If you’re interested in taking charge of your gut health, the first step is understanding the potential signs of a leaky gut. Nowadays, leaky gut is a commonly discussed topic in the health and wellness space and is believed to be the root of many modern chronic conditions. In this blog, we’ll discuss five key signs and symptoms of a leaky gut that you should be aware of and monitor as part of your gut health journey. So keep reading to ensure you’re on the right track!
Chronic diarrhoea, constipation, gas or bloating
If you are experiencing chronic diarrhoea, constipation that lasts for a week or even excessive gas or bloating, then it may be a sign of a leaky gut. Digestive issues can be troublesome and make everyday life difficult and frustrating.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor to rule out other potential causes. If a leaky gut is suspected, you may need to make lifestyle changes, such as eliminating certain foods from your diet and adding probiotics and digestive enzymes to help improve gut health.
Sensitivity to certain foods
If you’re noticing that you’re suddenly reacting to foods that you used to be able to eat without any problems, it could be a sign that your gut is leaky. When the gut is “leaky,” it means that there are gaps in the intestinal wall that allow undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and a host of other symptoms.
If you’re concerned that you may have a leaky gut, pay attention to how your body reacts after you eat certain foods. Do you notice any bloating, abdominal pain, skin reactions, headaches, fatigue, or brain fog? These could all be signs that you need to look closely at your gut health.
Digestive issues
If you’re dealing with chronic digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease, it’s a sign that something is off balance in your gut. These conditions are all rooted in inflammation, which is often caused by a leaky gut. When the intestinal wall is inflamed, it can lead to a host of digestive issues, so if you’re struggling with any of these conditions, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
Skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis
Another common sign of a leaky gut is skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. This is because the gut is connected to the rest of the body via the bloodstream, so when there are gaps in the gut lining, toxins and bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body. This can manifest as skin problems on the surface. If you’re struggling with any chronic skin conditions, it’s worth considering the possibility of a leaky gut.
Mood imbalances
Mood disorders like anxiety and depression are also thought to be linked to a leaky gut. This is because the gut houses a large percentage of the body’s serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. When the gut is inflamed, it can lead to a disruption in serotonin production, which can, in turn, lead to mood disorders. If you’re struggling with anxiety, then maybe understanding your gut health may help.
The link between allergies and gut health
Our immune system protects us against harmful bacteria and viruses, but sometimes it can go into overdrive and cause allergies. Recent research has shed new light on our gut’s role in this process.
It has been found that the bacteria in our gut can influence the development of allergies and that an imbalance in the gut microbiome can increase the risk of allergic reactions. This means that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is key to preventing and managing allergies. This can be done through diet, lifestyle changes, and the use of probiotics. Taking care of our gut can help keep our immune system healthy and reduce our risk of allergies.
While leaky gut has no cure, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve overall health. These treatments may include dietary changes, probiotics, lifestyle modifications, and supplements. Addressing the underlying causes of leaky gut can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you have any questions about leaky gut or want to know more, please contact us here. We’d love to talk to you.