Health annoyances and illnesses–Is there a secret cause?
…Food sensitivities and Leaky Gut
The Leaky Gut Syndrome and Food Sensitivities may be the answer to many of the ‘cause unknown’ type illnesses. Leaky Gut Syndrome and Food Sensitivities may also explain many of the symptoms patients have that confound and confuse many conventional physicians.
How our bodies respond to the foods that we eat is an integral part of our overall health. The response our bodies have to the foods we eat can mediate how we feel; physically, mentally and emotionally.
The result of the adverse response our body’s have to the foods we eat is referred to as “Leaky Gut Syndrome”. Leaky Gut Syndrome has been a focus of alternative medical doctors but, for the most part, ignored by conventional medical doctors. Leaky Gut Syndrome is a condition caused by increased permeability of the intestinal lining allowing undigested foods, bacteria, and toxins to pass into the blood stream that can trigger an immunological response and/or inflammation in other parts of the body. Increased intestinal permeability can be caused by food allergies, food sensitivities, infections and medications.
Symptoms associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome include but are not limited to insomnia, anxiety, migraines, muscle pain, mood swings, hair loss, constipation/diarrhea, brain fatigue, depression, chronic fatigue, PMS, joint pain, and acne.
Food Sensitivities are a common cause of Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Food Sensitivities differ from Food Allergies because of the physiological response they illicit.
Food Allergies cause an immunological response of IgE antibodies; symptoms occur within a few minutes up to an hour and are typically include tingling in the mouth, hives, itching or eczema, swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body, wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing, anaphylaxis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
Food Sensitivities cause an immunological response involving IgG antibodies; symptoms usually occur within 8 to 72 hours and can include nasal congestion, diarrhea/constipation, skin rashes, eczema, bloating/ gas, stomach pain, muscle pain, joint pain, asthma, acne, fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, headaches, sleep disturbances, and food cravings.
Prolonged exposure to sensitive foods can cause inflammation to the intestinal lining and cause Leaky Gut Syndrome.
There are several diagnosed conditions associated with Food Sensitivities and Leaky Gut Syndrome, for example, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Eczema, and Arthritis.
Simple blood and urine tests can be done through your Doctor to evaluate intestinal permeability and food sensitivities. Once food sensitivities are identified then food elimination and diet modification are first-line treatments for Leaky Gut Syndrome and the associated symptoms. After the food causing the inflammation are removed then supplementation to repair the intestinal lining can be started.
Written by: Dr. Denise Grobe, Naturopathic Physician at the Center for True Harmony Wellness and Medicine specializes in Women’s Medicine.Dr. Grobe is currently accepting new patients. To contact her: info@trueharmonywellness.com; 480-539-6646