(NaturalHealth365) Millions of Americans live with chronic health problems like, autoimmune disorders, cancer, fatigue, heart disease and alike.  Yet, with all the money invested in research and knowledge, most people remain unclear about why they suffer so much.  Today, we’ll focus our attention on leaky gut syndrome and how this condition greatly influences your overall health.

Generally speaking, without the right information (and feedback), chronic health problems tend to get worse – over time – while the real cause of sickness is often overlooked (or, sadly, ignored) by most conventionally-trained physicians.

For example, an estimated 50 percent of chronic diseases and inflammatory conditions are actually linked to a single source – ‘leaky gut syndrome.’  People with leaky gut have irritated intestinal linings that allow toxins, bacteria and food particles to seep out of the gut and into the bloodstream.

As a result, the body’s major defense mechanisms, including the immune system, liver and lymphatics, become compromised, over time. Gradually, the body begins to turn on itself, attacking its own tissues and ultimately causing the onset or worsening of conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines and even asthma.

What are the signs and symptoms of leaky gut syndrome?

The symptoms of leaky gut may be difficult for the average person to detect, primarily because they are often shared by so many other health conditions. Often, the conditions are seemingly unconnected to each other, making it harder to diagnose.  Of course, it doesn’t help that many ‘mainstream’ medical doctors are skeptical of this condition – despite years of research that prove its existence.

Initially, people with leaky gut syndrome may experience chronic fatigue or digestive issues, such as bloating, cramps and constipation.  Other symptoms may include mood changes, hormonal imbalances and even heightened PMS symptoms.

As the condition progresses, the body may begin presenting with auto-immune responses, such as rashes and food sensitivities.  And, eventually, the symptoms may progress to include more serious diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or psoriasis.

Healing leaky gut by a process of elimination

Anyone experiencing the symptoms of leaky gut should not seek to ‘manage the symptoms’, but rather to treat the cause of the condition.  Not only is healing leaky gut possible – it’s absolutely essential to preventing additional health complications in the future.

The first step to healing leaky gut is by recognizing the primary cause of intestinal inflammation. Antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are by far the biggest cause of irritation to the intestinal lining.  And, of course, let’s not forget the ever-growing presence of glyphosate in our food supply – which causes a massive about of inflammation and damage to the gut.

However, other external factors may also contribute to the development of leaky gut, including emotional stress, an abnormal balance of gut flora, gluten, and preexisting food allergies.  In some cases, one potential irritant leads to another, such as antibiotics contributing to an imbalance of healthy gut bacteria.

Anyone interested in healing leaky gut must first eliminate substances and medications that cause inflammation, as well as evaluate dietary habits that may be contributing to leaky gut.  This could mean eliminating gluten, nightshades or other inflammatory foods.

Some may also benefit from eating probiotic-rich foods like kefir or raw sauerkraut – which are rich in digestive enzymes and bring healthy balance to the intestinal flora.

The addition of other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and L-glutamine, may help reduce existing inflammation, strengthen the intestinal lining, and reverse the effects of leaky gut. Most people who adopt an anti-inflammatory diet will notice results within a few weeks, although an extremely damaged gut may take several months or years to fully recover.

If you want to learn more about solutions – listen to our NaturalHealth365 Podcast on the ‘best tests, foods and supplements’ for healing the gut.

Bottom line: be patient and never give up on yourself.

About the author: Jonathan Landsman is the creator of NaturalHealth365.com – which offers a wide variety of articles and podcasts featuring the very best information about natural health, science and healing.

Reaching millions of people, worldwide, as a personal health consultant, writer and podcast host – Jonathan has been educating the public on the health benefits of an organic (non-GMO) diet along with high-quality supplementation and healthy lifestyle habits including exercise and meditation.

Sources for this article include:

FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com
USNews.com
PLOS.org