Leaky Gut is a form of dysbiosis, an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine that can lead to an array of uncomfortable symptoms in the short term: excess gas, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation, and increased inflammation throughout the body. In the long run, even more serious consequences can appear if left untreated.
Risk factors include low stomach acid, long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), IBS, poor pancreatic function, Crohn’s disease, liver disease, Celiac disease, diabetes, obesity, and older age. Non-GI symptoms can look like brain fog, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and skin conditions. Long-term symptoms may include a lack of absorption of important nutrients such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D, leading to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.
Our guts have several built-in mechanisms to prevent bacterial overgrowth-gastric acid and bile secretion, digestive enzymes, a healthy intestinal mucosal layer, and normal intestinal motility all play a role in preventing excessive colonization of the small intestine by bacteria, but if any one of these is compromised, you can become susceptible to developing Leaky Gut. To add insult to injury, Leaky Gut can significantly interfere with these processes and functions, so if you are already starting with an unhealthy gut, Leaky Gut only compounds the problem. It can also leads to increased intestinal permeability and certain strains of bacteria can produce toxic substances that can increase inflammation not only in the gut, but throughout the body.
The most common and gold standard is an intestinal biopsy. However, this is invasive, expensive, and time-consuming. Recently blood tests are starting to replace biopsy as a diagnostic. At Habits Med Spa we can utilize these efficient and inexpensive labs for diagnostic purposes.
1. Reduce
As popularized by nationally recognized authority Dr Stephen Gundry, removing food irritants known as Lectins is fundamental to ridding the unhealthy bacteria from the gut. In addition, our immune system is activated by lectins to attack our own cells such as joint linings, thyroids gland, etc, and produce auto-immune conditions like arthritis or Hashimotos Thyroiditis (low thyroid). At Habits Med Spa we work with you to reduce the irritant Lectins.
2. Restore
As you work to eliminate bacterial overgrowth, it is also important to work to restore your gut to good health to prevent Leaky Gut from recurring. Nourish your gut by incorporating healing foods known as polyphenols to help restore the healthy, desirable gut bacteria or flora.
3. Repopulate
It is generally advised to avoid probiotics while you reduce bacteria in the small intestine. However, one probiotic in particular- S. boulardii- is the exception. At Habits Med Spa we use the product line Standard Process, a 40-year-old US company, to help in repopulating the colon and provide the colon with healthy bacteria you need.
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