Treatments For Leaky Gut Syndrome

Treatments for leaky gut syndrome are often not sought as this condition is not commonly known under conventional medicine. However, naturopathic doctors say that leaky gut syndrome is the cause to many chronic symptoms such as pain, digestive disorders, frequent infections, and many more symptoms. Many forms of conventional treatment merely try to treat the symptoms without discovering the underlying condition.

To find out about treatments for leaky gut syndrome, it is important first to understand how this condition came upon. Leaky gut syndrome refers to the increased permeability of the intestinal lining which has become �leaky� due to damages to the lining of the bowel. The lining becomes inflamed and damaged, possibly as a result of the overuse of antibiotics, dietary problems, toxins, or infection.

Increased permeability means that the lining does not absorb nutrients selectively, but material can leak through the wall. This elevated level of absorption allows toxins, undigested food, waste, or other matter to pass through the intestinal lining. This can cause inflammation and will ultimately affect the functionality of the digestive tract.

The following symptoms are common indicators of leaky gut syndrome:

� Gas

� Indigestion

� Diarrhea

� Constipation

� Abdominal pain

� Chronic pain in joints and/or muscles

� Compromised immune system

� Foggy thinking, anxiety, mood issues, and/or memory problems

� Fatigue

� Respiratory problems such as asthma or wheezing

Fortunately, there is a test for this condition. There are two chemicals that are both soluble in water and unused by the body. Mannitol is easily absorbed by a healthy intestinal lining. Lactulose is a large molecule and can only be slightly absorbed by healthy intestines. The test is done by drinking a solution containing both and collecting urine for six hours. The amount of each chemical in the urine is used to calculate the amount absorbed by the person�s body. The function of the intestines is determined by how much of each substance was absorbed.

There are many treatments for leaky gut syndrome. Most people would rather focus on healing the source of the problem. The main treatments for healing the underlying permeability and inflammation problems include the following:

� Attacking any infections and parasites

Many sources agree that leaky gut syndrome is caused by candida yeast infections. There are several natural treatments available to control candida including acidophilus, fresh garlic cloves, and dietary changes.

� Improving Diet

A high fiber diet is recommended along with the elimination of foods high in starch and sugar. It is also important to limit fungal foods such as mushrooms and cheese. Also avoid foods with yeast such as bread, alcohol, soy sauce, and vinegar.

� Using nutritional supplements and digestive aids

There are many supplements that aid in digestive health. For example, essential oils like fish oil and flax seed oil may help a great deal and may be taken safely over time.

� Using probiotics

You may not be aware of it, but every healthy digestive system contains �helpful� bacteria that are necessary to the digestive process. As much as you hate to admit it, you want to promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your body to keep the �unfriendly� bacteria from getting out of balance with the good bacteria. Probiotics are supplements that support the proper balance of bacteria in your system.

Most often, no serious treatments for leaky gut syndrome are sought. Yet, it can be a serious condition that affects quality of life. Hence, you should find ways to fight the problem from the source, rather than coping with the symptoms. There are tests and natural remedies available to help you overcome this condition and lead a healthy life.