Leaky Gut Syndrome

If you have a condition known as Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS), you might mistake your problem for something else. Your symptoms are similar to those of IBS, food irritability, and other conditions. Even doctors are unsure what they are looking at when you come into the office complaining of these symptoms.

In the following article, find information that should clear things up a little bit and at least tell you whether you should approach your doctor or just cut back on coffee or fatty food.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

When your gut is leaky, that means there is leakage from your intestines into your blood. This is common among individuals with GI tract diseases but also potentially linked to issues where a person can’t eat certain foods or has undergone aggressive treatment for cancer.

Can It Be Treated?

Since it is difficult to identify, treating Leaky Gut Syndrome is also tricky. You really can’t treat a phantom and scans would be inconclusive. What might be helpful is identifying foods or situations which set off cramps, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. If food intolerance is the problem, act like a detective; try to narrow down which food is the culprit.

Pinpointing Causes

Omit a potentially problematic food or drink from your diet for two weeks. You will notice a difference in the first few days if this is truly the issue, but give yourself time to find out what “normal” might feel like. It takes time to detoxify fully and be convinced you are onto a good idea.

If after that time you feel better but not “right,” reintroduce the food and omit something else. Commonly problematic foods for people with LGS are dairy, wheat, grease, and acidic foods. They might hurt you separately or interact to cause even more mischief. The only way to know for sure is to omit then reintroduce these foods. Coffee, tea, and wine can also irritate the GI tract. As hard as it is to give them up, consider flushing your system.

Consider Stress

Few people give enough credit to stress when they become ill. They think food, germs, and sleep are all important and they’ll be able to handle their work load or stressful times if they got enough of those. The trouble is that you can’t sleep or eat properly when you feel stressed. There’s no time to look after your self: get enough exercise, eat balanced meals, or take part in religious services that provide a sense of calm and peace.

Talk to your doctor or counselor about ways to reduce stress. He or she will have suggestions and might even be able to write a note to your boss. Consider getting up earlier to take a walk, pray, or meditate and you could sleep better simply because you fit in something important; an element of your long-neglected self-care routine. Find time to read a book, swim, or to do something fun with loved ones. It’s surprising how often these small changes can have a direct influence on every part of your body, including your stomach and intestines.