The medical term for leaky gut is intestinal permeability. Small tears or openings within the intestinal lining of the small intestine. They can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a poor diet, antibiotics, infections, toxins and stress. We are all born with healthy bacteria. It is passed through to us as infants during childbirth within the vaginal canal. Hundreds of millions of human strains are handed down from previous generations. When the healthy bacteria have been depleted by antibiotics, stress, poor diet, the unhealthy bacteria (candida) can wreak havoc on the body and enter the bloodstream.
There can be many, and it varies by individual. For starters, food sensitivities, which can be immediate or delayed, are a common symptom. Bloating, mental fogginess, gas, IBS, headaches, skin rashes and the list goes on. For more information on leaky gut symptoms.
In most cases, yes, it is treatable. The approach is to first remove the foods that can cause sensitivities or inflammation. These may be processed foods, sugar, non-organic foods, hydrogenated oils, etc. The 2nd step is to replace lower quality foods with organic, whole foods that are not enriched, processed or sprayed with pesticides. The 3rd step is to reinoculate the gut with pre-and probiotics. These help feed the good bacteria. Pre-biotics are the seeds for good bacteria, while probiotics help fertilize the growth of the seeds. The 4th step is to heal the gut with vitamins, supplements and IVs, which consists of glutamine, bone broth, omega-3’s, licorice root, slippery elm and more. The 5th and final step is teaching yourself to reduce stressors in your life. Either by meditation, walking, exercise or mindful eating. Stress also impacts gut health in a harmful way.
We will offer a Gut Health class in 2022 that provides a more comprehensive approach to address gut health. Please visit our website fwimed.com or call the office for further updates.
We provide several tests to determine the health of your gut. Depending on the gut issue such as IBS, leaky gut, parasites, fungi, and food allergies will depend on the test needed. Some tests are stool tests, or bloodwork, while others can be urine tests for checking the permeability of the intestine.
For more information on leaky gut testing.
In good health,
Vishaal Veerula, MD
