Leaky Gut Syndrome:
Healing from the Inside Out
Leaky Gut Syndrome, also known as increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to “leak” into the bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation and contribute to a variety of health problems. At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, Dr. Tiffani Fries offers a functional medicine approach to address leaky gut, restore gut integrity, and improve your overall health.
Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome
The small intestine is lined with a single layer of cells that form a barrier between the gut and the bloodstream. This barrier is selectively permeable, allowing nutrients to pass through while blocking harmful substances. In leaky gut, the tight junctions between these cells become loose, creating gaps that allow unwanted substances to enter the bloodstream.
Possible Symptoms Associated with Leaky Gut:
- Digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation)
- Food sensitivities
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Skin problems (eczema, rashes)
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Autoimmune conditions
Factors that can Contribute to Leaky Gut:
Poor diet:
A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Chronic stress:
Stress can negatively impact gut health.
Infections:
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
Medications:
Certain medications, like NSAIDs and antibiotics, can damage the gut lining.
Alcohol consumption:
Excessive alcohol intake can increase intestinal permeability.
Food sensitivities:
Reactions to certain foods can contribute to gut inflammation.
The Salt Lake Functional Medicine Approach to Leaky Gut
Dr. Fries, DC takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating leaky gut. This includes:
Detailed Assessment:
A thorough evaluation of your health history, symptoms, diet, and lifestyle.
Advanced Testing:
This may include stool testing to assess gut microbiome composition and identify infections, food sensitivity testing, and tests to measure intestinal permeability.
Personalized Support Plans:
Based on your individual needs and test results, Dr. Fries, DC will develop a tailored plan that may include:
Dietary Modifications:
Implementing an anti-inflammatory diet that eliminates trigger foods and focuses on nutrient-dense whole foods that support gut healing. This may involve elements of the Paleo diet, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), or other specialized diets.
Targeted Supplementation:
Using supplements to repair the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy gut microbiome. This may include L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, probiotics, prebiotics, and other gut-supportive nutrients.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
Incorporating stress-reduction techniques, improving sleep hygiene, and addressing other lifestyle factors that can impact gut health.
Restoring Gut Integrity
At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, we’re committed to helping you heal your leaky gut and restore optimal gut function. By addressing the underlying causes of intestinal permeability and supporting your body’s natural healing processes, we believe you can experience significant improvement in your digestive health and overall well-being.
