What is Leaky Gut Syndrome (And How to Fix it)

There's a lot of information on the internet about health and wellness, and it can be challenging to figure out what is true and what isn't. Unfortunately, with medical matters, it's easy to be manipulated by false information or become concerned about issues that aren't recognized. 

The technology and, thus, our understanding within the health and well-being sector is constantly growing and improving, leading to the discovery of new issues, treatments, and ailments.

A new condition that has entered the limelight is a leaky gut. 

This condition has grown in recognition within the health field, although many are still sceptical about whether it is genuine. 

The truth is that a leaky gut has the potential to be a severe health issue and can cause problems with your weight, immune system, digestion, and more.

Here's a look at leaky gut, investigating its symptoms, causes, potential solutions, and, crucially, if it's even an actual condition. Finally, we'll dispel some myths about leaky gut and give tips on improving your health.

Related content: Is there a link between gut health and weight loss?

Is leaky gut an actual condition?

Leaky gut has recently become a popular topic in the medical community. While some view this condition as mere hype and pseudoscience, there is increasing evidence to suggest that leaky gut is a legitimate medical condition affecting millions of people worldwide.

Being permeable means that stuff can easily pass through it. As a result, larger-than-normal particles can leak into the bloodstream and cause all sorts of inflammatory reactions and other severe issues throughout the body. 

So, while the leaky gut is still primarily an area of research and debate, it is clear that this is a genuine condition with far-reaching effects on overall health and well-being.

So, further study and more conclusive evidence are needed to fully understand the leaky gut and its underlying causes. 

However, it should not be ignored as another fad or dietary buzzword. Instead, leaky gut deserves serious consideration as a potential threat to our health and well-being.

With all that said, it's still not officially recognized as a legitimate diagnosis and is instead based on the concept of increased intestinal permeability, which occurs in some gastrointestinal diseases. 

Although not officially recognized, many people are confident it will become a legitimate medical condition. However, if not, it will remain a severe side-effect of other serious issues, so it's something to consider.

What causes leaky gut syndrome?

The leaky gut syndrome is a complex condition that arises when the lining of the intestines becomes damaged and begins leaking into the bloodstream. 

Many factors can cause a leaky gut, including certain medications, extreme stressors, or underlying conditions like Crohn's disease or celiac disease.

However, one of the most common causes of a leaky gut is an imbalance in the bacteria found in the gut. 

In particular, the overgrowth of harmful bacteria such as Candida albicans can damage the intestinal lining and allow bacteria and toxins to leak into the bloodstream.

In addition to causing various unpleasant symptoms like diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, and brain fog, a leaky gut can lead to more severe health conditions like autoimmune diseases and food allergies. 

To prevent leaky gut syndrome and improve your digestive health, you should eliminate inflammatory foods from your diet and use regular probiotic supplementation. With time and patience, you can restore balance to your digestive system and protect yourself from the leaky gut syndrome.

The symptoms of leaky gut syndrome

As a leaky gut syndrome, also known as intestinal permeability, is a disorder characterised by increased gastrointestinal tract permeability, it can lead to a variety of issues and symptoms that range from 

• Chronic diarrhoea - This could be where you need to use the loo often in one day and feel unable to control it. The stool will also be less firm.
• Constipation - This is where you're unable to pass a bowel movement and can be rather uncomfortable
• Bloating - Experiencing bloating, especially after eating, indicates an issue with your gut health, with the leaky gut being a potential cause.
• Fatigue - A leaky gut can cause increased fatigue in daily life. You could be sleeping more than usual or struggling to get out of bed.
• Headaches - Headaches from leaky gut tend to be severe - especially around the temples.
• Confusion - Forgetting where you are, why you're doing something, and other instances of not being alert can signal that something is wrong with your gut.
• Problems with concentration - Issues like the inability to focus can signify a leaky gut.
• Skin problems like acne or eczema - A leaky gut causes inflammation and issues within the blood, which can manifest as skin problems. Take note if you're getting these issues and don't have a history of these conditions before symptoms appeared.
• Joint pain - A leaky gut can cause server joint pain, particularly in your knees, elbows, and hips.

Having just one of these systems may not mean that you have a leaky gut, as other conditions could be the cause. 

Having said this, if you're worried about a leaky gut and show some symptoms, you should visit your physician, who could advise you about treatment. 

Because it is often associated with other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease, diagnosing leaky gut syndrome can be tricky. 

Typically, doctors will look for key indicators such as changes in stool patterns or food sensitivity. They may also conduct blood tests or use imaging techniques to assess for damage or inflammation in the GI tract. 

Suppose you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with leaky gut syndrome. You must consult your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and start on the appropriate treatment plan. With support from your healthcare team, you can manage this condition and go on to enjoy better health and well-being.

Can leaky gut impact weight gain?

Many people struggle with weight loss and weight gain, often without fully understanding the root causes of their difficulty. For example, many people wouldn't even consider that gut health could cause weight gain or impact a person's attempts to lose weight. 

Some experts have hypothesised that a leaky gut may be a driving factor in many cases of weight gain due to its impacts on overall health and the immune system. 

A leaky gut is a condition where the gut becomes inflamed or damaged, allowing harmful substances such as bacteria and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. This condition can lead to chronic inflammation throughout the body, including fat cells that will make you appear larger than you otherwise would be. 

At the same time, a leaky gut disrupts appetite regulation and drives overeating. 

This is because it links to increased levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and decreased leptin production (the satiety hormone). This means that you could eat a lot more calories than you should and will likely feel hungrier more of the time when suffering from a leaky gut. 

In summary, a leaky gut may play an essential role in weight gain by disrupting both nutrient absorption and appetite regulation. If you are struggling with unwanted weight gain, consider whether a leaky gut is at play. You can take your health back into your own hands with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.

How to treat leaky gut syndrome

When left untreated, a leaky gut can lead to many health problems, including inflammation, food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, and even chronic fatigue and depression. 

Thankfully, several effective leaky gut treatments can help restore balance to the intestinal tract and resolve these health issues. Some of the most common treatments for leaky gut include adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods and nutrient-dense superfoods.

By adding anti-inflammatory superfoods (meaning they reduce inflammation), you'll be able to help negate the effects of a leaky gut while aiding your digestion. 

As a leaky gut can make it harder to absorb nutrients, eating foods high in them will allow your body to absorb more, which can then positively impact your overall well-being. 

Foods such as fruit and vegetables are great, as they are nutrient-rich and things like tomatoes, olive oil, and nuts are good as they reduce inflammation.

Regular exercise

Regularly exercising can help promote better digestion, which can then help ease the symptoms of a leaky gut. 

When exercising, try to focus on workouts that focus on gut health, such as running, walking, yoga, and HIIT. These exercises can strengthen your intestines and improve digestion. 

Deal with stress 

Stress can cause a whole host of gut issues, with a leaky gut being one of them. 

When you work to reduce stress, your gut health will be more balanced, which will help with leaky gut issues. Try making lifestyle changes to reduce stress, and if you feel you need to, get counselling and therapy to help further.

Taking supplements

Probiotics or digestive enzymes can help improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. 

It works by introducing the “good” bacteria that you need into your gut, which could e lacking.

Avoid triggers.

Things like gluten and alcohol can have nasty effects on our gut, making things like leaky gut even worse. To help improve your condition, try cutting out these common triggers that can cause flair-ups. 

By addressing the underlying causes of this condition and working closely with your doctor or other healthcare providers, you can effectively treat leaky gut and regain control over your health.

Foods that help heal leaky gut syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome is characterised by increased permeability of the small intestine, which allows undigested food, toxins, and pathogens to pass through into the bloodstream. One of the best things you can do to treat this issue is to eat the right foods.

Thankfully, several foods can help to heal this condition and restore balance to the body. These include fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi, which contain probiotics that support gut health; seeds and nuts like chia or flaxseed; and omega-3-rich foods such as salmon and sardines. 

By incorporating these nutritious foods into your diet regularly, you can help heal leaky gut syndrome and boost your overall well-being.

Supplements that help heal leaky gut syndrome

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating leaky gut syndrome, certain supplements are particularly effective in helping to heal the intestinal barrier and promote overall gut health. 

Of course, supplements aren't going to cure you on their own, but they can be a tremendous addition to your lifestyle that should help with a leaky gut.

Some of these include probiotics, which help to restore healthy gut flora; glutamine, which fights intestinal inflammation; digestive enzymes, which aid in breaking down food; and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for immune function and cognitive health. 

With the right combination of these and other supplements tailored to your specific needs, you can better manage this condition and prevent further complications.

We recommend YourBiology probiotics if you want a specific gut supplement.

Plug your leaky gut syndrome.

Leaky gut syndrome is a severe condition that should not be ignored, even if it is not officially recognized as an ailment yet. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms, please see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment, as it can help your quality of life and prevent any other issues that can develop from this condition.

You can do many things to help heal your leaky gut, including changing your diet and taking supplements. 

We hope this article has provided you with some helpful information and motivation to make the necessary changes to improve your gut health to lose weight and achieve your ideal fitness levels.