What is it?

Leaky Gut Syndrome, a term to describe a condition of “Hyperpermeable Intestines,” means the intestinal lining has become more porous, with larger holes appearing than normal, which results in the intestines not functioning adequately. The end result to this condition is that larger, undigested food and waste products that are toxic, enter the bloodstream.

When this condition is present, it places more stress on the liver to rid the body of these toxins, the immune system is then put under stress and inflammation can occur.

So, what causes it?

There are a number of possible causes:

  • Diet, including food sensitivities, too much sugar, processed foods, refined flours etc
  • Chronic stress
  • Inflammation of the gut, caused from low stomach acid, parasites, excessive toxins, bacterial infections and yeast infections such as Candida
  • Deficiency of zinc

How do I know if I have it?

Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome can vary from person to person depending on the level of damage present.  Here’s a list of some symptoms that may occur.

  • Multiple Food Sensitivities
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Chronic diarrhea and/or constipation
  • Skin rashes
  • Poor immune system resulting in more infections or getting sick more regularly
  • Headaches
  • Brain fog and/or memory loss
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Yeast overgrowth (Candida) which causes cravings for sugar and carbs, gas, bloating, and anxiety.

This condition is a bit of a medical mystery as the same symptoms are shared by other conditions as well. People suffering from coeliac disease or crohn’s disease can experience this. However it is a mystery why people who don’t suffer from these diseases experience it. A test often fails to uncover the problem, making diagnosis difficult and so is often left untreated.

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