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DiscussionIs Dr. Gundry and "leaky gut" a scam?
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Personally I don't trust anyone pushing books , cures and miracle treatments. There are no quick fixes or easy answers. You might find this information helpful> resource link provided >Leaky gut syndrome is a hypothetical condition that’s not currently recognized as a medical diagnosis. It’s based on the concept of increased intestinal permeability, which occurs in some gastrointestinal diseases.
“Leaky gut syndrome”
Leaky gut syndrome is a theory that intestinal permeability is not only a symptom of gastrointestinal disease but an underlying cause that develops independently. If your intestinal barrier is impaired, it may be letting toxins into your bloodstream. These toxins may trigger an inflammatory response that may manifest as various diseases.
The theory has some appeal as a way of explaining various conditions that we haven't been able to fully explain yet, but the evidence is lacking. We know that the condition of having intestinal permeability or a “leaky gut” is real, but we don’t know that it's a disease in itself, or that it causes other diseases. It’s not currently a recognized medical diagnosis.
Management and Treatment
What is the fastest way to heal leaky gut?
The only known cure for a leaky gut is to treat the underlying condition that causes it. Specific treatments for IBD, celiac disease and others associated with intestinal permeability have been shown to repair the intestinal lining in those who were affected. On the other hand, treatments that target the intestinal lining independently have not been shown to improve these diseases or prevent intestinal permeability from recurring.
How can I take care of my gut?
Scientists are continuing to investigate the benefits of various therapeutics for improving the general health and integrity of the gut lining. These therapies may not be able to mitigate a pathological disease, but they may help mitigate the effects of everyday factors such as diet, stress and bacterial overgrowth that can wear on your intestinal lining. They may even help alleviate your general gastrointestinal symptoms. Therapies include:
Probiotics. Specific probiotics are being tested separately for their ability to restore gut barrier function. But in general, probiotics may help maintain the health of your gut lining by preventing overgrowth of the wrong bacteria in your gut, especially your small intestine.
Prebiotics. Prebiotics are food for the good bacteria in your gut to help give them an edge in the fight. They are usually plant fibers — one more reason to eat your veggies.
Reduce dietary fats and sugars. These encourage the growth of the wrong kinds of gut bacteria, and they trigger the release of harsh dietary emulsifiers that may inflame your gut.
Nutrition. A balanced diet, complete with all the necessary macronutrients and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) can help fortify your gut. Vitamin D and an amino acid called L-glutamine may specifically help repair your gut lining.
Low FODMAP Diet. This specific diet is often suggested for people who have IBS and certain food sensitivities because it systematically eliminates most of the common food triggers. Using it briefly may give your gut the rest it needs to repair, while also clueing you in to which food triggers you are sensitive to.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Many people have vague gastrointestinal symptoms, and many times the causes are frustratingly elusive. In the absence of straight answers, “leaky gut syndrome” has emerged in the mainstream as a catch-all diagnosis for general indigestion — and possibly many other conditions. But true intestinal hyperpermeability is too specific and too extreme to explain most people’s symptoms.
Most people simply have general gut inflammation — the precursor to intestinal permeability. This may be due to a specific disease, or it may be a cumulative effect of poor diet, chronic stress and other common factors. Try reducing these factors. If that doesn’t help, seek medical advice. A qualified gastroenterologist can help you sort through the possible causes of your specific symptoms.
learn more at Cleveland Clinic website by searching Leaky Gut