What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome is just one of the many conditions experienced as part of the roster of general digestive discomfort. Although the term itself is often disputed by medical experts, most agree that the condition, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a serious issue with serious implications. Read on to discover more.

What is leaky gut syndrome?

Leaky gut, is a condition which is believed to arise when the intestinal lining (the barrier between the inside of the gut and the rest of the body) becomes weakened and compromised thanks to several factors such as diet and an imbalance of good and bad bacteria, resulting in enlarged cracks and pores which allow partially digested food, bad bacteria and pathogens to penetrate the tissues beneath it. It is thought that this then triggers inflammation and a disruption to the delicate gut flora which can cause digestive discomfort and potentially contribute to other chronic conditions and diseases.

What does a healthy gut look like?

A healthy working gut is semi-permeable, which means that it allows for any vitamins and nutrients from the food we eat to be absorbed and circulated around the rest of the body via the bloodstream.

Who is susceptible to leaky gut syndrome?

Although it’s thought that genetics may play a part in susceptibility, modern lifestyles could also be to blame. A poor diet that’s low in fibre but high in saturated fats and sugar alongside excessive alcohol, prescription medicines and stress could act as a trigger for leaky gut. For those with pre-existing gastric conditions such as Crohn’s disease, IBS and celiac disease, leaky gut is often a common occurrence.

How can you heal leaky gut syndrome?

Leaky gut can be improved by starting to eat a healthier, more balanced diet. Cutting out or removing alcohol, fatty foods, sugar and processed foods from your diet can go a long way to making your gut healthier and therefore more resilient, but also take care not to eat too many anti-inflammatory foods that can trigger problems. Digestive enzymes which help your body break down and absorb food better can also help heal a problematic gut and lessen the likelihood that undigested food particles will cause damage to your gut lining; Workshop's Essential Greens contains a blend of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables as well as beneficial digestive enzymes. Probiotics are also a good idea if you suffer from leaky gut syndrome as they support enhanced digestion and help protect the gut wall by propagating the abundance of good bacteria. They also balance the stomach’s pH which helps neutralise bad bacteria. Workshop’s Probiotic + Prebiotic is known as a symbiotic which means it contains a blend of both organisms – probiotics to heal the gut and prebiotics to feed the probiotics.