing to autoimmune diseases and chronic health conditions.
  
• Food Sensitivities: Leaky gut can increase the risk of developing food sensitivities and allergies. Undigested food particles may pass into the bloodstream, provoking immune reactions against certain foods, leading to digestive disturbances and other symptoms.
  
• Nutrient Deficiencies: The compromised gut barrier can impair nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, despite a healthy diet.
  
• Digestive Issues: Leaky gut can result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
  
• Systemic Inflammation: The constant release of pro-inflammatory molecules into the bloodstream can contribute to widespread inflammation, affecting various organs and tissues.
  
• Autoimmune Diseases: Chronic inflammation caused by leaky gut can contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions as the immune system may mistakenly attack healthy cells.
  
• Brain Function and Mood: Leaky gut has been linked to "gut-brain" axis disruptions, potentially affecting mental health, cognitive function, and mood regulation.
  
• Skin Conditions: Some evidence suggests a connection between leaky gut and skin issues, such as eczema and psoriasis.

The good news is that leaky gut can be addressed through targeted lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments. Emphasizing a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet, managing stress, supporting gut health with probiotics and prebiotics and other high quality supplements, and avoiding triggers like processed foods and medications can help restore gut barrier integrity and promote healing.

If you suspect you have a leaky gut or experience chronic health issues related to gut health, work with a functional medicine practitioner to address it.

We can help you identify the ROOT causes of leaky gut and develop a personalized plan to support gut healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall health. Taking proactive steps to heal the gut can have far-reaching effects, supporting your immune system, digestion, and overall well-being.

Contact our office in Norwalk, CT today to get started!