Introduction
Before the medical community had a better understanding of the mechanisms that cause disease, doctors believed certain ailments could originate from imbalances in the stomach. This was called hypochondriasis. (In Ancient Greek, hypochondrium refers to the upper part of the abdomen, the region between the breastbone and the navel.) This concept was rejected as science evolved and, for example, we could look under a microscope and see bacteria, parasites, and viruses. The meaning of the term changed, and for many years, doctors used the word “hypochondriac” to describe a person who has a persistent, often inexplicable fear of having a serious medical illness.
But what if this ancient concept of illnesses originating in the gut actually holds some truth? Could some of the chronic diseases our society facing today actually be associated with an improper working of gastrointestinal system?
The name leaky gut is comparatively a new term in the medical literature. It indicates a condition which creates gaps in the intestinal walls that allow harmful bacteria and toxic substances to escape into the bloodstream.
Signs & symptoms
Leaky gut shares many of its symptoms with other health conditions. This can make the condition difficult for doctors to identify.
Leaky gut may cause or contribute to the following symptoms:
- chronic and intermittent diarrhoea and constipation
- bloating
- nutritional deficiencies
- fatigue
- headache
- confusion
- difficulty concentrating
- skin problems, such as acne, rashes, or eczema
- joint pain
- widespread and various types of inflammation
Causes
Experts do not yet know exactly what causes leaky gut syndrome. However, the risk factors include:
- poor nutrition
- alcohol consumption
- infections
- autoimmune disorders
- diabetes
- stress
Pathophysiology
We have a mucosal lining the intestinal wall, covering more than 4,000 square feet of surface area. When working properly, it forms a strong barrier that checks the absorption into the bloodstream. When this gut wall becomes abnormal with large cracks or holes, partially digested food, toxins, and bugs penetrate the tissues beneath it. This may trigger inflammation and changes in the gut flora (normal bacteria) that could lead to problems within the digestive tract and beyond. The research world is booming today with studies showing that modifications in the intestinal bacteria and inflammation may play a role in the development of several common chronic diseases.
Who gets a leaky gut (and why)?
The barrier in the gut is partially permeable for the absorption of the nutrients from food. It means that a healthy person’s gut is not completely impermeable and it is not supposed to be. A genetic predisposition will play a role in making a person to be more sensitive to changes in the digestive system. But DNA is not the only reason for leaky gut. Modern lifestyle is the catalyst for gut inflammation. There is emerging evidence that the modern diet, which is low in fibre and high in sugar and saturated fats, may initiate this process. Heavy alcohol use and stress also seem to disrupt this balance.
We already know that increased intestinal permeability plays a role in certain gastrointestinal conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. But the important point is that leaky gut may cause problems elsewhere in the body. Some studies show that leaky gut may be associated with other autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis etc, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies, asthma, acne, obesity, and even mental illness. Recent studies show close connections between gut and diseases of other systems in the body.
Diagnosis
Mannitol and lactulose test
Treatments
There is no standard treatment to cure leaky gut syndrome.
However, certain dietary and lifestyle changes may help people to improve their gut health. This, in turn, may alleviate leaky gut symptoms.
The following dietary tips may help to improve gut health:
- eating more probiotics to boost beneficial gut bacteria
- eating foods rich in fibre, such as vegetables and whole grains
- 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
Prognosis
Leaky gut — also known as increased intestinal permeability — is generally recognized as a symptom, not a condition, by mainstream medicine. Most clinical studies have focused on correlation as opposed to cause and effect, which makes it difficult to determine the amount of time needed to heal leaky gut.
The healing time will be based on the underlying condition.
Complications
Recently, some doctors are researching upon a possible link between gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and autism.
Disease & Ayurveda
Although a modern physician finding a leaky gut for a systemic issue is very rare, Ayurveda started diagnosing Gut (Koshtha) as the rootcause of all the diseases thousands of years ago. Practitioners have worked on gut healing as an initial step to treat chronic diseases for decades. In fact,“increased intestinal permeability” allows unwanted or even mildly toxic substances into the bloodstream. It can be correlated with the condition called GARAVISHA in Ayurveda where the poisonous material in gut causes diseases and symptoms all over the body.
Nidana
Any food item spoiled with animal/insect parts or controversial food items or medicines
Combination of many food items
Nasty/stale food items
Purvaaroopa
Not mentioned
Samprapti
Not mentioned
Lakshana
Paandu – Anaemia
Krsa – Emaciation
Alpagni – Loss of appetite
Kaasa – Cough
Swaasa – Breathing problem
Jwara – Fever
Pratiloma vaayu – Vaayu is in abnormal direction
Swapnachintaparayana – Excessive sleep & thoughts
Mahodara – Ascitis
Yakrid-Pleeha-udara – Diseases of liver, spleen etc
Deenavaak – Feeble voice
Durbala – Fatigue
Alasa – Lethargic
Sophavaan – Swelling
Satatam aadhmata – Distended abdomen
Sushkapaadakara -emaciated extremities
Kshayi – Tuberculosis
Having dreams about various animals and dried-up water bodies
Vihatendriya – Malfunctioninh of sense organs
Divisions
Not mentioned
Prognosis
Chikithsa
Samana
Hemapraasana
Taamrabhasma
Nagadantyadi agada
Sodhana
Vamana
Commonly used medicines
Aragwadhadi kashaya
Brands available
AVS Kottakal
AVP Coimbatore
SNA Oushadhasala
Vaidyaratnam oushadhasala
Home remedies
There is no home remedy to cure leaky gut syndrome. But a healthy diet can be beneficial.
Diet
- To be avoided
Heavy meals and difficult to digest foods – cause indigestion.
Junk foods- cause disturbance in digestion and reduces the bioavailability of the medicine
Carbonated drinks – makes the stomach more acidic and disturbed digestion
Refrigerated and frozen foods – causes weak and sluggish digestion by weakening Agni (digestive fire)
Hot, pungent and spicy items, pickles.
Curd – causes vidaaha and thereby many other diseases
Any food items or allergen causing flare up of symptoms
- To be added
Light meals and easily digestible foods
Green gram, soups, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Freshly cooked and warm food processed with cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, ajwain etc
Yoga
Stress and gut health are closely related. So, patient should practice mind relaxing exercises. Also, open channels all over the body and in the gut assures proper circulation, digestion and absorption. So specific yogacharya including nadisuddhi pranayama, savasana, Ardha- Pathmasana, Balasana, Veerasana, nadeesudhi, bhujangasana etc is recommended.
Regular exercise helps improve bioavailability of the medicine and food ingested and leads to positive health.
Yoga can maintain harmony within the body and with the surrounding system.
Savasana
Veersanam
Ardhapathmasana
balasana
Nadisudhi pranayama
Bhujangasana
Simple exercises for lungs and heart health
All the exercises and physical exertions must be decided and done under the supervision of a medical expert only.
Author information
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