WTH is... Leaky Gut Syndrome? Is It Causing Your Bloating?

Sounds gross? Sounds like an uncontrollable release of waste matter from our nether region? Well, though it definitely isn't that, it is not any better either!

A condition that is not typically diagnosed, Leaky Gut Syndrome refers to the "permeability" of our small intestines. As the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, toxic waste products and bacteria "leak" through the intestines and enter the blood stream - this can cause an autoimmune response in the body including inflammatory and allergic reactions such as food allergies and intolerances, irritable bowel and more. With leaky gut, the damaged intestines can't produce the enzymes needed for proper digestion, which means essential nutrients can't be absorbed by the body.

Director of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine, Dr. Leo Galland, indicated the following symptoms of leaky gut:

Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating
Nutritional deficiencies
Poor immune system
Headaches, brain fog, memory loss
Excessive fatigue
Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema
Cravings for sugar or carbs
Arthritis or ache in joints
Depression, anxiety, ADHD
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease.

For obvious reasons, we aren't suggesting you diagnose yourselves - but if nothing else has worked for you thus far, there is little harm in exploring alternative methods that could help improve your health!

Healing A Leaky Gut

The first and most important step is to scrutinise your diet and explore eliminating foods that are possibly causing the leaky gut in the first place. Common foods to eliminate include dairy, caffeine, alcohol, gluten, soy and refined sugar (yes, sorry ladies!).

We know...how tough eliminating foods completely can be. While experimenting and reducing the possible foods that may be causing your discomforts, try adding the good healthy stuff that can help support the healing of the leaky gut.

Bone Broth... contains collagen and gelatin which help heal the gut lining, while glutamine helps strengthen it. In comparison to taking a nutritional supplement, bone broth is much easier for the body to digest.

Healthy Fats... like avocado, unrefined olive and coconut oils, flaxseed oil, ghee (clarified butter), grass-fed butter, fish oil and more.

Spices & Herbs... that reduce inflammation and soothe the gastrointestinal (GI) tract include turmeric, ginger, liquorice root tea, dandelion root tea and more.

Non-Dairy Probiotic Foods... to restore healthy gut bacteria & enzymes include, coconut yogurt & kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and beet kvass.

The more healthy foods you add to your existing diet, the less room you’ll have for the possible bad stuff i.e. causes to your leaky gut / symptoms - plus, doesn't all the above options still sound yummy & tasty?

By “crowding out” the the possible food culprits, it may make it easier to find out the causes to your symptoms. Take this as a fun & sustainable experiment - eliminating some foods, recording it down until you reach a balanced diet that makes you feel great! Don't we all want to feel that way?

Your path to being healthy and feeling good to excel in your day-to-day busy routines is an ongoing journey - filled with exploration, hiccups, as well as the realization of how having good nutrients can support your energy levels and mental clarity.

Are you facing any other hush hush symptoms and would like to find out more about why you are feeling that way...what's hindering you from leading your best life? Share with us. We'll keep it discreet - ladies@thebusywomanproject.com.