Whether due to chronically elevated stress levels, a poor diet, an imbalance of harmful bacteria, or excessive alcohol intake, leaky gut syndrome can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal health. This condition is becoming more prevalent in today’s world, and many people aren’t even aware that they have it. Over time, this can lead to persistent discomfort and may even contribute to chronic health problems.
Identifying the signs of leaky gut syndrome is the first step to achieving relief. 7 key signs include:
Nutrient Deficiencies
Leaky gut syndrome can trigger certain nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in magnesium, digestive enzymes, iron, and vitamin B12. These deficiencies can lead to muscle pain, fatigue, thinning hair, and headaches.
Food Sensitivities
With leaky gut syndrome, the proteins that hold together the intestines’ protective layer don’t function properly. This allows toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances to leak out of the gut into the rest of the body. In response to this leakage, the immune system may produce certain antibodies in excess, potentially increasing your sensitivity to antigens in particular foods.
Autoimmune Conditions
In individuals with leaky gut syndrome, the immune system identifies leaked bacteria and toxins as foreign threats. This leads to an elevated immune response, which can cause symptoms of autoimmune disorders, like lupus, celiac disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Leaky gut syndrome can alter the gut microbiome and increase inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the development of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease causes symptoms including:
- Diarrhea
- Bowel urgency
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
Thyroid Issues
Leaky gut syndrome can directly contribute to certain thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto’s disease. This condition causes hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s disease can also cause fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, muscle pain, and joint stiffness.
Mood Problems
The gut-brain connection is strong, and your gastrointestinal health can directly affect your mood. By increasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which have been linked to depression, leaky gut syndrome may contribute to low mood.
Inflammatory Skin Sensitivities
Inflammation and a heightened immune response from leaky gut syndrome can contribute to a range of inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Leaky gut can also negatively impact the skin barrier, your skin’s primary defense against external irritants.
At Body Flow Wellness, we’re here to support your gastrointestinal health and address symptoms of leaky gut syndrome with a well-rounded treatment plan. Schedule your appointment today!