Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

About Leaky Gut Syndrome

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as cramps and burning in the stomach, diarrhea, fatigue, bloating, and indigestion, you may have leaky gut syndrome.

This is a proposed condition currently recognized as a symptom of underlying issues, but it can also cause serious health concerns by itself.

Fortunately, there are many things that can be done about leaky gut syndrome. Read on to learn about the causes, symptoms, and facts of this condition.

What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome is a theoretical syndrome that conventional physicians don’t always recognize medically.

 

The theory states that an unhealthy stomach lining could lead to toxins, undigested food, and viruses leaking out of the stomach and into the bloodstream and the rest of the digestive tract.

 

Although not an official condition, there is a lot of evidence behind leaky gut syndrome, and many clinicians and doctors consider it a real condition. However, others still think of leaky gut as a symptom – not a medical condition in its own right.

What Does Leaky Gut Syndrome Do?

Leaky gut syndrome occurs when you have large holes or gaps in your stomach lining, allowing for harmful things to leak through that shouldn’t. This includes bacteria and toxins that could compromise your body’s bloodstream, digestive system, and more.
 

If the body isn’t digesting properly, you won’t be getting the nutrients that you need. As such, your internal systems will be more vulnerable to health issues such as hormone imbalance or immunity deficiencies.

The gut is a vital part of your body and immune system, so damage to it inevitably creates serious issues.

Symptoms, Causes, Side Effects of Leaky Gut Syndrome

About Leaky Gut Syndrome

leaky-gut-syndrome-symptoms-and-solutions
Guide Contents:
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    If you’re wondering what leaky gut symptoms are, here are a few to watch out for:

    • Pain/burning in the gut
    • Heartburn
    • Diarrhea 
    • Continuous or excessive gas
    • Bloating
    • Sensitivity to food
    • Frequent indigestion
    • Feeling sluggish or tired
    • Brain fog.

    These symptoms of leaky gut syndrome cause plenty of discomfort and can even be debilitating. 

     

    Often, leaky gut is a side effect or complication of other diseases. Some preexisting conditions that are risk factors for developing leaky gut syndrome include irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and AIDS. 

    There are also studies suggesting that the condition is caused by autoimmune diseases, allergies, and asthma. However, these links aren’t medically established yet.

    Forum Health’s Solutions for Leaky Gut Syndrome

    If you or a loved one are suffering from leaky gut syndrome, there are some effective treatments and solutions that you can try. 

     

    Healing a leaky gut will typically depend on the underlying condition that’s causing it. If you have celiac disease, for example, a gluten-free diet should help heal the gut. 

     

    As a general rule to ensure a healthy digestive system, it’s best to keep a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

     

    At Forum Health, we will look into the underlying cause of your leaky gut syndrome and treat your condition accordingly. Our solutions are science-backed and trusted, and we care about providing you with the best treatment possible.

    *Some services may not be available at every clinic. Find a nearby integrative medicine clinic for more information.

    Learn more about Forum Health's
    Leaky Gut Syndrome Treatment Plans

    Leaky Gut Syndrome FAQs

    Some of the common leaky gut syndrome symptoms include heartburn, indigestion, brain fog, and fatigue.


    Since the condition affects your digestive tract, you may also be more sensitive to certain types of food.

    Yes, leaky gut syndrome is very real. Although conventional physicians don’t consider leaky gut to be a condition, the truth is that it affects plenty of people. 

     

    If left untreated, leaky gut syndrome can cause complications such as asthma, allergies, and skin conditions.

    To establish the condition, your physician will typically utilize blood and stool tests. 

     

    Other methods to diagnose leaky gut include testing for bacteria, certain proteins, food tolerances, and blood levels of some vitamins and minerals.

    While there are no home tests you can use to diagnose leaky gut, you can look out for symptoms such as frequent indigestion, heartburn, bloating, and diarrhea. 

     

    These might indicate that you have leaky gut syndrome, but it’s best to confirm it with your functional or integrative medical provider.

    You’re at a higher risk of leaky gut syndrome if you have irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or AIDS. 

     

    Other conditions are also related to leaky gut syndrome, such as autoimmune diseases and arthritis.

    Leaky gut syndrome causes serious issues in the body’s immune system. 

     

    Your risk for autoimmune disease is potentially higher when you have a leaky gut – diminishing your overall health. Fortunately, there are many known solutions for a leaky gut.

    Yes, coffee can potentially irritate the stomach and worsen a leaky gut. 

     

    Many patients with leaky gut syndrome have reported an irritated gut after drinking coffee, resulting in diarrhea and cramping.

    Most commonly, both irritation in the stomach and leaky gut syndrome are caused by inflammatory foods such as legumes, gluten, dairy, and grains. 

     

    Some other foods and drinks that can cause gastrointestinal issues are alcohol, coffee, high-fructose foods, and artificial sweeteners.