Leaky gut and Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS are very different conditions. Yet, there is definitely a connection between the two of them and they can and will affect one another.
Leaky gut is known as increased intestinal permeability in the medical field. It is a digestive condition and there are various things that can cause damage to the intestinal lining such as overuse of certain medications, gastric or duodenal ulcers, and SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The damage is what causes the permeability and eventually leads to gaps and holes that undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria can escape from.
When bacteria, toxins, and/or food particles pass through or leak outside the walls of the intestine they enter the bloodstream causing widespread inflammation, as well as, possibly triggering a reaction from your immune system which can lead to so many different health issues.
Leaky Gut Symptoms
- Bloating
- Food Sensitivities
- Digestive Issues
- Skin Problems
- Fatigue
Causes of Leaky Gut
Even though leaky gut is still a medical mystery and medical professionals are still studying the root causes there is currently a little bit of information available. Various studies have been conducted and more are underway. Here is a tidbit of information regarding leaky gut.
- Zonulin is currently the only known regulator of intestinal permeability. If zonulin is released it can lead to leaky gut syndrome. There are two things known to trigger the release of zonulin.
- Bacteria in the intestine.
- Gluten. Conditions such as IBS and celiac disease causes gluten to increase intestinal permeability.
- Poor Diet
- Poor Eating Habits
- Overuse or Extensive Use of Pharmaceutical Medication
- Chronic Illnesses
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Intestinal Injury
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a common disorder affecting the large intestine. It is a chronic condition and needs to be managed long-term. There aren’t a lot of people who suffer from severe IBS symptoms but there are many people with IBS and have the regular signs and symptoms. IBS is what they call a functional disorder and it refers to the changes in the digestive system’s functioning which is what causes the symptoms.
IBS Symptoms
IBS symptoms aren’t always the same in everyone as each person’s gut is unique to them. Not all of the symptoms are experienced either. IBS symptoms can be mild at times, more intense at others, and then the symptoms improve and in some cases they seem to disappear completely.
- Abdominal or Stomach Cramps
- Inability To Empty Bowels
- Urgent Need To Defecate
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Abdominal Discomfort
- Abdominal Pain
- Nausea
- Excessive Gas
The Connection
This one is short and sweet! Leaky gut and irritable bowel syndrome can and will affect one another. They have a negative impact with each other and don’t play well together. Honestly, unmanaged IBS can be a part of the problem leading to a leaky gut and leaky gut can influence and negatively affect IBS. Natural leaky gut treatment will help heal a leaky gut and ease any of the IBS symptoms it was triggering and vice versa.
