Gut Instinct: Could You Have Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Could Your Leaky Gut Be Making You Feel Tired?

Leaky Gut Syndrome could be why you are feeling tired at times when you should be full of energy. It could also be causing symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps and general discomfort in the abdominal area. (1)

As well as the discomfort and fatigue, Medically Diagnosed Leaky gut Syndrome could be the cause of a wide range of serious chronic diseases including: (2)

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Crohn's disease
• Asthma
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Rheumatism & Arthritis
• ADHD, Eczema, Psoriasis, Depression

What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Our gut wall is designed, much like a fine net, to allow only small, digested food particles through its walls and into the bloodstream. If the wall is damaged, undigested food particles, bacteria, viruses and their toxic waste products can pass through it into the bloodstream and may trigger the immune system, causing persistent inflammation throughout the body.

Why a Leaky Gut May Cause Tiredness

Certain inflammatory compounds triggered by leaky gut are called cytokines and can be directly associated with fatigue. The more your unhealthy gut bacteria permeates through your leaky gut, the greater will be your feelings of tiredness and chronic fatigue.

What Aggravates the Gut?

Well-known irritants of the gut wall are alcohol, over-use of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (2) Other factors that may damage the gut wall are stress, poor diet, and overgrowth of bacteria in the gut (SIBO).

Stress

Chronic stress may be a factor in leaky gut syndrome.

Poor Diet

Processed food and refined sugar are probably the main culprits. The lack of enzymes in these foods means they are hard to break down, so they accumulate in the gut and may damage its walls.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO is when abnormally large numbers of bacteria migrate up into the first part of the small bowel, giving off excessive amounts of toxins. This may cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and possibly abdominal pain.

What You Can Do About It

Lifestyle Changes

Any activity that reduces stress may help, whether it be meditation, yoga, exercise, or even taking a relaxing stroll and listening to music.

Dietary Changes

• Cut down on alcohol, sugar and processed foods.
• Foods high in fibre such as fruit, vegetables and seeds will help repair and replenish the gut walls.
• Foods rich in Omega-3, such as fish, leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes and flaxseed, will strengthen the immune system.
• Eliminating gluten from the diet may aid digestion.

Natural Supplements

• Probiotics – 'Good' bacteria that help in digesting food and boost the immune system.
• Licorice Root – May aid absorption and improve hormone function.
• Artichoke Leaf Extract – May aid digestion and treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Camomile Tea – Can treat digestive problems and soothe a bloated intestine.
• Ginger – Another root that could ease digestive problems.

Basically, listen to your body and don't ignore symptoms. Minor changes in your daily life may make huge changes to your general well-being.

P.S. Low energy can be caused by Leaky gut Syndrome. These conditions can be frustrating to deal with, however we are here to assist you with natural solutions that are proven to work for many clients.

References

(1) webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20140820/your-gut-bacteria | (2) nhs.uk/Conditions/leaky-gut-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx | (3) webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrition-vitamins-11/probiotics | (4) doctoroz.com/article/could-leaky-gut-be-troubling-you | (5) livestrong.com/article/323387-supplements-for-leaky-gut-syndrome