YourpHLevel Newsletter: Leaky Gut - the elephant in the room of modern healthcare

Leaky Gut. Sounds odd? Like a misfiring metaphor or something from a fictional novel. But for many, it’s not not fiction at all. It's real, and it’s disrupting lives quietly and persistently. If you’re looking to live a healthier life, this could be the hidden obstacle you didn't know you had…..The science is still evolving but we know this phenomenon exists for many…

What is it?

Imagine your gut as a high-security border control. Its job? To let in the good (nutrients of course from the foods we eat) and keep out the bad (toxins and pathogens from our food and environment!). When this is working properly, it really does function as a well-oiled machine or a car on premium fuel. But when it’s not, that border becomes porous (i.e. leaky!). Hence, the term - leaky gut. Of course, this is not a medical term its more official name is Officially "increased intestinal permeability," . This means your gut lining isn't as secure as it should be, allowing unwanted particles to enter your bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and inflammation.

Make sense?

With 70-80% of immune cells present in the gut, there is a back and forth communciation that occurs between the interplay between the microbiome, a topic we have previously covered and the gut lining.¹ 

If you suspect you have leaky gut or are experiencing symptoms of gut distress or changes in food tolerance, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to offer up the work-up and determine what it is that is going on to proceed with a tailored plan.

How to Identify It

Leaky gut often plays the role of the silent saboteur. Symptoms are varied and sometimes vague:

What I have seen the most is the development of food intolerances and symptoms of gut distress that were never there before. Of course, this is not an overnight experience but it’s happening more frequently in this day and age. Some of the symptoms are highlighted below:

• Digestive Distress: Bloating, gas, cramps, and general discomfort. 

• Food Sensitivities: New or worsening reactions to foods.

• Chronic Fatigue: Feeling drained despite good rest.

• Skin Problems: Eczema, rashes, or acne on the face or other areas of the body

• Mood Swings: Anxiety, depression, or irritability that comes and goes for no specific reason

If this sounds familiar, it’s time to pay attention ⚠️⚠️

Steps to Reverse It

You can’t fix what you don’t understand. But now that you’re aware, here are some actionable steps to start the healing journey. Even if you don’t know you for sure have it, if you have been eating processed food, not paying attention to your health, not including enough healthy fats (omega 3’s!!) and fiber in your diet to support the gut lining and suffering from some of the above listed symptoms, it’s likely a good idea to try the below which either way will optimize your health.  

1. Diet Overhaul: work to eliminate those triggers, some common culprits include gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. Consider an elimination diet to identify specific sensitivities.

2. Nourish Your Microbiome: do this with whole foods, more plants, more fiber. Work to add fermented choices of food such as kefir and sauerkraut - all these foods can support your microbiome to thrive and flourish

3. Targeted approach to probiotics: These beneficial bacteria are your allies. Find them in fermented foods or high-quality supplements

4. Prebiotics: Fiber-rich foods like garlic, onions, and asparagus, and things like inulin and flax feed the good bacteria.

5. Boost your omega-3: work up to ¼ cup of flax and chia (ground up) daily.

6. Repair the Gut Lining with 😀 Supplements: L-glutamine, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can help repair the intestinal lining.

7. Herbs and Spices: Turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that support healing.

8. lifestyle Adjustments: reduce stress and sleep well l, these can be game changers in your healing journey. Here, I am also going to add get some ☀️ 🌞 time in the sun!!!

Final thoughts

Leaky gut is more than a trend or a catchphrase. It’s a real condition that could be undermining your health from the inside out… By identifying it and taking deliberate steps to heal, you can restore balance and reclaim vitality.

So, will you ignore the elephant in the room, or will you take action? The choice, as always, is yours. Consult your practitioner for tailored medical advise.

Awesome interviews 😄 

The Science of Leaky Gut with Dr Michael Camilleri MD (Mayo Clinic)

Leaving you with worthwhile interview to watch on your downtime…..

Wishing you and your bugs health and vitality,

Nadine

Dr. Nadine Halawa, PharmD, BCPS - Board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist

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