Someone Please Tell Me What Leaky Gut Syndrome Is!

[Guest kim07]

Someone please tell me what leaky gut syndrome is.

Are there any (not too technical, relatively easy to read) books about leaky gut syndrome that anyone would suggest???

I'm in desperate need on resources on this!

Thank you

Kim07

[Rachel--24]

I'm so sorry Kim, I forgot to get back to you on this. I've been having a rough week.

Leaky gut is when the intestinal lining becomes permeable, meaning "leaky". Usually in a healthy intestine nothing crosses that protective barrier...everything stays in our intestines and is digested and everything happens the way it should. If the gut is leaky there are "holes" in that lining around our intestines and stuff leaks into the bloodstream where it should NOT be. Undigested food particles cross that barrier and also unwanted guests like bacteria are able to cross into the bloodstream. The immune system doesnt recognize these things because they arent suppossed to be there so the immune system starts reacting to them...thinking they are bad and should be destroyed. This is what creates food sensitivities....other than the gluten. When the intestinal lining is repaired these reactions dont occur and the immune system isnt under as much stress.

If I could draw a picture it would be a round tube (representing the intestine) and little dots of food and bacteria all within that circle. That would be a healthy intestine.

Another picture would have the round tube but with lots of gaps in it and some of those food particles and bacteria would be on the outside of the tube instead of the middle where they belong.

That my interpretation anyway. Sorry its so late getting to you.

I hope this helps.

Also I dont know of any books to recommend but if you google Leaky Gut you will get plenty of good sites which discuss it in detail.

Lots of things can cause leaky gut...including gluten intolerance. Other things that can cause it are medications, alcohol, candida, stress, etc.

[Guest kim07]

I'm so sorry Kim, I forgot to get back to you on this. I've been having a rough week.

Leaky gut is when the intestinal lining becomes permeable, meaning "leaky". Usually in a healthy intestine nothing crosses that protective barrier...everything stays in our intestines and is digested and everything happens the way it should. If the gut is leaky there are "holes" in that lining around our intestines and stuff leaks into the bloodstream where it should NOT be. Undigested food particles cross that barrier and also unwanted guests like bacteria are able to cross into the bloodstream. The immune system doesnt recognize these things because they arent suppossed to be there so the immune system starts reacting to them...thinking they are bad and should be destroyed. This is what creates food sensitivities....other than the gluten. When the intestinal lining is repaired these reactions dont occur and the immune system isnt under as much stress.

If I could draw a picture it would be a round tube (representing the intestine) and little dots of food and bacteria all within that circle. That would be a healthy intestine.

Another picture would have the round tube but with lots of gaps in it and some of those food particles and bacteria would be on the outside of the tube instead of the middle where they belong.

That my interpretation anyway. Sorry its so late getting to you.

I hope this helps.

Also I dont know of any books to recommend but if you google Leaky Gut you will get plenty of good sites which discuss it in detail.

Lots of things can cause leaky gut...including gluten intolerance. Other things that can cause it are medications, alcohol, candida, stress, etc.

Rachel!!!

Hey girl!!

It's okay, I know everyone's been so busy!!!

Thanks for getting back to me.

If I have any more questions I might send you an email if that's okay after Christmas, if that's okay?

You have mentioned having to get off of other foods before and I think that might be happening to me

Have a great Christmas, if I don't hear from you!!!

Kim

[Rachel--24]

If I have any more questions I might send you an email if that's okay after Christmas, if that's okay?

You have mentioned having to get off of other foods before and I think that might be happening to me

Have a great Christmas, if I don't hear from you!!!

Kim

Of course...emails are always welcome.

A doctor is going to work with me starting in Jan. as far as figuring out other food intolerances, leaky gut, possible bacteria or parasite infections. I'll let you know how things go. The other food intolerances can keep the gut from healing so its important to not eat those things if you can identify them.

Merry Christmas to you too!!!!

[Claire]

Having had this problem for a long time I have quite a lot of accumulated information - no books though. It is discussed in books that I have but not the main subject.

As Rachel said - busy time! Her description was good. Here are a few things for you to read. Remind me if you want more. Claire

THE RESOURCE FOR INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS FOR LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

www.Lame Advertisement.com

STRONG HELP FOR LEAKY GUT

Treat the problem at its source

All natural, safe has helped 1000's

www.yeasthelp.com

WHAT IS LEAKY GUT SYNDROME?

Open Original Shared Link

THE LEAKY GUT TESTING

In order to determine which product will the best and the length of time needed on the products we perform a Leaky Gut test. The intestinal permeability test is performed in the following way. A solution of two non-metabolizable sugars is consumed. One of these sugars is normally absorbed by the intestinal mucosa, the other is not. Urine is collected for several hours after drinking the solution and a sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis. When the normally non-absorbed sugar is found at high concentration in the urine, this indicates Leaky Gut Syndrome. If the normally absorbed sugar is found to be lacking in the urine, this is a sign of malabsorption. Results of the intestinal permeability test lead to appropriate follow-up evaluation and natural therapies to restore normal permeability.

Open Original Shared Link

[Guest kim07]

Having had this problem for a long time I have quite a lot of accumulated information - no books though. It is discussed in books that I have but not the main subject.

As Rachel said - busy time! Her description was good. Here are a few things for you to read. Remind me if you want more. Claire

THE RESOURCE FOR INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS FOR LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

www.Lame Advertisement.com

STRONG HELP FOR LEAKY GUT

Treat the problem at its source

All natural, safe has helped 1000's

www.yeasthelp.com

WHAT IS LEAKY GUT SYNDROME?

Open Original Shared Link

THE LEAKY GUT TESTING

In order to determine which product will the best and the length of time needed on the products we perform a Leaky Gut test. The intestinal permeability test is performed in the following way. A solution of two non-metabolizable sugars is consumed. One of these sugars is normally absorbed by the intestinal mucosa, the other is not. Urine is collected for several hours after drinking the solution and a sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis. When the normally non-absorbed sugar is found at high concentration in the urine, this indicates Leaky Gut Syndrome. If the normally absorbed sugar is found to be lacking in the urine, this is a sign of malabsorption. Results of the intestinal permeability test lead to appropriate follow-up evaluation and natural therapies to restore normal permeability.

Open Original Shared Link

Hello Claire,

Thank you so much for giving me information in which I can start learning about this syndrome. I didn't know there was a test for it, that is good news!

I will do some reading up on it.

I appreciate it, Have a merry Christmas!

Kim

[jknnej]

This is what 2 doctors told me and I have no idea if it's true because I don't know much about Leaky Gut, but I did ask my drs about it when I was searching for clues to what was wrong with me.

They both said that if I had leaky gut I would be hospitalized and there is no way I'd be walking around, even sick as I am. They both said it is so bad if you have leaky gut that you would be hospitalized and barely able to move.

[Guest kim07]

This is what 2 doctors told me and I have no idea if it's true because I don't know much about Leaky Gut, but I did ask my drs about it when I was searching for clues to what was wrong with me.

They both said that if I had leaky gut I would be hospitalized and there is no way I'd be walking around, even sick as I am. They both said it is so bad if you have leaky gut that you would be hospitalized and barely able to move.

Wow 'jknnej',

That makes me feel a lot better, if that's true, thanks for telling me that!

Kim07

[jknnej]

Yeah, I went through a phase where I thought I had absolutely every disorder related to the gut! colitis, diverticulitis, cancer, leaky gut, candida, crohns disease, you name it.

But since these doctors did not know each other and both said the exact same thing I believe them. I also thought once I had a "systematic" yeast infection where it was all over my body. Both drs also said that I would be in the hospital if that were true on some severe anti-fungal drugs.

The problem is I spent too much time on the internet trying to self-diagnose myself! A lot of those websites are just trying to sell products so they scare you into thinking you have something you don't!

I wouldn't worry, though unless you get severely sick.

[Rachel--24]

Thats absolutely not true about leaky gut. From what we know about some doctors not even knowing anything about Celiac I dont know why I'm surprised someone would say that. Some doctors just plain dont want to discuss something if they are not familiar with it.

My doctor explained to me why my gut is leaky and how gluten intolerance causes it. I've never heard ANY doctor say that leaky gut would cause you to be in the hospital...thats plain idiotic in my opinion. Systemic candida would definately put you in the hospital but candida overgrowth in the intestine and leaky gut wouldn't put you in the hospital.

Some doctors say that even with a positive biopsy you can still eat wheat occassionally...and that you dont need to be on a strict diet. Would you believe them?? Sometimes doctors say moronic things...we cant take their word for everything just becaause they wear a white coat.

[Claire]

This is what 2 doctors told me and I have no idea if it's true because I don't know much about Leaky Gut, but I did ask my drs about it when I was searching for clues to what was wrong with me.

They both said that if I had leaky gut I would be hospitalized and there is no way I'd be walking around, even sick as I am. They both said it is so bad if you have leaky gut that you would be hospitalized and barely able to move.

Your doctors certainly gave you some very faulty information. I have LGS - have had it for many years.I am not nor have never been hospitalized for this and I am quite able to move. There is plenty of information on this subject available - on sites that are not selling anything.

Doctors know little to nothing about this. My GP admitted that it was all news to her but when I gave her information and medical journal sources to check out she did so. I think your doctors simply have never researched the subject.

It is a serious, hardly fatal condition. It leaves you vulernable to autoimmune diseases and to a wide variety of food intolerances. It is real. I posted a couple of articles earlier on in this topic. Claire

[cherie012]

My Son has had "leaky gut" Since birth and diagnosed at 2 months old~ it was supposed to heal over at 4 months, then 6 months, then one year, now at 2~ who knows. He's never been hospitalized, but does not grow as quickly as he should. As said before, his GI said that protiens that generally stay inside the gut get through the barrier, causing the food intolerances~ his main one is soy and recently discovered gluten, and dairy. Now, however, I am wondering which came first, the leaky gut, or the gluten intolerance....

He has been on probiotics since birth, and it does seem to help him out.

[Claire]

My Son has had "leaky gut" Since birth and diagnosed at 2 months old~ it was supposed to heal over at 4 months, then 6 months, then one year, now at 2~ who knows. He's never been hospitalized, but does not grow as quickly as he should. As said before, his GI said that protiens that generally stay inside the gut get through the barrier, causing the food intolerances~ his main one is soy and recently discovered gluten, and dairy. Now, however, I am wondering which came first, the leaky gut, or the gluten intolerance....

He has been on probiotics since birth, and it does seem to help him out.

I never heard of having this condition 'from birth'. Gluten and casein are the principal instigators of the gut damage but an infant isn't getting gluten but is getting casein. There had to be a culprit - as far as I know it doesn't just happen. I have been reading and researching on this for a long time and have read anything that didn't imply that 'something started it all'. Claire

[jknnej]

Ummm, my doctor isn't a moron. He was voted the top GI specialist in Phoenix 2 years running. He's amazing. He does NOT believe in candida overgrowth in the intestines, nor does my general practitioner.

That is a subject not all experts agree on.

There are a lot of people that try to sell you on stuff so you can buy their products. I'm not saying these conditions don't exist BUT I am saying that I trust my doctor and if he's not worried about it, neither am I.

As far as leaky gut goes, everything I have read on it as well as what my doc said is that there is no real "test" for it except for tests like the urine test that only "suggest" unhealthy digestion or malabsortion which could actually be caused by a number of other things.

My doctor also knows all about Celiac disease, which is why I went to him and waited 4 months to get an appointment in the first place. He can explain all about it in every single detail. He is an awesome doctor.

And he would never, ever suggest I stray from my diet.

These aren't my opinions on medical issues; they're my doctors' opinions. But they aren't morons and it certainly seems that if experts in the field of medicine disagree so strongly about these subjects, and my doctor could be wrong, so could yours.

[Rachel--24]

Ummm, my doctor isn't a moron. He was voted the top GI specialist in Phoenix 2 years running. He's amazing. He does NOT believe in candida overgrowth in the intestines, nor does my general practitioner.

That is a subject not all experts agree on.

There are a lot of people that try to sell you on stuff so you can buy their products. I'm not saying these conditions don't exist BUT I am saying that I trust my doctor and if he's not worried about it, neither am I.

As far as leaky gut goes, everything I have read on it as well as what my doc said is that there is no real "test" for it except for tests like the urine test that only "suggest" unhealthy digestion or malabsortion which could actually be caused by a number of other things.

My doctor also knows all about Celiac disease, which is why I went to him and waited 4 months to get an appointment in the first place. He can explain all about it in every single detail. He is an awesome doctor.

And he would never, ever suggest I stray from my diet.

These aren't my opinions on medical issues; they're my doctors' opinions. But they aren't morons and it certainly seems that if experts in the field of medicine disagree so strongly about these subjects, and my doctor could be wrong, so could yours.

All I can say is that I'm sure your doctor is great in his field. He has no experience with regards to leaky gut because traditional doctors do not study this. Almost all traditional doctors will tell you the same thing...."word for word". I've heard the speech more than once myself....its almost like they all took the same class on what to say about leaky gut or candida. I have come across some doctors who were open minded and tried different things with their patients because they wanted to learn. One doc did not believe in candida until he tried treating some people for it and they got better...now he regularly treats people for it and does believe in it. It just depends on the doctor...are they arrogant and "all knowing" or do they listen to the patient with an open mind. Who knows whats really true but certainly this doctor cant say for sure these conditions dont exsist when there is so much evidence saying that they DO exsist. Next time you see him why not ask him what proof he has that they dont exsist. I bet he cant give you an answer.

Also I have seen a couple of doctors who do treat these conditions (although I've never seen a doctor specifically for leaky gut) and the doctors have never tried to sell me anything. If they had I probably would have been a little more than suspicious...but....it never happened. They were only interested in figuring out why I was sick so that I could regain my health. This is a hell of alot more than what I got from my traditional doctors who told me everything was in my head and that I needed to take a million pills for all my numerous symptoms. All of my prescriptions sure added up and next thing I knew I had a mini pharmacy going on in my own bathroom. So...who are the ones really making money?

Most doctors also have no clue about the benefits of dietary changes. When I told the "specialist" that my symptoms improved dramatically after only changing my diet he told me it was nothing...it was just a placebo effect and I'm imagining it. This is the same guy who firmly denied the exsistence of leaky gut and candida and pretty much laughed in my face. Thankfully I've found smarter doctors outside of the "mainstream" and these people truelly DO believe that diet can cause serious health problems....even outside of gluten and Celiac. These are the people who listen and care...This is my experience....if I had believed every word my previous doctors told me I'd still be bedridden or worse.

[Jen H]

Thanks for posting about Leaky Gut Syndrome, Kim. I have a couple of questions for those who know about it.

1. In addition to having celiac disease, I recently found out I have an intolerance to soy. Does that mean I have a leaky gut?

2. How can a leaky gut be repaired? Does following a strict diet repair leaky gut?\

Thanks for your help!

[jknnej]

I agree with a lot of what you said, Rachel. My doctor doesn't deny leaky gut or systematic candida infection exists, he just says that if you truly have them you would be so ill that you would not be able to function normally and that you would more than likely be hospitalized. He was saying that if toxins really were leaking into your bloodstream that weren't supposed to be there you would be seriously ill and not able to function, not just sick to your stomach and a little malnourished.

He was trying to help me because I, like so many others who are chronically ill, was searching for answers and thinking I had everything I read about. I notice that in many others on this board as well. We all do that; it's only natural. My doctor was reassuring me not to worry about something like leaky gut because the likelihood I had it while I was still walking around doing my daily routine was slim to none.

It's not the doctors who try to sell me products; it's the internet websites. 9 out of 10 offer some great product to get rid of candida overgrowth. Believe me, I tried them all when I was sick.

My doctor actually won't prescribe me anything except Nexium, and he is only allowing me to try that for 6 months for my reflux. He says he does not want me to take pills every day; it is much healthier to exist without medicine. Even when I was nauseated and asked for a prescription of Phenegran he only gave me about 12 pills of the smallest dose possible, with no refills. He told me only to use them when seriously ill. I told him I mainly wanted them for anxiety in the first place.

I do agree that systematic candida exists; many AIDS patients have it and they are in bad shape on serious anti-fungals that doctors will only give you if you're really, really sick because they are strong and really bad for you.

I also believe in leaky gut. But same as sytematic candida overgrowth, I think the people that truly have toxins leaking into their bloodstream are just as ill as those candida patients.

I know there are a lot of other opinions out there and I respect them. But I still believe what I believe. I've never met anyone who was ever hospitalized for leaky gut or systematic candida. That's because I believe it is very rare unless you have AIDS or some other chronic disease that would cause it.

[cherie012]

I never heard of having this condition 'from birth'. Gluten and casein are the principal instigators of the gut damage but an infant isn't getting gluten but is getting casein. There had to be a culprit - as far as I know it doesn't just happen. I have been reading and researching on this for a long time and have read anything that didn't imply that 'something started it all'. Claire

My son was breastfed from day one until 14 months. He was getting whatever passed from me to him~ included on that diet was dairy, soy, and wheat. When I eliminated it ALL from my diet, he got markedly better and gained. When I added it back ( the wheat, since the dr's figured it was only dairy/soy getting through) he stopped gaining. He STILL reacts to dairy and soy, as well as wheat. He was diagnosed with a leaky gut at 8 weeks/2 months~ but his misery started the day after my milk came in. I would venture to bet that just because it isn't heavily in literature, doesn't mean it can't and doesn't happen~ consider the amount of people with celiac who slip through the proverbial cracks because THEY don't fit the mold in research.

As for my dr's explanation~ it CAN and does happen in alot of newborns/infants, some to more of an extent than others. Why? because thier digestive system is immature and some are more predisposed to this condition~ allowing protiens otherwise digested to leak through. Our stone aged bodies are not accustomed to these protiens in adult diets~I guess you could say that the protiens would escape into my bloodstream and into my milk. My son had a critial high value of eosinophils in his bloodstream at 2 months old~ a systemic reaction to the whole protiens he was getting via breastmilk. Most will outgrow it by 6-9 months old, others, like my son, do not have that fortune.