Leaky gut syndrome is a poorly understood gastrointestinal concern largely unknown by health professionals as well as sufferers who are often unaware of this condition. Leaky gut syndrome is an intestinal problem in which the lining of the gut becomes permeable resulting in numerous problems.

What is leaky gut syndrome?

The lining of the gut is one cell thick and this lining performs the important task of absorbing nutrients from the food you eat. This lining also plays an important role of preventing toxins, bacteria, digested food and other foreign bodies from entering the bloodstream. The gut lining basically acts as a front line of defence to protect the body. In leaky gut syndrome, this barrier is breached leading to bacteria and toxins being able to enter the bloodstream causing a host of problems.

The intestinal lining is constantly exposed to enzymes, toxins, bacteria and other irritants including chemicals from the foods we eat. The intestine becomes permeable with time due to the irritation and inflammation until eventually gaps appear in the intestinal wall. This results in chemicals, poisons, undigested food particles and other irritants to enter the bloodstream causing a host of problems. The chemicals, toxins and poisons entering the bloodstream results in the liver having to work harder to neutralise and remove them from the body. And it is not just the liver that is overworked; your body’s defence mechanisms are also overworked and become weak as does the hormonal system.

Leaky gut disorder and the commonly experienced symptoms

When partially digested food, bacteria, chemicals and irritants enter the bloodstream, the first thing that occurs is that the immune system starts to kick in resulting in a host of auto-immune concerns where the body is attacking its own tissues. Leaky gut symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Joint pain
• Tiredness
• Skin rashes
• Abdominal cramps
• Food sensitivities

The symptoms of leaky gut could be mistaken for many other gastrointestinal concerns. Many concerns that seem to be completely unrelated may actually have an association with leaky gut syndrome and these may include joint pains, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and even depression.

What causes leaky gut syndrome?

There are many suggestions as to the causes of developing a leaky gut. Intestinal infections are thought to be a leading cause as are environmental pollutants and toxins which damage the intestinal lining. Some causal factors of leaky gut syndrome may include:

• Overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often used to alleviate pain.
• Stress, especially chronic stress, may be responsible for the over-production of damaging stomach acid.
• Overuse of antibiotics may destroy the beneficial bacteria that protect the gut cells lining the gut wall.
• Lectins found in grains, gluten, dairy and processed food may damage the gut wall.
• Leaky gut is linked to autoimmune diseases and likewise many autoimmune diseases may cause a leaky gut.

A supplement to treat leaky gut syndrome

Conventional medicine does not have anything for leaky gut treatment and the information on leaky gut and the supplements to use can be diverse. Many people with a leaky gut may be tempted to go and buy a handful of supplements to quickly try and tackle this concern however this may not be a good idea. When introducing a new supplement, it is important to pay attention to your body’s response especially when you have a leaky gut. This will help you to find out if a supplement is causing a negative reaction or sensitivity.

A supplement to treat leaky gut syndrome which I particularly recommend for leaky gut syndrome is Lifeplan L-Glutamine GI Complex.  L-Glutamine GI Complex is a powder containing some of the most effective natural remedies all combined into one supplement to help healthy gut function and to tackle a leaky gut. GI Complex contains:

• L-Glutamine – This is an amino acid which fuels the cells lining the intestines which keeps them healthy. Glutamine has been shown to help those with leaky gut and is an amino acid which is depleted at times of prolonged stress.
• Slippery Elm - this works by forming a thick mucilage in the gut which coats the lining to help prevent undigested particles from entering the bloodstream
• Curcumin - this extract from turmeric displays powerful anti-inflammatory properties and so may help to prevent the holes in the intestine walls from getting bigger
• Zinc – Zinc is known for its ability to calm and heal inflamed tissues within the body and this may equally apply to the intestines.
• Vitamin A – The lining of the intestine in its healthy state is composed of tightly packed cells. Vitamin A is required to maintain healthy linings in the whole body including those in the intestines.
• Artichoke and Milk Thistle - both these herbs help to improve digestion ensuring food moves at an appropriate place and thus reduce the chances of food stagnation leading to toxin build-up.

It is inconceivable that most of us do not have some form of damage to our intestinal lining. After all, this lining is constantly under threat from excess stomach acid, our diet of grains and stress all of which are contributory factors. So whilst we may not experience full blown leaky gut syndrome, the underlying threat remains which is why it is may be a good idea to heal the gut using a supplement containing L-Glutamine and some supporting herbs for leaky gut.

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