Leaky Gut

What is it? Why does it matter?

​

You may have heard of the term leaky gut but you're not sure what that means or if it might be something you need to be concerned about. Leaky gut is referred to in holistic medicine more than conventional medicine.

You think you would know if you sprang a leak, right?

Well maybe not.

You know that the gut is where you hold food. The stomach will give you clues when you are hungry and when you are full. When you are not feeling well the gut may feel "sick". But the gut is so much more.

Let me give you some science-based facts about your gut. The digestive system starts in the mouth and includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Most of the food breakdown and nutrient absorption happen in the stomach, small and large intestine. We refer to this as the gut.

The gut lining is like an accordion or corrugated cardboard, wavy. The healthy gut has very small spaces between the waves for food particles to enter (microscopic) It also is covered with hairs like a carpet, called villi, to grab ahold of the particles to bring them into the lining.

An unhealthy gut lining may have damaged Villi (often know as Celiac disease) caused by gluten. Without the villi the body cannot get ahold of the nutrients it needs to pull into the body. However, the less recognized Leaky Gut may have larger gaps in the wave structure of the lining. There is evidence to suggest the Standard American Diet that is heavy on refined foods high in gluten and sugar, full of artificial ingredients and known toxins is causing the intestinal track lining to be compromised.

WHY IT MATTERS

When this wave structure, literally called the Tight Junction, is compromised and the gap is larger than it should be,

1. It allows for larger particles to enter the body. The body cannot utilize these larger particles and needs to "clean it up" triggering an immune response.

2. The larger gaps also allow for toxins and pathogens to enter into the body more easily. The gut lining is your line of defense to keep you safe. Also causing the immune system to respond.

​

You probably know that inflammation is part of the immune system response and there are a lot of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases today.

• Why are we so inflamed?

• Why are there so many more sensitivities to foods and environmental products?

• More bowel disease, IBS, IBD. Cases of bowel disease are going up in our younger populations.

• An increase in ADHD, anxiety, depression and autism spectrum disorder.

Are you wondering what the brain has to do with the gut? A lot!

There is a strong gut brain connection, your gut actually produces some neurotransmitters needed for brain health. Almost all nutrients come through the gut and without the nutrients your brain needs you are at risk of cognitive problems.

This is especially true with our young ones. When you look at what is the "normal kid diet" it is very high in refined carbs, sugar and artificial ingredients and very low in nutrition. Protect your children's brain health help them get the nutrition they need.

A healthy gut is imperative to a healthy you!

Not sure where to start? I can help you.

​

I can't go without mentioning the other two big factors of gut health.

Stomach Acid and the Microbiome (gut bacteria).

Both play a major role in your gut and digestive health. Both need to be present in order to properly break down food into small enough particles to be absorbed and used by the body.

My process will address all of these important pieces of gut health

​

You have complete control over what you are putting in your body. This is your biggest power, and I can help you stay on track and get the results you are looking for.

Working with me I will look at the whole person. You are so much more than the symptoms you may have. There is a lot going on in there. I can help you through the process of getting good nutrition in your diet and also healing the gut so it can do its job the way it's meant to.

Don't wait, take control of your health today.

​

Book a free 30min consultation to see how you can benefit from a holistic approach.