Leaky gut can be caused by autoimmune digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and Celiac disease. Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract can gradually decrease the integrity of the cells that line the small and large intestines. It is also associated with stomach ulcers and bacterial overgrowth in the intestines. Chemotherapy and chronic NSAID use can also cause permeability.
Common symptoms of leaky gut are discomfort, pain and burning in the abdomen, diarrhea, and gas and bloating. Some patients experience a combination of these symptoms, as well as fatigue.
Treating leaky gut first begins with treating the primary cause. Nutrition changes, natural antimicrobials, supplements, and antibiotics may all be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, depending on what is found during the evaluation and testing.
Proper testing is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Our licensed naturopathic physicians will work with you to determine a testing plan to make sure that treatment is precise and effective. Removing the triggers and causes of leaky gut allow for healing of the intestinal lining.
Recovery and repair time varies with the specific cause of leaky gut. Bacterial imbalance can take a few months to resolve, while damage from autoimmune disease is dependent upon the extent of disease and damage.
Decreasing inflammation in the digestive tract is the key to healing damage to the intestinal lining. While there is no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan, avoiding inflammatory foods will help with restoring a healthy gut lining. Limiting intake of wheat/gluten, dairy, corn, white potatoes and peanuts will help to decrease inflammatory response and support gut healing.