Leaky Gut? Do I have it, can it be healed?
Vague symptoms are the hallmark of leaky gut. Are you suffering from any of the following symptoms or conditions?
- Chronic inflammation
- Unexplained joint pain
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Thyroid problems
- Nutrient malabsorption
- Depression / mood disorders
- Multiple food sensitivities
- Autoimmune disorder
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lupus
- Celiac
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Autism
- Headaches / Brain fog / Memory loss
What is Leaky Gut?
Hippocrates, The Father of Modern Medicine, said, “All disease begins in the gut.” Holistic practitioners are on the forefront of the fight against intestinal hyperpermeability aka “leaky gut.”
To put it plainly, with leaky gut, tiny food particles, chemicals and microbes, that should stay in the gut, cross over from the intestinal lining into your bloodstream. The results of this may include chronic, or acute inflammation, and also autoimmune reactions.
Some Causes of Leaky Gut
There are many causes of intestinal permeability. They include:
- Poor diet, specifically diets high in sugar.
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Genetic predisposition
- Chronic stress
- Bacterial imbalance
- Toxin overload
- Use of antibiotics
- Over-the-counter and prescribed painkillers and steroids
- Food allergies /hypersensitivities
Holistic practitioners focus on whole body wellness and getting to the root cause of disease. With appropriate testing, nutritional and supplement guidance, we can repair the damage that leaky gut can cause.
How We Test for Leaky Gut?
The Lactulose and Mannitol Test.
This lab test has been in use for over 40 years, and measures the ability of two sugar molecules, lactulose and mannitol, to permeate through the intestinal barrier. Mannitol is a small sugar molecule that is easily absorbed. Whereas Lactulose is a larger molecule that is not as readily absorbed. Following a baseline urine sample, the patient drinks the sugary Lactulose and Mannitol solution and then commences a six-hour timed urine collection.
The Leaky Gut or Intestinal Permeability test is a non-invasive GI test that measures small intestinal absorption and increased intestinal permeability. Patients takes the test kit home. Then the test is done in the privacy of your own home and sent to a specialty lab for analysis.
There is also a blood test for leaky gut which is carried out by a specialized lab. The patient receives a kit from the doctor at the time of their visit that they then take to the lab once the appointment has been scheduled.
How Do You Heal Leaky Gut?
The key to healing leaky gut is first to eliminate foods, substances and medications that irritate the intestinal tract. Along with trying to eliminate irritants, as a next step Dr. Cushing often desensitizes patients to substances the patient is allergic or hypersensitive to, or is finding difficult to eliminate. Dr. Cushing’s AllerCease™ technique along with other office testing helps pinpoint nutritional deficiencies you may have, and that you may be unaware of.
Additionally, it is essential to add healing substances to aid in the repair of the gastrointestinal lining. These substances may include:
- L-Glutamine
- Colostrum
- Healthy fats
Yes, your “leaky”gut can be returned to good health.
Repairing your GI tract is best done under the skilled guidance of a licensed holistic practitioner. Holistic doctors are aware of possible complications including potential allergic reactions to the healing supplements and other considerations.
Read Dr. Cushing’s biography