{"id":4560,"date":"2021-09-20T14:04:45","date_gmt":"2021-09-20T19:04:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cooking2thrive.com\/blog\/?p=4560"},"modified":"2021-09-20T14:04:47","modified_gmt":"2021-09-20T19:04:47","slug":"leaky-gut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cooking2thrive.com\/blog\/leaky-gut\/","title":{"rendered":"Leaky Gut"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is leaky gut a real thing? A few years ago, I went to a\ngluten-free conference that focused on adrenal fatigue and leaky gut as the\ncause of many symptoms. Today, I want to explore the theory of leaky gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There\nare some conditions and medications that increase intestinal permeability. This\nhappens when the layer of cells that line the bowel (mucosal barrier) becomes\nless effective at preventing large molecules and germs from passing from the\nbowel into the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many alternative medicine professionals have seized on this as the cause of food allergies, migraine, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, scleroderma, eczema, and autism. Whether or not there is a direct connection<\/a> to these diseases, there may be some basis for concern about leaky gut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An\nunhealthy gut lining that allows partially digested food, toxins, or bugs to\npass through it can trigger inflammation and change the gut flora. There are many\nstudies showing a relationship between altered intestinal bacteria and the\ndevelopment of some common chronic diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is of special concern<\/a> to those who live with celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome which are known to be associated with increased intestinal permeability. Leaky gut may also pose a risk for those with HIV\/Aids, cystic fibrosis, type 1 diabetes, or those receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy to the abdomen, or immunosuppressants. Suffering from infections like salmonella, norovirus, and giardiasis can also make a patient more susceptible to any possible detrimental effects of leaky gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summing\nthis up, leaky gut exists in everyone to some degree, but may be more\npronounced in those who take certain medications or have specific medical\nconditions. We are beginning to learn the extent to which this may have a deleterious\neffect or contribute to disease processes although some studies seem to indicate\nthat intestinal permeability may lead to inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the experts work out the exact risks of intestinal permeability, what can you do to mitigate the effect<\/a> of inflammation that may result from leaky gut? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The easy answer is, change your habits to be more gut friendly.\nEliminate things that could be inflammatory \u2013 alcohol, processed food, and any\nfood to which you have an allergy or sensitivity. Avoid medications like\naspirin, ibuprofen, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eat a variety of nutritious, fresh food. Pay attention to the\neffect of foods high in fructose and limit them if they prove to be irritating.\nDrink plenty of water. Reduce stress as much as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know it\u2019s infuriating to read that leaky gut exists but may or\nmay not cause symptoms. It\u2019s equally annoying to discover that the best way to\ncombat leaky gut is to prevent or mitigate it with healthy habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet, that\u2019s where we are. And it\u2019s where we often end up with\nautoimmune disorders. The symptoms are wide-ranging. The disorders difficult to\ndiagnose. Diagnostic tests, imprecise or unreliable. And even though a healthy\ndiet can help, we\u2019d all prefer a definitive miracle cure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps instead of healthy diets, we should start encouraging\nscream therapy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Your Gut Has a Mind of Its Own<\/a><\/blockquote>