Why Stopping a Leaky Gut is Critical for Optimal Health…
Causes and Prevention
A healthy gut is the key to optimal health. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people today that suffer from “leaky gut”, also known as “intestinal permeability”. We all have some degree of leaky gut, as this barrier is not entirely impenetrable. Some people have a genetic predisposition that causes them to be sensitive to changes in the digestive system. However, our DNA isn’t the only cause.
by Greg Montoya
What Causes Leaky Gut?
Today’s dietary habits and lack of vitamin D3 are two of the primary drivers of gut inflammation. There is emerging proof that the standard American diet, high in saturated fat, high in sugar, and low in fiber, may initiate this process. Stress and heavy alcohol use can also disturb this balance. But overall, a vitamin D3 deficiency is one of the main culprits!
The Intestines and Epithelial Cells
The intestines are protected by a single layer of specialized epithelial cells linked together by tight junction (TJ) proteins. These tight junctions are the path between our intestines and bloodstream. They control what is permitted to pass into the bloodstream from the digestive system. Leaky gut is an ailment in which undigested bacteria, food particles, or viruses penetrate the intestinal wall and leak into the bloodstream. Thus, stimulating an immune response.
As a result, whenever you consume food, your immune system activates. Because of the chronic immune activation it causes, having a leaky gut raises the risk of several diseases. These include autoimmune issues, heart conditions, cancer, diabetes, asthma, and more. The condition can also include problems like obesity, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. As research continues, it appears as if a leaky gut could be a root cause regardless of the ailment.
Related triggers of leaky gut include the following…
Nutrient insufficiency and low stomach acid
If food isn’t absorbed appropriately, it can cause inflammation in the gut. Not absorbing our food effectively can range from not chewing well enough to low stomach acid levels. This doesn’t allow for adequately breaking down and absorbing the food being consumed.
Pathogens that high stomach acid would typically destroy can leak into the gut. Upregulating the Zonulin protein. This is a protein that regulates the permeability of the tight junctions in between cells of the digest tract wall. When this happens undigested food particles begin to leak through the lining of the gut.
Exposure to Toxins
We’re exposed to a barrage of chemicals every day in our homes, via household cleaners, personal care products, off gassing from painted walls, furniture, etc. These toxic exposures can be magnified by our occupations, where we live, and the amount we’re exposed to. Numerous toxins can wreak havoc on our overall gut health, accelerating and making leaky gut symptoms worse.
Systemic Infections and Disease
Infections and diseases result in the loosening of the gut lining, causing leaky gut. Infections can cause an imbalance of opportunistic and healthy bacteria in the gut. This results in an overgrowth of bacteria, fungi, yeast, and parasites.
Stress
It plays a significant and overlooked role in our overall health. This can trigger the body to enter fight or flight mode, reducing its ability to fight off infection and disease. Stress is proven to reduce the gut’s immune and gut barrier function. Also, diminishes stomach acid levels leading to malabsorption (difficulty in the digestion or absorption of nutrients from food).
Medications
Several medications, including antibiotics, acid blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, can contribute to leaky gut.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Leaky gut syndrome symptoms include food sensitivities, bloating, digestive issues, and skin problems. Other problems triggered by leaky gut are thyroid issues, mood problems, obesity, autism, and fatigue. Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause. which can include the following:
- IBD which can cause severe diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and fatigue.
- IBS that causes bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, cramping, and excess gas.
- Celiac disease causes nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, and fatigue.
- Diverticulitis which is an infection or inflammation of pouches that can form in your intestines causing severe pain and bloating.
Healing and Prevention
The first steps to healing and preventing a leaky gut is by increasing your Vitamin D3 levels via supplementation and natural sunlight on bare unprotected skin for 15-20 minutes per day, going through a thorough bowel cleanse and detox, which flushes toxins from the body and eliminates parasites. After cleansing and detoxing, overgrowth of Candida needs to be eliminated. While consuming a tablespoon full of raw apple cider vinegar diluted in water every morning on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast can help with.
The optimal gut balance is restored by consuming healthy foods and adding bone broth and probiotics to your daily diet. Once the gut is back in balance, and the body is provided with a nutrient-rich, dense diet, the gut will heal.
A last note on why you should immediately start addressing healing and prevention, is that a leaky gut can wreak havoc on one’s natural immune system. Thereby lowering your body’s ability to fend off colds, flus, and viruses.
To maximize your Vitamin D3 levels, necessary for healing the gut, consider taking advantage of all the amazing benefits of Ageless Impact’s SunD, one of the most potent and effective Vitamin D3 supplements on the market. Also, Ageless Impact’s SunD includes Strontium and Vitamin K2, two important and necessary ingredients for proper Vitamin D3 absorption.
REFERENCES:
7 Signs-Symptoms You Have a Leaky Gut
What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky Gut: Mechanisms, Measurement and Clinical Implications in Humans