Common problems like fatigue, diarrhea, and insomnia may be a sign of a ‘belly’ big problem

Do you experience fatigue, digestive problems such as diarrhea, joint pain, insomnia, low libido, even mild-grade depression?

While the abovementioned symptoms may mean that you are very busy, there may be a different reason why you are feeling that way, especially if you are getting enough rest and sleep.

And that answer is Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS), a condition that is not typically diagnosed but could be affecting the health of many people.

Normally, the tight openings in the intestinal walls allow water and nutrients to pass through into the bloodstream while keeping harmful substances inside. In LGS however, these openings become wider, allowing food particles, bacteria, and toxins to enter directly into the bloodstream.

In this article, you will find out the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of LGS.  You will also learn how to treat and manage LGS.

Symptoms

Leaky gut displays many symptoms that can be attributed to other health conditions. This can make the condition difficult for doctors to identify, that is why many doctors and healthcare professionals do not recognize leaky gut syndrome (LGS) as a diagnosable condition.

However, current scientific evidence suggests leaky gut may contribute to a range of medical conditions.

The common symptoms of LGS are the following:

• chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloating
• nutritional deficiencies
• fatigue
• headaches
• confusion
• difficulty concentrating
• skin problems, such as acne, rashes, or eczema
• joint pain
• widespread inflammation

Treatment

Since many doctors do not consider leaky gut to be a legitimate medical condition, there is no standard treatment for this condition.

The key to healing a leaky gut is to adapt certain dietary and lifestyle changes which may help improve your gut health.  You have to change your diet and eliminating the foods that your body treats as toxic.

The following dietary tips may help to improve gut health:

• eating more probiotics rich foods such as vegetables and whole grains, fish, coconut and olive oils; avocados, and flax.  Probiotics can boost beneficial gut bacteria and restore the healthy bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract
• incorporate L-glutamine in your diet.     L-glutamine is an amino acid that rejuvenates the lining of the intestinal wall.
• eating less meat, dairy and eggs
• avoiding added sugar and artificial sweeteners

The following lifestyle changes can improve digestion and support a healthy gut:

• exercising regularly
• getting enough sleep every night
• reducing stress
• avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics
• quitting smoking

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned, you are advised to get checked by your health care provider. You may have sensitivities to certain foods, but your symptoms could be caused by other issues, as well. It’s important to design a treatment plan that fits your issues.