8 Signs You Have a Leaky Gut and Ways To Find Relief

We often take our gut health for granted until something goes wrong. For years, people believed that the gut was simply a passageway for food to travel through on its way to the rest of the body. But now, they know that the gut is responsible for much more, including digestion, the immune system and mood swings. When something goes wrong with our gut, it can have a ripple effect throughout the entire body.

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Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which the intestinal barrier becomes compromised, allowing toxins and bacteria to seep into the bloodstream. This can cause various symptoms, including digestive problems, skin issues, fatigue and brain fog.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have a leaky gut. But don’t worry! There are simple ways to find relief, such as switching to a Low-FODMAP meal plan. Here are eight signs that you may have a leaky gut and seven ways to find relief.

1. You Experience Digestive Problems

One of the signs of a leaky gut is digestive problems. You may experience gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. These problems can be caused by the increased permeability of the gut lining, which allows bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream. In some cases, these problems may also be caused by an intolerance to certain foods or a lack of stomach acid.

2. You Have Food Allergies or Sensitivities

You may also be more sensitive to certain foods if you have a leaky gut. Many common allergies or intolerances include gluten, dairy, soy, eggs or nuts.

3. You Suffer from Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is another common sign of a leaky gut. Inflammation can cause various symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue and brain fog. In some cases, chronic inflammation can also lead to autoimmune disease.

4. You Have an Autoimmune Disease

A faulty immune system causes autoimmune diseases. In the case of leaky gut syndrome, the immune system attacks the gut lining, causing inflammation. This can lead to various autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and celiac disease.

5. You Have Acne or Other Skin Problems

Skin problems, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, can also indicate a leaky gut. Toxins and bacteria are kept out of the bloodstream by the gut. Therefore when the gut is weakened, these compounds can enter the bloodstream and induce inflammation.

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6. You Experience Brain Fog or Fatigue

You may suffer from brain fog or fatigue if you have a leaky gut due to the toxins that can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause inflammation.

7. You Have Mood Swings or Anxiety

Mood swings and anxiety are other common signs of a leaky gut. The gut is responsible for producing serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. When the gut is compromised, it can lead to an imbalance in serotonin levels, which can cause mood swings and anxiety.

8. You Have Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by sensitivity to gluten. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, the immune system attacks the gut lining. This can lead to a leaky gut and various other symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog and digestive problems.

7 Ways To Find Relief

If you are experiencing leaky gut syndrome symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment and follow a Low-FODMAP meal plan.

What is FODMAP? In simple terms, FODMAPs are foods high in fermentable sugars that do not fully digest and can lead to bloating, abdominal pain, and other symptoms associated with leaky gut syndrome. Here are some tips that may help relieve your symptoms.

1. Change Your Diet

Changing your diet is one of the best ways to heal a leaky gut. Eliminate foods to which you are allergic or sensitive, and eat more probiotic foods: yogurt and sauerkraut. And drink plenty of water. Low-FODMAP meal delivery services can be really helpful in this process.

2. Follow a Leaky Gut Diet

A leaky gut diet focuses on nutrient-rich foods that support gut health and healing. Some of the best foods to eat are bone broth, fermented foods and vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil and coconut oil and protein-rich foods like eggs and fish.

3. Take Probiotics Supplements

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help restore balance in the gut microbiome. Probiotics supplements can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Your doctor can advise on the best probiotics for you.

4. Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods are often difficult for the digestive system to break down and can cause inflammation. They can also contain additives damaging the intestines and allowing harmful bacteria to thrive. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid processed foods if you have leaky gut syndrome. Instead, focus on eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

5. Reduce Stress Levels

Stress can be a major trigger. When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol and other stress hormones. These hormones can increase inflammation in the gut, making the intestinal walls more permeable. If you’re struggling with leaky gut, it’s important to find ways to reduce stress levels. Yoga, meditation and deep breathing can help.

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6. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is another great way to reduce stress levels and promote gut health. Exercise increases blood flow to the gut, which helps nourish the intestinal lining and keep it healthy. In addition, exercise can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for gut health. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces more stress hormones, which can worsen inflammation. Sleep deprivation can also make it difficult for the gut to heal. For these reasons, getting enough sleep is important if you’re struggling with leaky gut syndrome.

Find Relief for a Leaky Gut

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including digestive problems, fatigue and brain fog. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for leaky gut syndrome, but changing your diet, taking probiotic supplements, reducing stress and getting enough sleep can help reduce the symptoms. If you are experiencing leaky gut syndrome symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.