As a traditionally trained Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, the term ‘leaky gut’ doesn’t come around too often, that is not until diving deep into functional, integrative, and holistic healthcare. These resources and tools help to reveal a crucial understanding: many health issues often link back to gut health. Although there are exceptions, a significant number of systemic health problems can usually be traced back to some form of gut dysfunction.
The ‘gut microbiome’, or the collection of bacteria in the gut, plays a key role in overall health. It’s not just about having bacteria, but having the right types and in the right amounts. One’s gut health can be affected by various factors such as antibiotics, certain medications like those for acid reflux, diet, and overall lifestyle. An interesting fact is that after taking a round of antibiotics (about 7-1 0 days’ worth), the gut may actually need upwards of six to nine months to rebuild the lost beneficial microbes.
The intestinal lining is intricately structured to maximize digestion. If spread out, it would be as large as a tennis court. This lining, along with tiny finger-like parts called microvilli, helps in breaking down food, and are held together by areas called ‘tight junctions’. However, certain medications, poor diet, alcohol, and emotional stress can inflame the gut, affecting its function. Chronic inflammation can weaken these junctions, leading to what is known as ‘leaky gut’. This means that substances normally meant to be restricted to the gut can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing autoimmune problems, ‘brain fog’, hormonal imbalances, and even mood disorders, as these substances can reach the brain.
So, what to do? When someone has systemic health issues, it is important to start by looking at their gut health and to improve gut health means also looking at their diet. This isn’t about going on a strict diet, but rather being mindful about what is going in. Reducing sugar and gluten, and understanding food sensitivities can be great starting points while eating organic and minimally processed foods, and avoiding harmful chemicals are also important. Supporting gut health with a good probiotic, while using antibiotics and acid reflux medications judiciously, and managing emotional stress are often overlooked, but crucial steps.
When dealing with a health issues that that just don’t seem to resolve, it might be worth looking into gut health. Consulting with a healthcare provider who specializes in integrative or functional medicine can provide valuable insights and diagnostics.
