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Leaky gut and its connection to your health

Published on September 25, 2015 by Dr. Myra Reed

Many people are unaware of the key role their digestive system plays in their health. In reality, the gut—specifically the small and large intestines—hold 70-80% of the body’s immune cells. When the intestines are exposed to toxins and allergens, pores of the intestine that are vital in the transfer of nutrients into the blood stream open wider allowing particles of undigested food and irritants to move into the blood. This is called a leaky gut. Leaky gut can trigger a series of attacks against good and bad cells of the body and lie at the source of a variety of health problems.

Leaky gut is a condition rarely addressed by today’s medical world. Many doctors simply aren’t trained to identify or treat it and it’s many side effects. Could a leaky gut be at the center of your poor health?

Conditions linked to leaky gut

Leaky gut can cause a variety of health conditions—don’t be fooled into thinking that because it seems like your digestive system is working fine, that it is. Though reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea -are all symptoms not to be ignored, the most common health conditions that can be linked to a leaky gut include

  • Skin issues like acne, rosacea, eczema
  • Seasonal allergies and asthma
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Weight gain
  • Mood disorders like anxiety, depression, ADHD
  • Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and more

How is leaky gut treated?

Dr. Myra Reed can learn a lot about the health of your gut by doing a simple stool test. From there, you will work together to heal your body. Treating a leaky gut (and ultimately reversing many health problems) does require commitment to an allergen and irritant free diet plus strategic replacement of specific nutrients to help the lining of the intestines heal. Replacing specific vitamins and minerals that your gut was not absorbing. As well as rebalancing your good gut bacteria.

Can my regular doctor treat my leaky gut?

For the best care, you should see a doctor trained in what’s called “functional medicine”—an approach that looks for the root cause of illness. Leaky gut isn’t something most doctors know how to treat and you will be much better off seeing a practitioner who knows the principles of functional medicine. To find out more about this option, please call my office.


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