Signs and Symptoms of Your Leaky Gut for Women

A healthy gut is the most important component of overall wellness. As you may already know, your immune system is 80% based on a healthy gut, so as long as your digestive tract is good, so is your overall immune system.

What is Leaky Gut?

Leaky gut, or "intestinal permeability," is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, causing undigested food particles, toxic waste products and bacteria to "leak" through the intestines and flood the blood stream. (1)

You may not know how leaky gut starts, or what symptoms to look for. That's why it's very important to seek knowledge about digestive health in order to sustain a healthy lifestyle. There is a link between innumerable chronic conditions and digestive issues or leaky gut. Often times a standard doctor may not be aware of this, since leaky gut has only recently been discovered, so it has not made its way into the modern medical establishment yet. But it soon will.

How is Leaky Gut Tested

You can test for leaky gut through the common Lactulose/Mannitol test or the intestinal antigenic permeability screen. Both tests are beneficial, but both can also show false negative and false positive results. Most likely, if you’re eating the Standard American Diet and experiencing digestive difficulties (or even symptoms that don’t appear to be related to digestion), your gastrointestinal tract has been compromised to some degree.

Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut:

Depression

Anxiety

Fatigue

Migraines

Asthma

Allergies

Hormone Imbalance(s)

Gluten Intolerance

Digestive pain

Autoimmune conditions

Food intolerance(s)

Foggy Memory

5 Top Causes of Leaky Gut

Bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections: This is probably the main cause of most leaky gut conditions that manifest quickly and drastically. You may be fine today and suddenly, in perhaps just a few days or a couple of weeks, things start to go haywire digestively. Then, gradually, you may develop other symptoms stemming from poor gut health. Often times, doctors and others will say that “it’s all in your head,” but you know that’s not the case. This type of scenario commonly occurs during or immediately after traveling to 3rd world countries.

Antibiotics, NSAIDS, antacids, or other drugs: Many people now depend on over-the-counter medications for varying conditions such as joint pain, headaches, or heartburn/reflux. Be sure to be mindful of your food and drink intake and try to avoid taking unnecessary medications that may flare digestive symptoms. Note: try to do more natural things for pain like essential oils (Frankincense or Myrrh) for joint pain and headaches. Also, avoid the foods that cause you heartburn/reflux.

Sugar and Dairy: Foods high in sugar and dairy can fuel fire for a yeast infection. For women, this type of infection is very hard to get rid of. If it does get out of control, a fungal infection can spread like wildfire into other organs and systems (including the digestive system) and can lead to more complications and even other serious infections. Note: If you want to consume dairy products, it’s probably best to limit your intake it if you notice digestive issues. This could be due to casein content.

Gluten: If you do you some homework on gluten, you’ll quickly understand why you may be getting certain symptoms every time you consume gluten-containing products (specifically wheat products). Lectin proteins (and gluten in particular) are very often the main culprits. (2) Sometimes, if you’re only mildly gluten sensitive, your symptoms may not be drastic. We always recommend quitting gluten for at least 30 days. You will be amazed how you feel and you may never go back to eating gluten again. It’s definitely worth a try! Also consider taking a probiotic daily for optimal health & wellness.

Chronic Stress: This may seem obvious, but we all know that stress is a killer, literally. This has been demonstrated time and time again through scientific experiments. In one study, 23 healthy individuals were placed in a stressful situation (giving a public speech). It showed that cortisol (the main stress hormone) played a role in increasing gut permeability of these individuals. Rat studies have also shown that rats more prone to stress were also more prone to increased gut permeability. (3)

Simple, Effective Ways to Improve Leaky Gut

Digestive Enzymes: When leaky gut occurs, the microvilli in your intestines break down. Digestive enzymes can help the body metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. They also support the healing process by rebuilding the damaged microvilli in your digestive tract.

Slippery elm: Slippery elm is an herb with anti-inflammatory properties that is excellent for healing the intestinal lining. However, anyone who can’t digest starchy fruits and veggies, or who may be on the low FODMAP diet, should avoid this herb.

Glutamine: L-glutamine fuels your gut lining, and helps to repair the damaged cells in your digestive system. It helps seal the opened areas where undigested food and toxins cross the gut barrier and enter your bloodstream. L-glutamine also helps reduce inflammation in the body, allowing it to heal naturally and safely. It is very safe to use for most everyone.

(DGL) Licorice Root: This amazing adaptogenic herb is extremely tasty and can alleviate chronic fatigue. it helps support the mucosal lining of the intestines. Licorice root is another herb that has anti-inflammatory healing properties for your gut. However, those with high blood pressure should avoid this herb.

Bone Broth: Bone broth is very high in collagen, which nourishes the intestinal lining while healing the inflammation caused by leaky gut. It is also excellent for improving intestinal permeability. Alongside its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also chock full of excellent nutrients, protein, and minerals. Many bone broths additionally have natural prebiotics and probiotics that have been shown to improve gut integrity.

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera herb or juice can be used to heal the lining of the digestive mucosa. Aloe Vera juice is very tasty and easy to consume. It is known to soothe and heal the skin and the mucosal lining of the intestines. However, it is not recommended for anyone who has difficulty digesting starchy fruits and veggies, or who may be on the low FODMAP diet.

Each person is different, especially women that are juggling work and family responsibilities. This can be stressful on the digestive system and on the body as a whole. Empower yourself to take control of your health, naturally, and one step at a time. Tap into various ways to optimize your health with healthy foods, herbs and other holistic modalities that can uplevel your lifestyle!

Camille McClellan

Naturopathic Practitioner

McClellan Natural Heath

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