Certain inflammatory compounds triggered by leaky gut are called cytokines and can be directly associated with fatigue.

If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, it may be the high levels of these immune cells produced by the body to fight toxins that are causing leaky gut syndrome and inflammation.

The severity of chronic fatigue symptoms has been found to directly correlate with blood levels of immune cells.

In a nutshell, 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, the consumption of which has rocketed over the past few decades, 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)

Every healthy gut is lined with bacteria, except for the first part of the small intestine.

This process is vital for digestion, during which they produce vitamins essential to the body.

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.

Any condition that interferes with muscular activity in the small intestine will allow bacteria to stay longer and multiply in the small intestine, causing SIBO, and or Crohn's Disease.

If chronic, SIBO can affect digestion and food absorption, leading to tiredness and weight challenges.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Preventing and easing leaky gut syndrome may be simper than you think.

Changing a few things in your lifestyle, daily diet and adding some supplements may do the trick.

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. Incorporating a relaxing activity into your daily routine can make all the difference to your gut health as well as your general well-being.

DIETARY CHANGES

Be sure to introduce foods into your diet that promote healing of the gut lining, as well as foods that prevent damage in the first place: (3) (4)

• Cut down on things like alcohol, sugar and processed foods.
• Foods that are high in fibre , such as fruit, vegatables and seeds, will help repair and replenish the gut walls.
• Foods rich in Omega3, such as fish (But remember to stay away from large fish because of their high mercury content) and fish oils, leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes and flaxseed, will strengthen the immune system so it can fight off toxins.
• Illiminating gluten from the diet may aid digestion, as it is hard to break down.
• Occasional use of a herbal digestive support may also be beneficial. Removing undigested food from the gut quickly will help it heal more easily.

NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS

Although supplements such as digestive enzymes and amino acids are known help digestion and repair of the gut wall, there is also a variety of natural ones that may do the trick:(5) (6)

• Probiotics- these are 'good' bacteria that help in digesting food, particularly hard-to-digest foods and foods that some individuals are more sensitive to. They will also give the immune system a boost, and are particularly beneficial in SIBO sufferers and those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is important to take the right genus, species and strain.
• Licorice Root- this may aid absorption and improve hormone function.
• Artichoke Leaf Extract- this may aid digestion and may also treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This may lessen the pain and bloating when taken in small doses.
• Camomile Tea- Can also treat digestive problems and soothe a bloated intestine.
• Ginger- Another root that could also 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, especially if you want to regain your energy.

You are what you eat

Making conscious changes to your diet and lifestyle will start you on the path of increased energy, which will improve your overall quality of life.

Would You Like To Find Out More?

If you are a member of our clinic and interested in Regain Your Energy Now Program and you would like to know more about fatigue and how it’s related to stress, adrenal fatigue or cortisol levels, just let Wayne know at your next consultation.

For those who are not members of the clinic, there are two ways you can respond. . .

     1. I would like to book in for your Free 20 Minute consultation online to ask further questions on how you can help me . . . or I will phone you on 07 5474 5354

     2. I am pro-active about my health. I want to book now and I realise the consultation is normally valued at $300.00, however if I act now I will receive a substantial discount!

Yours in Health

From the Team at Unique Health and Wellness

P.S. As mentioned earlier . . . 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.

• Disclaimer The information provided does not take into account individual needs of any particular person. When providing this information it is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research. The information provided should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction and is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

(1) http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20140820/your-gut-bacteria

(2) http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/leaky-gut-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx

(3) http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrition-vitamins-11/probiotics

(4) http://www.doctoroz.com/article/could-leaky-gut-be-troubling-you

(5) http://www.livestrong.com/article/323387-supplements-for-leaky-gut-syndrome

(6) http://www.meandmydiabetes.com/2011/12/03/loren-cordain-leaky-gut-whole-grain-and-even-potatoes/