“The expression ‘leaky gut’ is getting a lot of attention in medical blogs and social media lately,” says Harvard Health Publishing. “But don’t be surprised if your doctor does not recognize this term.”
But even though it hasn’t got much attention before, leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, can have a major effect on your health. (1)
What Is Leaky Gut?
The lining of your large and small intestines collectively covers more than 4,000 square feet. It’s supposed to keep most of everything in the intestines. However, sometimes it develops cracks or holes that are too large. These unhealthy openings allow digesting food, toxins, and bad bacteria to slip through and damage the intestinal tissue that’s supposed to be protected by the lining. (1)
The Symptoms Of Leaky Gut
Dr. Leo Galland is a practitioner with a belief in the importance of integrated medicine. After training at NYU Medical Center, he realized that his true calling was in the field of dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is the study of balance–and imbalance–in the body. Here are some of his warning signs for leaky gut. (2)
Low Levels of Zinc
Dr. Galland cautions that you need to look at the zinc levels in the blood’s plasma. The zinc in red blood cells “really [is] measuring carbonic anhydrase levels, and it’s not a good indicator of total body zinc status,” he says. (2)
You’ve Had A Parasite In The Past
“This is a scenario I’ve seen quite a bit, actually – starts out with somebody picks up a parasite. Maybe they’re hiking or camping in the woods and they get giardia or they’re traveling or they eat food that has not been properly prepared,” says Dr. Galland. “They may get sick with that parasite, but then over a period of months or years they start to develop problems that don’t go away just because you cure the parasite or treat it.” (2)
Using Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Regularly
This includes things like Advil and Aleve. “In fact, people with arthritis who use these drugs at arthritis therapeutic dose levels regularly for two weeks, 90% of them will have developed a leaky gut,” says Dr. Galland. (2)
Alcohol
If you have more than two drinks a day, you’re putting your gut at risk! (2)
You’re Having Too Much Sugar
Added sugar and refined starches are something to be avoided for optimal gut health. (3)
You Have Celiac Disease
The inflammation caused by active celiac disease causes the leaky gut,” says Dr. Galland. “In turn [it] causes some of the complications associated with celiac disease.” (3)
Your Skin
Conditions such as hives or eczema can be caused by a leaky gut. (3)
You’re Depressed
Leaky gut syndrome can contribute to your depression, says Dr. Galland. (3)
You Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
“Recent research from Belgium confirms my observations about Leaky Gut Syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome,” says Dr. Galland. (3)
You Have IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome and other bowel complaints can be a result of a compromised intestinal tract. (3)
You’re Not Eating Enough Fruit
You should be getting 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a week for optimal gut health, according to Dr. Galland. (3)
