Leaky gut or 'increased intestinal permeability' means that the tight junctions that connect your intestinal cells become damaged.

Your cells sit next to each other like bricks in a building, there shouldn’t be any space between them. When INFLAMMATION is elevated, or there is damage done to the gut lining, that barrier can become breached and result in permeability.

SYMPTOMS OF LEAKY GUT

• Food sensitivity - when healthy  foods m cause GI complaints like constipation, diarrhea, bloating gas, or stomach upset. (Although this could also be SIBO or parasites)
• Brain fog, trouble concentrating.
• Joint pain.

WHAT CAUSES A LEAKY GUT?

• Inflammation of any kind can lead to intestinal damage. This can be inflammation from a poor diet, certain medications, obesity, insulin resistance, SIBO, or an imbalance of the bacteria in your gut.
• Antibiotic overuse.
• Other medications that can damage the gut lining include NSAIDS like Advil, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. NSAIDS are irritating to the gut lining and are a well known cause for ulcers.
• Over consumption of alcohol can also cause inflammation and destruction that leads to leaky gut. Alcohol is a direct irritant of the GI tract.
• Bacterial dysbiosis - i.e. when the ratio between good and bad bacteria in your gut is off, (which can happen after gut infections, a course of antibiotics, an inflammatory diet)
• Gran negative bacteria -  are potentially problematic classes of ‘bad’ bacteria that produce LPS, a toxin that can damage the gut lining and the blood brain barrier, potentially exposing the brain to infections and toxins. This is how gut issues can cause symptoms like brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and possibly even MOOD disturbances like ANXIETY and DEPRESSION.
• Chronic stress -  high levels of cortisol reduce the production of sIgA, an immune complex that forms a protective mucus layer in the intestines protecting our gut lining from LPS damage, pathogens, and inflammation.

So, do you suffer from brain fog, trouble concentrating, joint pain, anxiety or mood issues? If so, comment below. 

Want to know how to heal your gut for better mental and overall health? Why not schedule a complimentary consultation.