The Dangers of Leaky Gut Syndrome
Although controversial among traditional medical providers, proponents of alternative medicine believe that leaky gut is a very real condition that may contribute and be responsible for a multitude of medical disorders, ranging from immune system disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, systemic lupus and Crohn’s Disease. Other conditions attributed to leaky gut include diabetes and asthma, along with autism.
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky gut is a condition that was first introduced by researcher, Andrew Wakefield, by the name of autistic enterocolitis. Wakefield suggested that overgrowth of bacteria, yeast or overuse of NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs) leads to gaps between cells in the intestinal walls of the small intestine. These gaps in the intestinal wall allow toxins to escape and be absorbed into the body, along with partially undigested food and other contaminates. It is suggested that this event results in a reaction in the immune system that leads to many diseases and disorders.
Symptoms of leaky gut are thought to be wide-ranging and include:
Abdominal pain (chronic)
Insomnia
Bloating
Excessive flatulence
Anxiety
Low Grade Fevers of unknown origin
Gluten intolerance (celiac disease)
Malnutrition
Migraines
Muscle cramps
Multiple chemical sensitivities
Muscle pain
Mood swings
Poor immunity
Poor memory
Recurrent bladder infections
Recurrent vaginal infections
Recurrent skin rashes
Hair loss
Swollen lymph glands
Food allergies
Constipation
Diarrhea
Liver dysfunction
Brain fatigue
Abdominal spasms
Anal irritation
Constant hunger pains
Depleted appetite
Depression
Chronic fatigue
As becomes obvious by glancing at this lengthy list of symptoms, it can be easy to mistake many of these vague symptoms and attribute them to other disorders of a much more serious nature. It is not unusual for people suffering from leaky gut to have gone to multiple doctors seeking relief and to have been prescribed numerous medications that have little to no effect on their symptoms. In fact, it is not uncommon for their symptoms to become worse with traditional medical treatment.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs are often of particular concern for many people who have had symptoms of leaky gut. Unfortunately, NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen are commonly prescribed and used to treat many of the symptoms of leaky gut before it is identified. However, these medications carry many risks, particularly if they are used in high doses or over extended periods of time. Risks include toxicity to the liver and kidneys and heart complications. Additionally, they can cause digestive system discomfort such as diarrhea, constipation and bowel changes.
Treatment of Leaky Gut
Treatment of leaky gut often includes a significant change in diet to eliminate the potential source of the problems associated with the condition. Since leaky gut is attributed to poor eating habits, over use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen and nutritional components like wheat, gluten and yeast, these items are usually eliminated from the diet. With the institution of a gluten-free and wheat-free diet, the practioner will usually encourage the use of probiotics like yogurt, which contain healthy bacteria that rebalance the intestinal system and encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.
