What is leaky gut syndrome?

We pay little attention to our digestive system when everything is going well. But, when indigestion, bloating, flatulence, constipation, and diarrhea are part of your daily life, not only can these conditions be bothersome, but they can lead to long-term conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colitis, candidiasis, leaky gut syndrome, and many others.

Let's focus on leaky gut, what it is, how it occurs, and how it can be healed naturally. 

When we eat, food passes through the stomach into the small intestine. This is where nutrient absorption occurs through the mucous and semi-permeable layers of the digestive tract. The small intestine acts as a screen to keep unwanted particles out of the blood, including toxins, pathogens, and undigested food, while allowing water and nutrients to pass through.

Problems begin when the protective layer of the intestines becomes damaged and can no longer keep unwanted particles out. Just like a hole in a screen that lets mosquitoes in, suddenly your blood can allow toxins, pathogens, and undigested food to pass through – all considered foreign by the body. As a result, the body reacts by launching a defensive attack, leading to inflammation. 

Several factors can contribute to leaky gut

• Food sensitivities – This is the worst contributing factor. Proteins from commonly consumed foods irritate and wear down the intestinal walls. 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen – They irritate the intestinal walls.
• Antibiotics and other medications – They destroy good protective bacteria and lead to intestinal inflammation.
• Sugar – It helps feed bad bacteria, yeast growth, and parasites.
• Parasites and yeast overgrowth (candidiasis) – They adhere to the digestive tract and make holes in the intestinal walls.
• Poor diet – It fuels bad bacteria and leads to inflammation. Eating foods that are acidic or lack nutrients requires more enzymes and HCl to break them down and causes more stress on the digestive tract.
• Constipation can lead to the accumulation of toxins along the digestive tract.
• Environmental toxins when you eat, drink, or breathe, can cause inflammation of the intestinal walls.
• Stress – It causes a lack of blood flow to organs such as the stomach and intestines.
• Chronic inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's or colitis
• Infections
• Age

What are some of the signs that you have leaky gut?

• Food sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies
• Chronic flatulence and bloating
• Candidiasis, parasites, and viruses (which do a lot of damage to the digestive tract)
• Skin problems including itching, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
• Asthma and seasonal allergies
• PMS and other hormonal imbalances
• Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, celiac disease, Hashimoto's disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and metabolic syndrome
• Brain fog, depression, anxiety, and autoimmune brain problems. These could indicate permeability of the blood-brain barrier or leaky brain syndrome. Research indicates that leaky gut may be linked to the destruction of the protective blood-brain barrier.  

There is no standard medical treatment since leaky gut syndrome is not accepted as a medical diagnosis. Conventional medicine focuses on treating the conditions and symptoms that arise from leaky gut syndrome, which may include medication and/or surgery. Nutrition-focused doctors who are familiar with leaky gut syndrome have a different approach:

• Supplementation with therapeutic doses of L-glutamine and N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine to build and maintain intestinal walls. See IntestiNEW below.
• Consume the correct dose of essential fatty acids daily.
• Reduce toxic exposure.
• Chew food thoroughly.
• Avoid drinking liquids with meals (small sips are acceptable).
• Combine foods correctly (eat fruits alone, and do not mix animal proteins with starchy carbohydrates).
• Eliminate processed foods.
• Eat moderate portions.
• Ensure 2 to 3 bowel movements per day.
• Take beneficial bacteria (probiotics) twice a day.
• Eat as much soluble as insoluble fiber daily to promote the movement of food through the digestive tract.
• Take digestive enzymes.
• Use stress reduction methods (yoga, breathing, meditation).
• Eliminate parasites and candida, if applicable, and avoid foods that feed them.

To heal leaky gut syndrome, it is important to use the right ingredients. IntestiNEW is perfect for leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colitis, celiac disease, or for people who have followed a candida or parasite protocol to heal the damage caused by these organisms. The product can also help relieve inflammation caused by ulcers, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

IntestiNEW provides a therapeutic dose of L-Glutamine and N-Acetyl-Glucosamine to help repair damage and restore the intestinal walls. It also contains anti-inflammatory and soothing herbs. 

When you begin to heal your leaky gut, digestion and absorption improve, and consequently, your overall health improves.