Leaky gut is an informal word which is used to mention the increased permeability of the stomach. This makes the way for many irritable substances into the bloodstream resulting in various signs and symptoms. These symptoms include diarrhea, ulcers of the gut, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acute and chronic inflammatory conditions (sepsis, arthritis), multiple organ failures, mood disorders and much more. Most of these diseases aren’t necessarily related to the leaky gut but they are said to be linked with each other. People with leaky gut tend to develop these diseases more than other individuals.

The intestine is protected by epithelial cells. These cells are interlinked by proteins. When these proteins are disrupted, the epithelial cells get separated which creates a gateway to irritable or harmful substances. The digestive tract is not one hundred percent impenetrable. It is semipermeable meaning it allows certain substances to be absorbed into the bloodstream. In leaky gut syndrome, this permeability is increased beyond acceptable levels.

Symptoms

While it is observed that leaky gut tend to predispose these conditions, there are many symptoms which are related to it. They are:
1. Mood disorders – Often referred to as the gut-brain connection.
2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
3. Chronic inflammatory conditions.
4. Nutritional deficiency
5. Reduced immunity
6. Skin conditions (rashes, allergies)

Leaky Gut Causes

It is unknown what are the exact causes of leaky gut. Most physicians or gastroenterologists suggest diet as the major cause. Chronic consumption of certain foods such as gluten, dairy foods, sugars and refined oils can predispose leaky gut. Chronic use of antibiotics for certain medical conditions can also cause leaky gut. Excessive alcoholism, drug abuse, and gut microbial imbalance will also lead to the leaky gut syndrome.

Probiotics and Leaky Gut

Probiotics are an excellent choice for treating leaky gut. These good bacteria will help in decreasing the hyperpermeable intestinal lining. They will assist the tight junction (TJ) proteins to prevent bad toxins entering the bloodstream. Certain infections such as candida will increase the symptoms of leaky gut. Probiotics will fend off these ‘bad’ microbes and keep your gut healthy. People with lactose intolerance can find probiotics as an excellent treatment choice. These bacteria will help in digesting lactose and thus reduces the irritable symptoms of leaky gut.

Apart from improving the gut health probiotics will also aid in increasing energy levels, stabilizing mood and improve immunity. Not all probiotic strains will help you in fighting leaky gut. There are certain strains which will aid directly in improving your gut health (ex: Bacillus coagulans BC30) while some help in promoting immunity. They will also aid in the cellular secretion of enzymes, mucus, and proteins by the gut cells.

When & How Should You Take Probiotics

It is good if you consume probiotic-rich natural foods. Preferably early in morning before breakfast and night before sleep. Taking additional supplements such as vitamins and probiotic enhanced capsules is advisable. Probiotics such as fermented veggies and coconut milk yogurt is also a good source of friendly bacteria. If your leaky gut is worsened by Candida infection, Saccharomyces boulardii is a great supplement. This particular strain will kill the yeast thereby minimizing the leaky gut symptoms.

Taking probiotics in severe leaky gut symptoms will not help you much. As the hyperpermeable intestine will make the friendly bacteria to pass through the lining. So, before consuming probiotics, probiotic supplements and/or prebiotics, reduce the severity of your leaky gut to get the best results.

L – Glutamine is used as first line of treatment. Consuming these capsules will greatly reduce the severity of the symptoms. Talk to your physician or a nutritionist and make diet chart. Avoid irritable foods that will worsen the condition.

Initial consumption of probiotics for leaky gut may little worsen the situation. This is actually a sign that probiotics are beginning to act. Continue using them for a couple of weeks. This will help the bacteria to colonize in your gut which is essential to show their effect. The initial dose may vary from few millions to billions depending on the severity of your symptom. I would suggest not to overdose your belly with high amounts of probiotics. This may worsen the condition. Controlled increase in dosage is suggestable. If you can spare time, you can prepare your own probiotic fermented foods at home. If not, get them from a local organic store.

Before buying any fermented food or a supplement (pills), make sure you check the following:

• The probiotic strain present in it. The manufacturer must mention the names of the probiotic strains present in it. The term ‘live and active’ does not necessarily indicate probiotic nature.
• Shelf life (for supplements).
• Efficacious dose (for supplements)

Make sure the fermented foods aren’t canned or pasteurized as these processes will kill all the bacteria present in those foods.

Get probiotics which are suitable for you. As mentioned earlier, different types of strains have different effects. Get an appropriate one suitable for your condition. Consumption of probiotics frequently will help in reducing your leaky gut syndrome and also enhance your overall health. Apart from leaky gut syndrome probiotics are excellent for other medical conditions like diabetes, mood disorders, autoimmune disorders, skin disorders and even for weight loss.  Certain foods such as Jerusalem artichoke, green bananas, and asparagus will help the friendly bacteria to survive for longer duration in your stomach. This will also aid them to show their effect for a longer duration.

Wrapping Up

Along with consumption of probiotics, reduce the habits which will trigger the leaky gut syndrome. Avoid alcohol consumption. Reduce irritable foods such as lentils, un-sprouted grains, gluten, sugars etc. Follow a healthy diet. If your condition still persists, check with a gastroenterologist.

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