If you’re wondering what leaky gut syndrome is, you’re not alone. Most people have never heard of it, let alone understand its causes and potential cures. It’s a misunderstood gastro-intestinal disorder that often causes bloating, cramping in the abdomen, gas (flatulence), and sensitive reactions to certain foods.

While it is a terms used by doctors, it’s technically not a medical term. Doctors often will run tests and try to determine if you have one of the more common digestive ailments and if your doctor cannot definitively determine your digestive problem may simply refer to what you have as a leaky gut. Now, just because it may not be a medical term about a specific problem, it is still referenced by gastroenterologists to define an overall problem with your digestive process.

Some of the causes of leaky gut syndrome is a breakdown of the wall of the gut (for sometimes unknown reasons) where undigested food, bacteria, and toxins are allowed to enter the blood stream. Once these enter the liver, an immune response is triggered leading to a range of digestive symptoms. Normally, your gut’s lining prevents these contaminants from entering the blood stream but when the wall cannot stop these toxins, you have what is referred to as a leaky gut.

It’s important to know that not everyone with leaky gut syndrome will have the same symptoms. However, what is typically common is stomach cramping, flatulence, diarrhea, etc.

As far as curing your symptoms, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor or a medical consultant who specializes in gastro-intestinal issues. Avoiding foods high white flour, refined sugars, processed foods etc. is a good idea. Just know, with the right medical advice and dietary changes, you have a good chance of overcoming your leaky gut syndrome.