What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome and Healing Options? .....Guest Post by Healthline.com

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome is not generally recognized by conventional physicians, but new evidence is suggesting the condition is real.  Physicians and natural medicine practitioners are both agreeing that a lot of health issues have to do with the bowel, and healing these issues invariably involves first tending to the gut. 

Leaky gut syndrome, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, making it less able to protect the internal environment as well as to filter needed nutrients and other biological substances.

Abnormally large-spaced lesions form on the intestinal wall lining, between the cell walls. Consequently, some toxins, bacteria, undigested foods and waste, not normally absorbed, may "leak" out of the intestines and into the blood stream. This triggers an autoimmune reaction, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as gas, skin rashes, autoimmunity, cramps, joint pain, fatigue, arthritis, periodontal disease and bloating.  It's even been linked to autism.

Some believe that chronic inflammation is the source of this syndrome, along with other causes such as certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption and food sensitivity.

There are, however, certain natural protocols you can administer to heal leaky gut. Among them are a good, clean diet, a healthy lifestyle and certain supplements. Check out the below list of suggestions for curing this condition:

Healing Options for Leaky Gut Syndrome

Supplements, Fiber, Digestive Enzymes and Herbs

Since Leaky Gut is an absorption problem, certain vitamin and minerals such as vitamin-A, B, C and E, as well as Co-Q10, zinc, L-glutamine, probiotics, magnesium, calcium, iron colostrum and selenium helps to absorb food, heal the intestinal lining, rebuild the gut wall and reduces inflammation.  Fiber is another good supplement, working double duty on protecting the gut and sweeping the abdominal wall for harmful bacteria and fungus.  Great fiber sources include flax, chia seeds and organic psyllium powder...not to mention organic vegetables and fruits. 

Digestive Enzymes like lemon and apple cider vinegar can improve low stomach acid levels.  A deficit of stomach acid associated with leaky gut can present digestion problems and toxin leakage. Finally certain herbs like marshmallow root, sheep sorrel, ginger and even licorice root can calm inflammation, sooth and coat the intestinal tract, heal gut damage and minimize toxin absorption. To eliminate parasites that frequently follow a compromised digestive tract, garlic, cloves, black walnuts grapefruit seed extract and echinacea have been known to work.

Life Balance

While maintaining a balanced lifestyle is important for anyone at any age, it's particularly important if you suffer from Leaky Gut Syndrome.  Exercise, eating right and adequate sleep are invaluable for encouraging a healthy digestive system.  

Additionally, minimizing stress has also been shown to improve this condition.  Many times, stress produces harmful hormones like cortisol, which is linked to stomach inflammation, and as a consequence, leaky gut.  Getting a handle on the stressors in life can drastically improve or eliminate the leaky gut condition.

Clean Diet
It should go without saying that a clean diet is critical for a healthy body.  What may not be so obvious is the fact that healthy foods play a vital role in repairing the gut.  Eliminating bad foods is even more important, because generally speaking, bad foods can be a major contributor to Leaky Gut Syndrome.  

We're talking about foods such as gluten, sugar, dairy, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods.  Rather, focus on high-fiber foods as well as clean, organic fare, since pesticides and GMOs, (genetically modified organisms), antagonize the situation. 

Additionally, essential fatty acids from flax, borage, fish and chia are also key to healing the bowel and reducing inflammation. Drinking plenty of purified water is also a “deal-breaker” in avoiding gut-destroying contaminants.

Leaky Gut Syndrome is no joke.  It's been linked to countless maladies, and the medical profession is beginning to recognize that the secret to a healthy body may very well originate in the gut. 

So if you suffer from Leaky Gut Syndrome, take heed at the above suggestions, and incorporate some of these into your life to promote good health and relieve your body from an ailing stomach.

David Novak is a international syndicated newspaper columnist, appearing in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV around the world. His byline has appeared in GQ, National Geographic, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, USA Today, among others, and he has appeared on The Today Show, the CBS Morning Show and Paul Harvey Radio. David is a specialist at consumer technology, health and fitness, and he also owns a PR firm and a consulting company where he and his staff focus on these industries.  He is a regular contributing editor for Healthline. For more information, visit http://www.healthline.com/.