Another possible cause of IBS? - Leaky Gut

I continue to research on causes of IBS and I came across this topic of leaky gut. I personally do not think I have one but one of my readers seems to having her wits tested in controlling her IBS. We spoke at length about this leaky gut aspect which seems to the cause. Let me explain.

Leaky gut in gist is inflammation of gut lining and when the gut is inflamed, it becomes porous, and become more permeable. Unwanted substances can then leak into the bloodstream. When that happens, toxins often build up in the bloodstream thus causing many different types of ailments. Our autoimmune system will become active to address the toxins presence. If the autoimmune system is over active, it will inflame the gut track and thus creates Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.

Let me tell you about my friend. She had been suffering from leg issues like tendonitis and bursitis (at least diagnosed by doctors and treated as such). She is also suffering from IBS but manageable. But the last 2 years, her leg problems severely curb her daily routines. She had gone to several doctors, physiotherapies, chiropractor and acupuncturist with no long term healing. We talked and I knew about leaky gut problem and know that if toxins get into bloodstream, it creates all sorts of ailment, sometimes unrelated (like her legs).

I suggested for her to treat leaky gut to see if this could solve or alleviate her problem. She was willing to try anything and over the last one month or so, she told me that her legs have improved tremendously. She can now do a 2km walk without pain. She also said that IBS symptoms have also improved slightly. She is now determined to follow the regiment to see if it does completely heal her leg and hopefully alleviate the IBS as well.

So, what did we do?

1. Glutamine is used to repair gastrointestinal injury. A word of caution on over using this supplementation. There are some unconclusive studies that long term use of Glutamine can cause or aggravate situations like stroke, multiple sclerosis and disrupt pregnancies. So, take only in small doses and short term basis. Let’s take it as such and be safe anyway.

2. Increasing Fish Oil intake especially Omega-3.

3. Increase probiotics intake. The gut is already compromised, so we have to repair them.

4. Cut sugar intake. At least, don’t add any more unrefined sugar or sugar substitutes.

5. I suggested a much reduced carbo-diet approach and continue with high fiber, protein diet instead. So rice, bread, potatoes are very much reduced for her meals.