The gut is considered in traditional Naturopathic philosophy, as the seat of all health. Therefore, managing the health of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a key step in managing almost all other body systems.

Leaky gut overview

You might’ve heard a term ‘leaky gut’ but aren’t sure what is it and how it affects your digestive and overall health.

Let me explain.

Leaky gut syndrome (also called increased intestinal permeability or hyperpermeability) isn’t currently recognised by conventional doctors but it has been long known to exist in natural medicine. However, evidence is accumulating that it’s a real condition /syndrome with many health ramifications widely recognised in scientific research.

The primary function of the small intestine is to act as a selective barrier by allowing some particles into the body (i.e. nutrients and water) while keeping others out (bad bacteria or partly digested food particles). Leaky gut is caused by damage to the intestinal lining causing loosening of the tight junctions between the cells lining the walls of small intestine, resulting in a loss of integrity of gut wall leading to increased permeability. This allows bacteria, toxins and incompletely digested foods such as proteins, fats, and waste not normally absorbed, “leak” out of the intestines into the blood stream (just imagine a garden hose with holes in it).

The intestinal lining can then become damaged by the passage of these substances, which cause it to become inflamed. This in turn affects the normal absorption of all nutrients and overall digestive health.

A further more serious impact is the body’s immune system becoming compromised. This is likely as around 70% of the immune system is located in the abdomen area around the bowels. Leaking toxins can also damage the liver, which can become overworked which leads to allergies, sensitivities and food intolerances. Leaky gut can also cause or contribute to a wide variety of symptoms throughout many body systems.

To date, increased intestinal permeability has been implicated in a number of conditions including IBS, anxiety, depression, PMS and weight gain. The vast majority of autistic children have leaky guts, suggesting the involvement of toxins from the gut in the brain dysfunction.

Identifying problematic foods that a person has developed intolerances to, is key to start repairing gut walls. Keep reading about food sensitivities/ intolerances effects on the immune system and the gut lining here.

Importantly, leaky gut contributes to the development of chronic inflammation that leads to chronic diseases.

Overall, if you have IBS (bloating, gas, cramping, reflux, indigestion) or other digestive symptoms or disorders, it’s highly likely that you have a leaky gut. Ideally, the gut contains roughly 80% “good” probiotic bacteria and 20% “bad” pathogenic bacteria, this is what a healthy gut looks like. Unfortunately, this ratio is reversed in most people, who don’t have nearly enough friendly bacteria, and too many disease-causing bacteria inhabiting the microbiome.

Causes of leaky gut syndrome include:

Symptoms of leaky gut

There a number of potential symptoms of the leaky gut syndrome across a number of body systems including:

  • Digestive track related symptoms: abdominal pain, heartburn /reflux, bloating, excessive gas and cramps, food intolerances and sensitivities, malnutrition
  • Skin problems – acne, eczema, psoriasis
  • Insomnia and irregular sleep patterns
  • Fatigue, stress, anxiety, irritability
  • Brain fog and memory problems
  • Muscle cramps, joint pain, inflammation
  • Autoimmunity

Leaky gut has also been linked with people that suffer from Crohn’s disease and Celiac disease.

Resolving the leaky gut syndrome

In my experience and from reviewing current research, there are three main steps to improve/ heal leaky gut:

  • Nutrition modifications – identifying and removing inflammatory foods such as gluten containing grains, diary products, nuts or eggs, among others. Adding beneficial foods such as fermented foods and bone broths.
  • Lifestyle changes – improved sleep, moderate exercise, regular stress release, minimising alcohol and coffee consumption
  • Supplements – probiotics and prebiotics to rebalance the microbiome, glutamine to rebuild the gut wall, slippery elm, vitamin D, among others
Identifying food intolerances and eliminating problematic foods is also a key step in resolving leaky gut, which may take 3-6 months to accomplish. For all clients presenting with leaky gut symptoms, I recommend performing a food intolerances blood test called FoodPrint 200+. Find out more details HERE.

Treatment is personalised for each individual and nutrition coaching is key to implement and maintain diet and lifestyle changes required. Apart from resolving digestive symptoms, correcting leaky gut syndrome can often result in feeling less stressed, sleeping better, feeling calmer and having enhanced energy levels.

For convenience and easier access to natural gut repair treatments, I offer either Zoom or telephone consultations for Australia-based individuals only, and also see clients in the Sydney CBD clinic.

I’m afraid I’m not able to offer any specific treatments or advice to individuals based in other countries at this time.

To book a consultation, click on the button below. I also offer a free 15-minute initial discussion to talk about your circumstances and how I can help.

Book free call now

I look forward to connecting with you and to helping you to feel healthier and happier soon!

Latest research on the microbiome

Dr Leo Galland, a well-known integrative medicine practitioner, gave a talk  titled “Planet You” on the discovery of microbes and the crucial role of microbes in human healing. He believes that we can learn from the inner ecosystem to better understand our relationship with our outer ecosystem, and this understanding has the potential to transform modern medicine.

Suffice to say, naturopaths have long focused on healing leaky gut and dysbiosis (microbial imbalances) as a treatment priority, and now the importance of such approach is being confirmed by numerous research and studies.

Since the gut flora aka the ‘good and bad bacteria’ was renamed the ‘microbiome’ by the medical community, it became a very important ‘news’ and area of research for scientists and some doctors. Well, better late than never!

Good health and blessings
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Joanna Sochan
Holistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Natural and Lifestyle Therapies for Abundant Health and Wellbeing

Additional resources

Disclaimer: The above material is for informational and/or educational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescription or recommendation. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should not make any changes in their health regimen or diet before first consulting a doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition or their particular circumstances.

Joanna Sochan is a Natural Therapist and founder of Naturimedica Holistic Wellcare. She has a passion for helping clients transform their lives by becoming healthy and well naturally. Joanna has 12+ years experience in clinical practice and has special interest in solving complex cases, gut health, food sensitivities, hormone imbalances, autoimmune disorders and weight loss. She helps clients individually (mostly online) Australia-wide and also offers online therapeutic programs, eCourses and self-help eBooks. View full bio.

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