What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
You’ve probably seen the term Leaky Gut popping up everywhere in the health space, and maybe you’re wondering if you’re experiencing it – or have in the past.
Today we’re going to do a dive into leaky gut – the symptoms, the causes and what to do about it.
What is Leaky Gut?
You may think our greatest direct contact with the outside world is through our skin, but in fact its through our gut!
If we laid the absorptive area of our intestines out on the ground, it would cover the area of a tennis court! To protect us, the lining of our intestines function as a barrier like a wall made of bricks (cells) tightly packed together.
Leaky gut syndrome is where the spaces between the cells of your intestinal lining widen and allow bacteria, undigested food, toxic waste products and more to “leak” through into the blood stream.
Some of the symptoms include…
Once these particles enter our blood stream they cause a range of inflammatory and immune responses that are correlated with;
- IBS or other gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating etc.
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Food intolerances
- Skin conditions like eczema or acne
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADD and ADHD
- Joint pain
- Hormone imbalances
- Poor immunity
- Food cravings
- The list goes on…
What causes Leaky Gut?
What you ingest is the cause of leaky gut, as these products are the only things come in direct contact with the lining of your intestines. This may be things like;
- Gluten/Wheat
- Dairy
- Soy
- Sugar
- Foods you’re intolerant too
- Dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance)
- Foods sprayed with insecticides and pesticides like Glyphosate
- Certain medications
How to fix Leaky Gut
These products cause inflammation within the lining and break down the integrity of the barrier. It’s important to note that removing all the above is not always necessary and often the cause of each persons leaky gut is different and requires a qualified and experienced practitioner to find and address your root cause.
For example, removing soy may be incredibly beneficial for someone with a soy allergy or intolerance but is fine and nutritious for someone who can digest it easily.
Glyphosate
However, there are some things that are universally contribute to leaky gut. The big one being Glyphosate! Glyphosate is a herbicide spray registered and used in Australia and sprayed on most plant crops, but especially on things like;
- Wheat and grain crops
- Corn
- Soy
- Apples
- Berries
- Spinach
- Celery
- Almonds
Consuming Glyphosate causes microbiome imbalances and increases your production of a chemical called Zaonulin which actively breaks down and ‘widens’ the spaces between your intestinal cells – causing leaky gut.
So what can you do about Glyphosate?
The easiest thing you can do today to improve your gut is changing to organic foods, especially the ones in the list above.
Some foods like bananas, with a thick skin you don’t eat are generally okay to buy conventional. Generally, we also tend to eat a lot of our wheat and grain in the forms of bread, pasta, bars, biscuits & crackers. Purchasing organic where possible will also drastically reduce the amount of Glyphosate you and your family are exposed to.
What to do next
Get in contact with an experienced and qualified practitioner that can run diagnostic tests on the extent of leaky gut as well as the health of your intestines in general. This will allow them to investigate and treat the cause of YOUR individual presentation.
And you can get answers today by clicking here or by calling our clinic and booking in for a FREE 15-minute appointment with one of our expert Naturopaths!
Don’t just take our word for it…
Our team have drastically improved the health of hundreds of patients with leaky gut, but don’t just take our word for it! Here are a few testimonials from our wonderful clients;
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“Life changing! My gut had pretty much given up on me when I first visited. After only roughly 5 months the improvement to my overall health and well-being has been amazing! I’ve learnt so much as well!” – Jamie-Lee
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“Pete and the team are fabulous. I have been seeing Pete for a few months now in relation to an ongoing gut health issue and with his input, recommended diet and health supplements I have been free of any further and ongoing issues. Haven’t felt this good in years.” – John
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“ I came to Mullen Health 4 years ago for my problem gut and was amazed at how well I felt after following their advice. I’m seeing a Naturopath now for a checkup and reset and am really impressed with the knowledge and advice given. The girls at reception are lovely and always do their best to answer questions and help when needed. I would recommend Mullen Health to anyone who cares about the health of their body.” – Judy
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“After suffering with IBS for over 25 years with little suggestions or help from doctors I sought assistance from Mullen Natural Health Centre. They have treated me with compassion and understanding and with the therapies he has devised for me I am well on my way to improved guthealth. My pain has subsided and energy levels have mostly returned. I would recommend giving Mullen Health a call should you need help with regaining your health and also life back.” – Fiona
If you have just 15 minutes and want to experience true health book your free appointment now by clicking here or calling 02 4961 4075 today!
