Leaky Gut & Food Sensitivities.

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Leaky Gut & Food Sensitivities Treatment in Cincinnati, Ohio

About Leaky Gut.

Most people who have leaky gut syndrome don’t even know it.  What they do know is that they generally don’t feel well or struggle with recurrent symptoms.  Whether it is chronic fatigue, joint pain, and headaches, or gastrointestinal symptoms, like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, or even recurrent skin rashes or eczema, these symptoms can all be linked to an underlying issue with the barrier of the GI tract.  This is also known as “leaky gut.”  

Approximately 70% of our immune cells are present in our gut lining.  These immune cells act as our first line of defense against the outside environment, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins and food proteins.  When this lining, technically referred to as cellular tight junctions, become compromised, the outside environment has free reign to pass into the bloodstream. 

These unwanted substances (foods, toxins, etc.) cause an inflammatory response in the body that can lead to many symptoms and conditions, as mentioned below.

When should I suspect I have leaky gut syndrome?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you almost certainly have leaky gut and can benefit from treatment:

  • Bones: osteopenia, osteoporosis
  • Brain: anxiety, depression, brain fog, headaches/migraines
  • Digestive System: bloating, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, fat malabsorption
  • Hormones: irregular periods, PMS, perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms
  • Immune System: frequent colds, flu, joint pain, muscle pain, autoimmune disorders
  • Infections-Gut: parasite, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or yeast overgrowth (candida)
  • Metabolism: excess weight, obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance
  • Nutrients: iron deficiency/anemia, omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, vitamin deficiencies
  • Skin: acne, eczema, rosacea
  • Respiratory: asthma, seasonal allergy symptoms, nasal congestion, postnasal drip

What causes Leaky Gut?

  • Food sensitivities: Alcohol, dairy, eggs, gluten, GMOs, grains and pseudo-grains, legumes, nightshade vegetables, sugar, artificial ingredients
  • Gut infections and imbalances: Parasites, SIBO, yeast overgrowth
  • Medications: Acid-blocking medications, antibiotics, birth control pills, NSAIDS, prednisone
  • Mycotoxins (toxic mold)
  • Radiation / Chemotherapy
  • Stress: Physical stress (illness, lack of sleep), emotional stress (family, personal, and work pressures)

How can I be tested for leaky gut?

Although a biopsy of the mucosal lining of the small intestine is the gold standard for diagnosing leaky gut in research studies, this is not a practical approach outside of a lab.  We utilize two main tests to uncover information about the gut lining.

 1. Comprehensive stool testing with GI-MAP to evaluate Secretory IgA.  IgA is the primary immunoglobulin or antibody in mucous secretions and represents the “first line of defense” in response to antigens and pathogens in the GI and respiratory tracts.  In addition to protecting against pathogens, SIgA plays a major role in helping to maintain balance in the microbiome and protecting agastin exposure to food-derived antigens.  A low fecal SIgA suggests that the immune system is suppressed, which can be associated with increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut.  

  1.  Learn more about GI Map Testing

2. Food sensitivity testing.  Food sensitivities can be difficult to diagnose and do not cause the typical symptoms associated with food allergies, like tingling or itching of the mouth or skin, hives, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, airway, etc.  IgG Food Antibodies Profile  detects delayed reactions to commonly consumed foods, also known as food sensitivities.  Symptoms associated with food sensitivities can include:  digestive issues, joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, autoimmune disorders, headaches and mood problems.  People with multiple food sensitivities may have an underlying issue with leaky gut syndrome, which increases the immune system’s exposure to food particles that trigger reactions.  

Nutrition coach discussing peptides for weight loss with a patient

Leaky Gut Treatments

Gut healing uses a basic elimination diet and supplemental support. Our Wellness Coach will customize an individual plan for you to:

1. Removal of Toxins

Remove digestive irritants and toxins

2. Introducing Supplements

Replace stomach acid and digestive enzymes if needed

3. Guided Diet

Repair gut health via elimination/rotation diet, supplemental support and metabolic detox. Food sensitivity can help guide a dietary recommendations by providing specific input regarding commonly consumed foods, rather than a one-size-fits-all elimination diet

4. Healthy Lifestyle

Rebalance through lifestyle changes and mindful eating. The average time for treatment is 4 to 6 months

Additional Steps

Leaky gut and food sensitivities can be caused by GI infections, specifically parasites and yeast overgrowth, as well as an imbalance in the microbiome, or good protective bacteria of the gut..  A comprehensive GI MAP stool test helps uncover underlying infections, which ultimately will influence the success of treating leaky gut. 

Videos

Gut Health & Wellness

HealthiHer Podcast

#66 Your Stomach Bloat Culprit - SIBO

Gut health expert Jessica Dayton talks about what SIBO is and why it’s so important to take care of. Continued…

Listen Here 

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