Warning Signs Of Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which small intestine becomes irritated and inflamed, causing undigested microbes, gluten, and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. Although not currently recognized by most Western medical doctors, the ailment is receiving increasing attention from naturopaths and practitioners of holistic and complementary medicine. Physicians believe ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications could be potential triggers of intestinal irritation, and alcohol consumption is often cited as a possible cause of the syndrome too. Some medical conditions have been noted as probable risk factors for leaky gut syndrome, and chemotherapy and radiation treatments are also believed to increase a patient's risk of the ailment. There are no specific tests that can diagnose this syndrome, and doctors may rely on findings from a physical examination and blood tests. If leaky gut syndrome is suspected, the patient could be advised to try probiotic supplements, and a low-sugar, low-FODMAP, or gluten-free diet may be recommended.

The symptoms described below are some of those patients with leaky gut syndrome could experience.

Chronic Diarrhea Or Constipation

Leaky gut syndrome patients may notice they have chronic diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms can cause significant pain, and they might cause malnutrition and changes in weight. They can also disrupt daily activities, and affected individuals may need to stay home from work or school if symptoms become severe. Since both chronic diarrhea and chronic constipation can have a variety of minor and more serious causes, it is especially important for patients experiencing either of these to see a gastroenterologist for a formal evaluation. The gastroenterologist will ask about the duration and nature of the patient's symptoms, what remedies the patient has tried, and if anything has led to an improvement. After taking the patient's health history, the doctor will examine the patient's abdomen. They will check for any masses or areas of pain, and it may also be necessary to order imaging studies. Patients may be advised to make changes to the amount of fiber in their diets, and medications can be prescribed to reduce the frequency of both diarrhea and constipation. If constipation is severe, affected individuals may need enemas or surgery to remove impacted feces.

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Chronic Gas Or Bloating

The chronic gas or bloating sometimes experienced by individuals with leaky gut syndrome can be debilitating. Patients with bloating may notice it is most prominent within the half-hour after a meal, and it can take days to resolve. The bloating may feel like a very uncomfortable fullness over the entire abdominal area, or it may be concentrated in the lower abdomen. Bloating may cause a loss of appetite, and it could make eating painful. Individuals who have chronic gas could also experience pain, and they may be unable to eat certain foods. Since both of these symptoms can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, it is recommended that a medical evaluation be conducted to try to establish the underlying cause. If necessary, prescription medications are available to reduce gas and bloating. Some of these are taken daily, and others can be taken just before a meal to ease symptoms. Since bloating could be a sign of several types of cancer, individuals who notice this symptom for more than three weeks should see a doctor promptly. This is necessary in cases where the bloating is persistent and in instances where it comes and goes.

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Deficiencies In Nutrition

Anecdotal evidence from holistic doctors suggests leaky gut syndrome could lead to deficiencies in nutrition. These deficiencies could be caused or exacerbated by the diarrhea and constipation patients may experience, and they may also be produced by other factors not currently understood. The most common nutritional deficiencies observed in cases of leaky gut syndrome are deficiencies in vitamin B12 and magnesium. Some practitioners have also noted cases in which leaky gut syndrome resulted in deficiencies in digestive enzymes such as lactase. To correct these deficiencies, doctors frequently recommend for patients to take a whole-food multivitamin and probiotics. Individuals may also wish to increase their dietary intake of B12 and magnesium to help with symptom control. Vitamin B12 is added to many non-dairy milk products, and it is also found in nutritional yeast and some fruit smoothies. Foods high in magnesium include spinach, tuna, lima beans, and pumpkin seeds.

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Weakened Immune System

Over time, leaky gut syndrome could result in a weakened immune system in previously healthy patients. Cancer patients and others with immune systems that are already compromised could experience further reductions in the strength of their immune systems too. Individuals with this symptom are more likely to acquire infections, including more frequent colds, sore throats, and upper respiratory infections. These individuals are less likely to be able to effectively fight off influenza, and conditions that would be minor for those with healthy immune systems could be very serious or potentially fatal for those with weakened immune systems. Patients in this situation should check with their healthcare team about situations they may need to avoid to reduce their risk of infection, and they should ensure they are up to date on any necessary vaccinations.

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Sugar And Carbohydrate Cravings

Sugar and carbohydrate cravings are common for patients with leaky gut syndrome. These cravings may occur as a result of the nutrient absorption, digestion issues, and nutrient deficiencies associated with this syndrome. Patients may notice they have unusual cravings for high-carbohydrate foods such as bread or pasta, and it is especially common to crave high-sugar foods, including ice cream, doughnuts, and chocolate. Some patients have noticed intense cravings for salty foods as well. To effectively manage cravings and prevent potential weight gain, patients may want to use distraction techniques. Most cravings pass in fifteen minutes, and it could be beneficial to watch television, take a walk, check emails, or read a book for the fifteen minutes immediately after a craving occurs. Keeping a journal of the times and dates of cravings could be beneficial as well. Individuals who experience frequent cravings may want to consider having blood tests to check for potential vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and consultations with a psychologist could help the patient reduce their cravings.