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Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that can upend your entire life. It causes diarrhea or constipation, indigestion and low energy levels and can affect your mental well-being. The gut is the body’s “second brain,” and when it’s unhealthy, your entire well-being can be affected.
You may ask yourself, “How do I know if I have a leaky gut?” and, more importantly, “What can I do about it?” Thankfully, there are many solutions. At Jack Husney, MD, in Brooklyn, New York, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Husney is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of leaky gut and other gastrointestinal (GI) problems.
Read on as he explains what a leaky gut is, what causes it, and, most importantly, what you can do about it.
What is a “leaky gut?”
A leaky gut occurs when there’s damage to the lining of your small intestine that allows undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak through the intestinal wall and into your bloodstream.
There are many symptoms of a leaky gut, and in some cases, they mimic other GI problems, making the condition difficult to diagnose without the help of an expert.
The most tell-tale sign, however, is digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Many people with leaky gut also experience chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve even after a good night’s rest.
Leaky gut affects more than just the digestive system; it can also affect the skin. Conditions like acne, eczema, and unexplained rashes can be linked to the inflammation and immune system disruption caused by a leaky gut.
The gut-brain connection means a leaky gut can also affect your mental health. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are sometimes linked to the imbalances in gut bacteria and the inflammation caused by a leaky gut.
Possible causes of leaky gut
A poor diet is one of the most significant contributors to a leaky gut. A diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can disrupt your gut balance, leading to inflammation and weakening the intestinal lining.
Chronic stress is another possible contributing cause. It causes the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can weaken your immune system and affect how your gut functions, weakening the lining.
Certain medications, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and even some prescription drugs, can irritate and damage the gut lining, too. Antibiotics, in particular, can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your gut, giving rise to the development of a leaky gut.
How you can heal a leaky gut
Dealing with a leaky gut can be challenging, but the good news is that there are many ways to heal your gut and protect your well-being. We recommend that you:
Make changes to your diet
Your diet should be rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These nutrient-packed foods help your gut heal and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria.
Removing gluten and dairy from your diet temporarily will allow the gut lining to heal. Gluten can be particularly damaging to the gut lining of people who are susceptible to leaky gut. On the other hand, foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are rich in probiotics, and can help improve gut health.
Manage stress levels
Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress levels. These techniques help calm your mind and improve gut health by reducing the production of stress hormones that can damage the gut lining.
Regular exercise is another excellent way to relieve stress. It promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, and helps reduce stress hormone levels.
Limit certain medications
If you suspect certain medications might contribute to your leaky gut, consult your doctor. Overusing drugs like NSAIDs or antibiotics can damage the gut lining, so it’s crucial to find alternatives or adjust your dosages.
Get professional help
While lifestyle changes are critical to healing a leaky gut, sometimes professional help is needed to get to the root of the problem. Dr. Husney specializes in diagnosing and treating leaky gut. With his expertise, you get a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
You don’t have to live with a leaky gut
With the right combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and professional guidance, you can heal your leaky gut and improve your overall well-being. If you’re dealing with a leaky gut, call or click online to schedule a visit with Dr. Husney in our Brooklyn, New York, office today.