Leaky gut syndrome—also known as intestinal hyperpermeability—is a condition leading to a group of symptoms that occur when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, causing undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxic waste products to “leak” through the intestinal lining and into the bloodstream.
Leaky gut is a major underlying cause of chronic disease in modern society. It is a dangerous and hidden source of illness that medical science is only beginning to realize. It accounts for almost 50% of chronic complaints, as confirmed by laboratory tests.
Leaky gut originates in the small intestine—the portion of the digestive system that lies between the stomach and large intestine. The small intestine is a 22-foot long muscular tube that breaks down food using enzymes secreted by the pancreas and bile from the liver. It is where 90% of the digestion and absorption of food occurs. The other 10% takes place in the stomach and large intestine.
The main function of the small intestine is the absorption of nutrients from food. These nutrients include amino acids from protein, fatty acids from fat, glucose from carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and important phytochemicals (plant-based compounds that act as antioxidants). In a healthy small intestine with an intact lining, nutrients are actively transported into and through the cells that line the inside of the intestine and are delivered to the bloodstream on the other side of the cells. In a healthy small intestine with an intact lining, undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxic waste products are not absorbed and are eliminated in the feces.
The individual cells that line the intestine are normally fused securely together to form tight and impenetrable junctions keeping undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxic waste products from entering the bloodstream. These junctions, however, are vulnerable to breakage and can be opened allowing undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxic waste products to enter the bloodstream through newly-formed gaps or openings between the cells. Leaky gut is like having the protective gates broken allowing damaging substances to get into your body that would normally be denied entrance.
Leaky gut can adversely affect the entire body. The modern-day substances that are breaching our gut lining by damaging the tight junctions include:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics. This includes not only what your doctor prescribes, but also what is found in animal products (meat, dairy, and eggs).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, Advil, Motrin, and Aleve.
- Stomach acid blockers. Also known as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Examples include Zantac, Prilosec, and Nexium.
- Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, saccharin, and aspartame.
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are man-made, estrogen-mimicking chemicals that are prevalent in food and food packaging, water, clothing, and everyday cosmetics and toiletries.
- Genetically-modified foods and exposure to the herbicide Roundup.
Even if you do your best to avoid the chemicals above, trace amounts are probably lurking in your water. Over time, they begin to accumulate in your body. Therefore, it is important not only to filter your drinking water but also your shower water, as many of these chemicals are readily absorbed through the skin.
Our immune system is on guard 24/7 for anything that doesn’t belong in our body. When the immune system sees undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxic waste products, it mounts an immune response (attack) to get rid of these foreign substances that can threaten your health. This ongoing attack leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body and has been linked to:
- Asthma
- Autism
- Autoimmune disease
- Chronic fatigue
- Diabetes
- Food sensitivity and intolerance
- Headaches
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis
- Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Mood disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disease
- Nutrient malabsorption including vitamin B2, magnesium, iron, and zinc
- Obesity
If you suffer from any of the above conditions, it is crucial to address the root causes in order to restore your health. To see of leaky gut is an issue, the first step is to detect and quantify the severity of the condition through proper bloodwork. This is done by getting an Intestinal Antigenic Permeability Screen by Cyrex Laboratories (click here). The cost of this test is $599 and it includes a 60-minute consultation with Dr. Thomas to review your results and outline an effective treatment plan. It is worth every penny for the valuable information it provides and the improved quality of life that can result!
The good news is there is a natural solution that can successfully heal a leaky gut. It is a four-step process that includes:
- Removing foods and substances that damage the gut lining
- Replacing with non-damaging foods
- Repairing the gut lining with targeted supplements
- Rebalancing the gut microbiome with prebiotics and probiotics
Message from Dr. Thomas: Alcohol is not your friend. Even moderate drinking had been found to damage the intestinal lining and lead to leaky gut syndrome. Because leaky gut affects much more than your digestive system, it is important that you consult with an experienced physician trained in metabolic and nutritional medicine. Addressing gut health is a crucial step ignored by most mainstream physicians.
