12 signs that you have a leaky gut
There’s no doubt about it. Most of our health problems start in our gut. You see, our digestive system does much more than just help us to digest and eliminate food – though those are important functions, too. Our gut, through our microbiome, the unique collection of gut flora that inhabits our intestines, influences our immunity, mental health, detoxification, and hormones.
The lining of our gut is a major protective barrier between the foods we eat and microorganisms to which we are exposed, and our immune system, which influences our reactions to foods, and whether we develop food sensitivities, inflammatory conditions, and chronic diseases.
What is Leaky gut?
Your gut is lined with a row of cells called enterocytes. Between these cells are tight junctions. Their job is to regulate what gets across the intestinal lining and into your general system.
While the gut is naturally permeable to nutrients, which are small molecules, so that you can get your nutrition from your food, when your gut barrier and microbiome get weakened from chronic exposure to foods and medications that irritate your gut, or when the good bacteria get out of balance from antibiotics, these tight junctions develop gaps, and you can develop a leaky gut, or leaky gut syndrome (LGS).
When this happens, fragments of protein and bacteria that aren’t supposed to can get into your system. Your body recognises these are foreign invaders and responds by producing antibodies that mount an immune system reaction against these molecules. Your body goes on red alert to react to many triggers in your environment.
12 Signs That You Have a Leaky Gut
You struggle with digestive problems including gas, bloating, loose stools, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
You have food intolerances or food sensitivities.
You suffer from seasonal allergies.
You have eczema, skin rashes, acne, or other chronic skin problems.
You have an autoimmune condition.
You’re tired all the time.
You have chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.
You struggle with anxiety, depression, or erratic moods.
You’ve been diagnosed with yeast (Candida) overgrowth or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
You can’t lose weight in spite of an excellent diet.
Your joints ache and swell.
You have trouble concentrating, with your memory, or notice other cognitive changes.
Remove
Take out what ails you. Start with an elimination diet for 2 weeks. Remove all of the triggers that irritate your gut including foods, medications (of course check with your doctor on this), and ideally, stress, too!
If you have been diagnosed with Candida (yeast) in the past, or have a lot of gas, bloating, and either loose stools or constipation, you might want to do this phase in conjunction with an integrative doctor to provide comprehensive stool testing to see if this is still a problem and who can work with you on supplements (or sometimes medications), to eliminate the yeast overgrowth.
Replace
Add in digestive support. This includes digestive enzymes, and if you have a lot of nausea with meals or when you take supplements, you might also need some additional stomach acid in the form of a supplement called Betaine HCl, or try 1 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar in water with your meals.
Reinoculate
Add in a good quality probiotic to restore your gut flora. You want it to have a minimum of 5 billion CFUs in each dose, and a good range of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacter species. Fermented foods such as miso, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchee can also be helpful.
Repair
The following supplements can be taken for up to 6 months to help to heal the intestinal lining:
Tumeric, aloe vera, marshmallow root: (aloe and liquorice are not for internal use during pregnancy; these are fine for children) are some of the most effective herbs for healing the gut lining. They are best taken in capsule or extract form, though tumeric can also be added to foods.
Zinc: 5-10 mg/day for children 4-7 years, 10-20 mg/day for children to age 12, 25-40 mg/day for older children and adults
An antioxidant supplement: containing vitamins A and carotenoids, C, E, and selenium. These are often found in a multivitamin. Pregnant women should get these from their prenatal vitamin only.
L-Glutamine Powder: 5-10 gm of powder twice daily for one month. (Much less for kids but talk with your child’s doctor before using and don’t supplement in pregnancy).
If you are serious about improving your gut health why not join Mummy Mojo’s detox program, which is now just $69 and ready for you right HERE in our online store. You are supported throughout and you will improve your digestion, along with shedding a bit of weight, improving energy, sleep, and mental clarity. You will also be motivated and inspired to reduce the toxic load in your environment, your lifestyle and your relationships, so the whole family will benefit.