Leaky gut syndrome is characterized by loss of permeability of the intestinal wall. In leaky gut, toxins and bacteria that have passed over cause an inflammatory response throughout the body. The syndrome is not a medically or scientifically recognized disease, but an alternative medical hypothesis.
What is leaky gut syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome describes a hypothetical condition that has not yet been medically recognized. Alternative medicine practitioners and nutritionists developed the theory. The hypothesis focuses on the permeability of the human gut. Due to its selectively permeable properties, the intestinal wall of a healthy person represents a barrier that allows only certain substances to pass through and thereby be absorbed into the organism. In patients with leaky gut syndrome, the permeability of the intestinal wall is said to be greatly increased. This results in loss of selectivity, which seems to affect mainly the intestinal wall of the small intestine. The hypothesis establishes a causal relationship between increased permeability of the intestinal wall and a variety of diseases. Among others, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, migraine, multiple sclerosis, and autism are thought to be favored by leaky gut syndrome. Little evidence exists to support the hypothesis.
Causes
According to the hypothesis, leaky gut syndrome results from a variety of factors. These factors include, for example, bacteria and yeasts of the Candida genus, whose excessive growth is thought to disrupt the permeability of the intestinal wall. According to supporters of the theory, poor nutrition and poisoning through excessive consumption of antibiotics or alcohol also cause selectivity losses in the intestinal wall. Especially in the area of the small intestine, this creates “gaps” in the natural barrier. Instead of absorbing only water and nutrients dissolved in it into the blood, the intestinal wall henceforth allows numerous proteins, toxins and bacteria to pass from inside the intestine into the bloodstream. According to the theory, this transfer of harmful substances causes a chronic inflammatory reaction throughout the body, triggered by immunological responses. Thus, a broad spectrum of secondary diseases is favored. Especially autoimmune diseases are associated with leaky gut syndrome in this context.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
According to supporters of the hypothesis, patients with leaky gut syndrome suffer from a symptomatically broad spectrum that can range from chronic joint pain to muscle aches and concentration problems. In addition to bloating and migraines, mood swings, depression, nervousness and skin conditions such as acne are associated with the syndrome. The same is true for eczema and susceptibility to infections, which is due to a weakening of the immune system. Often the infections are recurrent bladder and vaginal infections. In addition, many patients suffer from chronic fatigue states and food intolerances such as gluten or lactose intolerance. In addition, there are often irritable bowel complaints that can develop over the years into chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis are also thought to be caused by the syndrome.
Diagnosis and disease progression
Leaky gut syndrome is not a medically or scientifically recognized disease. For this reason, non-traditional medical practitioners do not diagnose leaky gut. As a rule, the diagnosis is made instead by alternative practitioners or nutritionists. Physicians only diagnose the alleged consequences of leaky gut syndrome, such as the inflammatory bowel disease Crohn’s disease. According to the hypothesis, the prognosis for patients with leaky gut syndrome is excellent. Not only can the syndrome be cured by simple means. Any secondary diseases are also said to disappear after the “leaky gut” has been corrected. For many patients with incurable autoimmune diseases, the leaky gut hypothesis is therefore a welcome ray of hope.
Complications
Leaky gut syndrome causes a porous intestinal mucosa that predominantly affects the small intestine and is considered a contributor to various chronic diseases, allergies, as well as incurable autoimmune diseases. As long as the natural barrier of the intestinal mucosa is intact, only nutrients and water are released into the bloodstream.However, in leaky gut syndrome, holes develop in the intestinal barrier and undigested substances, toxins and fungi enter the bloodstream, causing numerous complications. The body’s defenses begin to work against itself and an immune response is the result. If sufferers notice unexplained bouts of fatigue, food intolerance, as well as loss of strength, gastrointestinal problems and an increase in infections, medical clarification should be sought. The syndrome can otherwise affect the thyroid and pancreas with inflammation. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis are imminent. Those affected who have a genetic predisposition such as celiac disease or suffer from acne, allergies, neurodermatitis, asthma, osteoporosis and are exposed to high levels of stress are more likely to develop leaky gut syndrome. The clinical picture can be examined in detail and detected in the laboratory on the basis of blood, urine and stool samples. Increased liver and zonulin values as well as the detection of alpha-1-antitrypsin are a particular indication of this. In addition to medical therapy, a radical gluten– and sugar-free diet is recommended as part of a Paleo diet, which also requires abstaining from artificial additives.
When should you go to the doctor?
Typical warning signs such as stomach pain, bloating, migraines, or gluten or lactose intolerance indicate leaky gut syndrome, which must definitely be examined by a doctor. If there are signs of irritable bowel syndrome or another intestinal disease, medical advice is also required. In particular, prolonged complaints that cannot be attributed to any particular trigger must be examined by a medical professional and treated if necessary. People who have already suffered poisoning from alcohol or antibiotics are particularly susceptible to the development of leaky gut syndrome. The syndrome also occurs relatively frequently in connection with autoimmune diseases. Anyone who belongs to these risk groups should in any case go to the responsible doctor with the symptoms mentioned. In addition to the family doctor, a gastroenterologist or internist can be consulted. The physician will consult other physicians depending on the severity of the symptoms. For example, chronic joint or muscle pain must be treated by an orthopedist, while mental disorders such as depression or anxiety must be worked through as part of psychotherapy.
Treatment and therapy
The therapy of leaky gut syndrome starts with the substance that originally disturbed the permeability of the intestinal wall. These substances must be consistently avoided in the future. Above all, products containing gluten and lectin, such as cereals and whole grain products, are eliminated from the diet. Bread, pasta and pulses are prohibited for the time being. To a limited extent, fas also applies to nightshade vegetables such as potatoes, peppers and tomatoes. In addition, certain vegetable oils, dairy products and flours are taboo for the time being. This conversion intervenes relatively deeply into the nourishing habits and takes place therefore under professional support by a nourishing advisor. The change to a so-called Paleo or stone age nutrition promises according to supporters of the hypothesis lasting success, since the intestinal mucosa can regenerate in such a way. In place of grain and milk products vegetables, game meat, fish or seafood, fruit, eggs, nuts, honey and herbs step. Beyond dietary changes, various probiotics as well as herbal remedies are advocated as supportive treatment measures. Little evidence supports the usefulness of treatment measures with respect to the intestinal mucosa. Doubters point out that nutritionists and alternative medical practitioners have created a new field of application for themselves with the leaky gut hypothesis. Behind the leaky gut syndrome they suspect an elaborately constructed marketing strategy for various natural remedies and related products. Since the nourishing change in the context of the Leaky-Gut-Syndromes has to take place only in support of a nourishing advisor and the industry profits from these instructions accordingly, all doubters have strong arguments. At the very least, a discussion with a conventional physician should be sought for planned measures such as dietary change or fears of intestinal wall permeability loss.
Outlook and prognosis
The prospects of finding help for leaky gut syndrome are not universal. Problematically, the diagnosis is controversial among medical professionals.The symptoms of leaky gut syndrome are therefore often not taken seriously. This leads to a false diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. Many of those affected do not even go to the doctor with their complaints. In this case, the prospects for an improvement of the symptoms are poor. Since the intestine is damaged over the long term in leaky gut syndrome, it is a good idea to consult an alternative practitioner. This is because the permeable intestine allows cleavage products, allergens and toxins from food to pass unhindered into the bloodstream. This leads to inflammation and other secondary diseases. Since leaky gut syndrome can be clearly diagnosed by various examinations, the prognosis is intrinsically good. Through a sensible diet, the avoidance of the possible triggers and facilitators, and if necessary the administration of medication, leaky gut syndrome can be treated well. The more natural the food is, the better it is for the damaged intestine. Also important for a good prognosis is moderation of excessive exercise or a reduction of stress factors. Identifying intolerances to foods or food components can also improve prognosis. High-fiber foods are important in leaky gut syndrome, as are prebiotics and probiotics.
Prevention
Leaky gut syndrome can be prevented, according to theory. As one of the most important preventive measures, supporters of the hypothesis promote the coherent diet, as it can be developed in the company of a nutritionist. In addition, the market is now flooded with different natural remedies to prevent the permeability losses. However, most manufacturers do not guarantee full prevention, since, according to its supporters, the syndrome can be due to a variety of different factors.
Aftercare
Aftercare usually proves to be relatively difficult in the case of leaky gut syndrome, as it is a hereditary disease that cannot be completely cured in the process. The affected person is dependent on intensive and comprehensive treatment in order to permanently alleviate all symptoms. Therefore, in the case of a desire to have children, a genetic examination and consultation should always be carried out so that the syndrome itself does not reoccur in the children. Possibly, due to the disease, the life expectancy of the affected person is limited. Most of the symptoms can be alleviated with the help of a proper diet, and the affected person should generally pay attention to a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet. Regular sporting activities can also have a positive effect on the course of the disease. In many cases, the doctor can provide the patient with a diet plan, which should then be followed. In the case of children, it is above all the parents who must ensure that the diet is correct and, above all, balanced. Likewise, the intestines of the affected person should be regularly examined by a doctor so that no further damage occurs. A general prognosis about the life expectancy of the patient can usually not be made in leaky gut syndrome.
What you can do yourself
Accompanying the conventional medical treatment of leaky gut syndrome, proper nutrition in particular is a useful supportive measure that the patient can undertake himself. First, the intestine should be completely cleansed by means of therapeutic fasting. The patient abstains from solid food for a longer period of time, which must be discussed with the attending physician. Subsequently, the intestine is rebuilt successively and slowly. Depending upon diagnosis the patient does without consistently the food and/or food components, which released the respective symptoms before. Both phases – therapeutic fasting and successive build-up of the intestinal flora – require a great deal of discipline and stamina, while at the same time the symptoms tend to subside rather slowly. The patient should therefore arrange his everyday life as far as possible stress-free. Especially during therapeutic fasting, the patient is often tired, sometimes also irritable; the organization of everyday life should do justice to both. In addition, a leaky gut syndrome patient can support the build-up of the intestinal flora by consuming potato and sauerkraut juice. Probiotic yogurts without colorants and preservatives are also a suitable means of self-help.
