Gut Health and Allergies
There is a strong link between gut health and allergies. Our gut digests everything we consume, extracts the essential vitamins and minerals then passes out the waste products left over. Although sometimes our gut doesn’t work as it should, such as in leaky gut.
So, what is leaky gut syndrome?
The intestinal lining of the gut has two important functions –
- Absorbing nutrients into the blood stream
- Protecting against harmful substances
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition where the lining of the gut becomes more porous (‘holey’) and inflamed. This allows a greater amount of undigested food particles, toxins and other harmful substances to leak into the bloodstream.
Gut health and allergies
The link between gut health and allergies is circular. Leaky gut can trigger allergies and leaky gut can be due to allergies.
Leaky gut allows particles to enter your bloodstream that shouldn’t, which confuses your immune system. It recognizes these “foreign particles” as antigens and the immune cells begin to fight them off. This triggers an inflammation response throughout the body which can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms. If left untreated, it can also contribute to and exacerbate auto-immune conditions.
Further more, this can trigger reactions to usually harmless foods due to confused immune cells and high inflammation levels. This can contribute the development of food allergies and sensitivities. Food allergies and sensitivities further drive inflammation levels and inflame the intestinal lining, consequently exacerbating leaky gut.
Leaky gut symptoms
Leaky gut has been linked to a host of serious health issues, and may be difficult to recognise, so it’s important to know the signs. Watch out for:
- Digestive issues – bloating, gas, cramps, diarrhoea and constipation
- Food allergies/sensitivities – particularly to dairy, wheat and other grains
- Seasonal allergy problems
- Skin conditions – itchy skin, acne, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis
- Joint pain
- Mental health and mood issues – irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Auto-immune and inflammatory conditions – rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac and Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, thyroid problems and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Neurological issues – headaches, foggy brain, migraines and forgetfulness
- Malabsorption – of key vitamins and minerals (such as vitamins D, B12, A and magnesium), as well as vital enzymes, which help you digest food.
What causes leaky gut?
The cause of leaky gut is different for every person, and is often multi-factorial, but keep an eye out for these common offenders:
- Inflammatory foods – gluten is closely linked with leaky gut because it triggers the production of zonulin. This protein can widen the spaces between the cells of the intestinal lining, contributing to leaky gut. Other common culprits include sugar, dairy and soy.
- Food allergies and sensitivities – the correlation between gut health and allergies is circular – because leaky gut can cause food allergies, and leaky gut can also be due to food allergies. This is because, when you eat foods that you’re allergic to, the lining of your gut can become inflamed, which can increase intestinal permeability. And, if your allergies go undetected and you continue to consume these foods, you may spark an inflammatory cycle where your gut lining cannot repair itself.
- Stress – when you’re stressed your body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode, releasing stress hormones like cortisol. Studies have shown that bacteria respond to these hormones by mutating or multiplying. This can lead to inflammation and can weaken your digestive capacity.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) – where there increased number of certain bacteria (particularly bacteria which is usually found in the colon) nesting in the small intestine. This bacteria can damage the cell lining of your gut and exacerbate leaky gut.
- Infection or inflammation in the body – gut infections, such as candida (yeast infections), intestinal parasites and SIBO can harm the lining between intestinal cells.
- Alcohol and medication – alcohol, as well as some over-the-counter and prescription medications can irritant the gut lining making it more porous.
Natural Leaky Gut Treatment
A leaky gut can be the major cause, or the result of, food allergies and sensitivities. So, the best treatment for leaky gut is to start the gut healing process while simultaneously reducing your reactions to any foods. At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckalnd (HWA), we work holistically to help manage gut health and allergies.
- Managing food allergies and sensitivities
At HWA we use a technique called muscle testing or kinesiology, to help identify reactions to food and environmental substances. Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address your sensitivities using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).
PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques. It aims to re-train your body and reduce your reactions to foods that may be causing or exacerbating your leaky gut, including:
- Amines (compounds found in aged foods like cheese and wine)
- Sugars
- Glutamates (amino acids found in things like MSG)
- Salicylates (natural chemicals present in many coloured fruits and vegetables)
- Gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, triticale and oats)
- Dairy
- Prescribing herbs and supplements
Many herbs and supplements that can help manage leaky gut symptoms and heal the gut lining, including:
- glutamine
- slippery elm
- zinc
- vitamin A
- probiotics
Get in touch
For more information regarding leaky gut, our holistic therapies or to book an appointment, speak with one of our helpful staff on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997(NZ)
Please note this blog is general information only, always consult your health care professional before making any diet or lifestyle changes.
