Do You Have a Leaky Gut?

Do you have a leaky gut?  We have been told by many experts that all disease starts in the gut and that the health of our gut microbiome (the amount of good versus bad bugs) is the key to our mental and physical health but most mainstream medical professionals do not recognize leaky gut as a condition even though there is scientific evidence to support its existence.  

Leaky gut is often referred to as a condition of “ increased intestinal permeability”.  It involves bacteria and toxins being able to leak through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. This happens when the tight junctions of the wall becomes loose allowing the leakage to occur and resulting in inflammation 

When asked about digestion, many of my clients deny any issues but on a further examination we see that the symptoms of a leaky gut exist.  Their symptoms are gas, bloating, food sensitivities, digestive issues such as heartburn, constipation or loose stools, and skin issues.  If you have any auto-immune conditions, migraines, thyroid abnormalities, mental health issues, skin conditions or food sensitivities you have a leaky gut.  

Do you have a leaky gut? Ask yourself: 

If you have digestive distress include  gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, constipation or loose stools.

If you have recurrent vaginal or bladder infections.

If you have skin rashes including eczema, or psoriasis.  

If you have seasonal allergies or asthmatic symptoms.

If you have any auto-immune condition like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, lupus, arthritis. 

If you have candida or yeast overgrowth (fungal) infection.

If you have hormonal imbalances like PMS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 

If you have mental health issues including anxiety, depression  and irritability.
 

If you have an intolerance to consumed fats.

If you see undigested foods in your stool.  You can do a transit time test by eating corn, which does not digest and mark the time of the first residue and the last residue.  Long transit time indicates poor digestion. 

If you have smelly bowel movements - your stools should not smell after immediately releasing into the bowl.  

If you have a weak immune system and are always catching colds and flu.  

If you have any of these conditions your health may depend on fixing or at least improving your gut.

In my next blog I will outline what is ruining your gut lining and how to fix it.  In the meantime, keep a bowel movement journal.  Track what you ate, your mood after consumption and what your stools looked like that day.  It will help you understand your condition and where you need to make improvements.  

Please share and stay tuned for more on gut health.  
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