Flatulence, diarrhea, fatigue – these and other symptoms can indicate a leaky gut. But what exactly is Leaky Gut Syndrome? We explain how leaky intestines come about and what 3 risk factors there are.
Our gut is an underestimated organ – it is not only essential for our nutrient supply or for the production of certain hormones, but also an important part of our immune system with 70 percent of all immune cells in the small and large intestine. No wonder, then, that diseases of the intestine can manifest themselves in various symptoms.
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What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut syndrome is an intestinal disease in which the intestinal membrane, which is actually responsible for protecting the intestinal mucosa from pathogens and toxins, becomes permeable. If the intestinal membrane has tiny holes, the pollutants get into the bloodstream, whereupon the immune system reacts with inflammatory or allergic processes. As a result, a wide variety of symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, tiredness or a drop in performance can occur. It is still unclear whether leaky gut syndrome is an independent disease or occurs as a result of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. However, various factors are suspected of favoring the symptoms.
Leaky gut: 3 risk factors
1. Persistent stress
Almost everyone has stress at some point, either privately or professionally . And that’s not too bad, as long as the mental strain doesn’t last for a longer period of time. Because fears, excitement and the like not only weigh on the mind, in the long term the permanent tension can also promote the development of various diseases. And the leaky gut syndrome can also be caused by stress, as it disturbs the intestinal flora. To prevent illness, you should make sure to reduce stress and integrate sufficient relaxation phases into your everyday life – a good way of doing this is, among other things, yoga and meditation.
2. Chronic diseases
Chronic diseases such as Crohn’s disease , ulcerative colitis and pancreatitis are considered possible triggers for leaky gut syndrome. The chronic inflammation damages the intestinal mucosa and thus also the protective barrier. Likewise, food intolerances such as celiac disease are believed to be triggers of a leaky gut. The corresponding intolerance leads to an immune reaction in which the protective barrier can be damaged. Conversely, it is also conceivable that a leaky gut syndrome could trigger chronic diseases and intolerances. Autoimmune diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis can also be associated with leaky gut syndrome.
3. Unhealthy diet
It is not for nothing that a balanced, nutritious diet is the basis for a healthy body. Eating a diet high in fat, sugar and salt increases your risk of various diseases. An unhealthy diet is also a possible trigger for a leaky gut, since the consumption of trans fats, sugar and white flour promotes inflammation in the body and damages the intestinal flora. Instead, healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, fish, vegetable oils, nuts, legumes and whole grain products should be on your menu.
