Symptoms of Leaky gut

In recent years, the concept of “leaky gut” has gained traction in the realm of health and wellness, sparking curiosity and concern alike. Also known as increased intestinal permeability, leaky gut refers to a condition where the lining of the intestines becomes compromised, allowing toxins, microbes, and undigested food particles to leak into the bloodstream. This breach in the intestinal barrier can lead to a cascade of symptoms and contribute to various health issues.

Gut health took over social media by storm in 2022-2023 but it wasn’t just another health and wellness trend. The health of the gut is not something that should be ignored with 70-80% of the immune system residing in the gut. In layman’s terms, overall health is determined by the state of the gut. That’s why supporting a healthy gut microbiome, educating yourself about gut health, and the warning signs of an unhealthy gut will help you protect your health. Let’s look at the symptoms of a leaky gut and explore how they manifest in the body so we know the warning signs of a leaky gut.

Digestive Distress: One of the hallmark symptoms of a leaky gut is digestive discomfort. Individuals with this condition may experience bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. Chronic digestive issues are a result of food sensitivities caused by leaky gut.

Due to the location of the immune system and the negative influence leaky gut has on the immune system. Symptoms can manifest in a wide array that points to multiple different conditions making diagnosis difficult. But there is one tell-tell sign that points to a leaky gut – multiple food sensitivities.

Food Sensitivities: Leaky gut can contribute to the development of food sensitivities which are a vicious cycle because they help maintain the cause of their development – a leaky gut. While also being the cause of the majority of symptoms suffered. To put a stop to the vicious cycle of food sensitivities, troublesome foods must be removed until the intestinal wall is healed. Food sensitivities manifest in several ways like; bloating, gas, general stomach upset, migraine, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, etc after eating. Most people think these symptoms like chronic bloating are normal because that has been their normal for so long but you don’t have to live in chronic discomfort and pain. Let’s look at how food sensitivities are detected.
The process of determining whether you have food sensitivities typically involves several steps and may vary depending on individual circumstances and healthcare provider recommendations. Here’s an overview of the general process:

• Keeping a Food Diary: Start by keeping a detailed food diary to track your dietary intake and any symptoms you experience after eating certain foods. Note the timing of meals, specific foods consumed, and any symptoms that arise, such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin rashes, headaches, or fatigue.
• Elimination Diet: Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, you may undergo an elimination diet to identify potential trigger foods. This involves eliminating common allergens and known culprits for some time (usually 2-4 weeks) and then systematically reintroducing them one at a time while monitoring for symptoms.
• Food Sensitivity Testing: Your healthcare provider may recommend food sensitivity testing to identify immune reactions to specific foods. There are different types of tests available, including blood tests that measure IgG antibodies against various foods or skin prick tests. However, it’s essential to note that the accuracy and reliability of these tests can vary, and they may not always correlate with clinical symptoms.
• Symptom Evaluation: Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, medical history, and test results to determine whether you have food sensitivities. They may also consider other factors that could contribute to your symptoms, such as underlying digestive disorders, stress, medications, or lifestyle factors.
• Reintroduction and Confirmation: If an elimination diet or food sensitivity testing identifies potential trigger foods, your healthcare provider may recommend reintroducing them one at a time to confirm their role in triggering symptoms. This process allows for individualized identification of problem foods and helps guide dietary modifications.

Fatigue and Low Energy: Chronic fatigue and low energy levels are common complaints among individuals with leaky gut. The inflammatory response triggered by the influx of toxins and undigested food particles places a burden on the body’s energy resources. Additionally, nutrient malabsorption resulting from impaired intestinal function can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, further exacerbating fatigue and lethargy.

Skin Issues: The health of the gut is intricately linked to the health of the skin, and leaky gut can manifest in various dermatological issues. Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea may flare up or worsen in individuals with compromised gut health. The inflammatory cascade initiated by leaky gut can contribute to systemic inflammation, which may manifest as skin inflammation and irritation.

Joint Pain and Inflammation: Inflammation is a hallmark feature of leaky gut, and it can extend beyond the digestive system to affect other parts of the body, including the joints. Individuals with leaky gut may experience joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, resembling symptoms commonly associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The systemic inflammation triggered by leaky gut can exacerbate existing joint issues or contribute to the development of new ones.

Mood Disorders: The gut-brain connection is a well-established phenomenon, and disruptions in gut health can impact mental and emotional well-being because 95% of the body’s serotonin – the chemical that controls your mood, is made in the gut. This means individuals with leaky gut may experience mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and brain fog due to the production of chemicals like serotonin being inhibited. The inflammatory molecules released in response to gut permeability can affect neurotransmitter function and alter mood-regulating pathways in the brain, leading to psychological symptoms.¹

Leaky gut is a multifaceted condition with far-reaching implications for overall health and well-being. While the symptoms may vary from person to person, they often reflect underlying dysfunction in the gastrointestinal system and systemic inflammation. Recognizing the signs of leaky gut is the first step towards addressing this condition and restoring gut health. By adopting a holistic approach that includes dietary modifications, stress management, targeted supplementation, and gut-supportive lifestyle practices, individuals can embark on a journey toward healing and vitality. Remember, listening to your body and seeking support from healthcare professionals are essential components of reclaiming gut health and thriving in the long run.

If you want to learn more about leaky gut make sure to check out our other gut-related posts that are linked below.

• “How to heal a leaky gut”
• “Gut health and the link to Autoimmune diseases”
• “5 Supplements to heal leaky gut”
• “Gut healthy green smoothie”

Citations:

• Appleton J. The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2018 Aug;17(4):28-32. PMID: 31043907; PMCID: PMC6469458.