Digestive issues have become an all-too-common struggle for millions of Americans, who now endure discomfort on a daily basis. In their quest for relief, many turn to restrictive diets, fad eating plans, and a plethora of supplements, hoping to calm their symptoms.
At the heart of many of these problems lies a condition known as "leaky gut," a major source of inflammation in the body. Inflammation, in turn, is a key contributor to most chronic conditions. By understanding and addressing leaky gut, we can significantly reduce inflammation and see marked improvements in chronic health issues.
For these reasons, addressing leaky gut is a foundational aspect of functional medicine. By focusing on gut health first, we set the stage for comprehensive healing and long-term wellness.
What is Intestinal Permeability or Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Intestinal permeability, or leaky gut syndrome, occurs when inflammation widens the tight junctions between the cells that line the G.I. membrane. These junctions are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the G.I. barrier, acting like gatekeepers that control what gets absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines. When these junctions widen, they allow larger, undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to pass through the intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream.
The gut is home to 80% of the body’s immune system. When toxins breach the gut lining, the immune system is continuously bombarded, which leads to immune reactivity and thus high levels of inflammation throughout the body.
Initially, a variety of gut symptoms of bloating, gas, loose stools, constipation or abdominal pain may appear. As inflammation and damage increase, our immune system starts to create antibodies against certain food molecules resulting in the development of new sensitivities to foods priorly ingested without issue. The next stage results in this inflammation leaving the gut and affecting other systems of the body causing symptoms such as rash, headache, brain fog, or pain. Eventually, the immune system can become so hyper-reactive it creates antibodies against your own body leading to development of autoimmunity!
Instead of avoiding all foods you are sensitive to forever forth or taking harmful drugs to suppress your immune system, just heal the gut fully and then return to eating the foods you love again in moderation. We successfully perform a full reset of the digestive system through the concept of the 5R Framework Gut Restoration below:
Remove: Remove stressors, inflammatory foods and kill off the microbial overgrowth
Replace: Replace digestive secretions and really break down the food you are consuming
Reinoculate: Support the good microbiota critical for health
Repair: Repair the gut lining permeability
Rebalance: Downregulate the nervous system and strengthen the vagus nerve
“When we can kill off the microbial overgrowth, re-establish the delicate microbiome and repair the intestinal lining, the immune system can finally relax, inflammation falls, and the rest of the body systems on top fall back into place effortlessly. This is why gut work is the biggest bang for the buck and where we often must start.” - Dr. David Morcom
Leaky Gut Treatment in Dallas and Across Texas
Secondary Symptoms Rooted in Poor Gut Health
It’s important to know that we often have to fix the gut even if you didn’t come in for “digestive” symptoms. As research shows, the gut is connected to nearly every bodily function. If we can reset this root system, all the other systems on top — hormones, immunity, mental health, cardiovascular health, etc. — will be strengthened and will fall back into balance with ease.
Over time, this leads to numerous chronic illnesses and symptoms:
Autoimmune Diseases
When the intestinal barrier is compromised, undigested food particles, toxins, and pathogens can enter the bloodstream, potentially triggering an immune response. Over time, this immune response may lead to the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. In these conditions, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Leaky gut can contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome by allowing toxins and pathogens to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger widespread inflammation and disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to persistent fatigue.
Skin Conditions
Leaky gut can contribute to various skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The inflammation and immune response triggered by the substances that escape through the compromised gut lining can manifest on the skin. These conditions are often exacerbated by chronic inflammation and the body's efforts to expel toxins.
Mood Disorders
Leaky gut syndrome can have a significant impact on mental health, potentially contributing to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain. When the gut barrier is compromised, inflammatory molecules and toxins can enter the bloodstream and affect brain function, leading to alterations in mood and cognitive function.
Targeting the Causes of Leaky Gut
While half the battle involves healing the GI tract through nutrition, open detox pathways, personalized wellness, and advanced medical technology, we also want to remove specific triggers. Changing your lifesyle is a big step toward healing leaky gut. Often, we recommend good sleep, lower alcohol, and adjusted diets that avoid certain foods. Plus many other recommendations personalized to you. But changing your habits is a fair price for a gut that isn’t inflamed!
Common causes of leaky gut include:
Let’s Fix Your Leaky Gut. Visit Integrative Wellness Fx in Dallas or Via Telehealth
Our expert team of practitioners, led by Dr. David Morcom, combines cutting-edge technology with holistic approaches to create customized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're dealing with digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, or chronic inflammation, we're committed to helping you heal and thrive.
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