Symptoms of Leaky Gut

What is Leaky Gut?

Leaky gut–clinically known as intestinal permeability–is a condition that affects your digestive system. Normally, your gut has a tight barrier to control what passes through into your bloodstream. When someone has leaky gut, this barrier gets weak. This allows harmful substances to pass through. These can include toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles. This can cause inflammation and trigger various health problems.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut

Leaky gut can cause many different symptoms. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Digestive Issues
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
• Brain Symptoms
  • Foggy brain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
• Food Sensitivities
  • You may notice that you react badly to certain foods.
  • This can include gluten, dairy, corn, and sugar, or really anything else.
• Skin Problems
  • Rashes
  • Eczema
  • Acne
• Fatigue and Low Energy
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Difficulty concentrating
• Mood Changes
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
• Autoimmune Diseases
  • Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease can be linked to leaky gut.

Long-term Risks of Leaky Gut

If this is not treated, it can lead to more serious health issues. Here are some long-term risks:

• Chronic Inflammation
  • Persistent inflammation can damage tissues and organs.
• Autoimmune Diseases
  • The immune system can start attacking the body’s own cells, leading to diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
• Nutrient Deficiencies
  • Leaky gut can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
• Increased Risk of Infections
  • A weakened gut barrier can make it easier for harmful bacteria and viruses to enter the body.
• Metabolic Disorders
  • Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome can develop.

Conclusion

Leaky gut is a serious condition that can affect your overall health. It’s important to recognize the symptoms and take action to heal your gut. This may include dietary changes, supplements, and working with a Functional Medicine provider (look for someone with a license). If you think you have this, seek help to protect your health in the long run.

Nourish House Calls provides Functional Medicine services to patients in Illinois, Florida, Arizona, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In-person house calls are available in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, La Grange, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, and surrounding areas. Telemedicine is available both inside and outside of Illinois, including Chicago, Miami, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Portland.

If you would like to learn more about how Nourish House Calls can help resolve the root causes of leaky gut, click here to schedule a free, 15-minute discovery call.