Gastrointestinal Issues
We treat the whole patient, not the disease
Is Your Digestive Lining Leaking?
Modern society is plagued by a condition known as leaky gut syndrome. Research has shown that up to fifty percent of chronic symptoms in the U.S. can be traced back to a leaky gut.
Think of the lining of the digestive tract as a protective barrier. This lining works as a barrier to prevent large particles such as proteins and other foreign substances from entering the bloodstream.
When someone has a leaky gut, the intestinal lining has been damaged, causing larger holes to develop. As a result, more particles such as gluten, undigested food, bad bacteria (LPS), and other toxic waste products to pass through, causing an immune system response every time they eat. As you can imagine, these responses take an enormous toll on the body. At Highland Wellness Center we use specialized immunology testing thru CYREX Laboratory to identify Leaky Gut, Leaky Lungs, and Leaky Brain. And if present, we can implement the proper gut restoration therapies.
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What Causes Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut has several major causes:
Food Allergies, Sensitivities, and Intolerances – This seems to be a recurring theme with a lot of health challenges, and this is why we test! The first step in treating leaky gut is to remove the foods that are causing an immune reaction and harming the intestinal lining.
Low Stomach Acid – Low stomach acid is one of the main reasons most people use antacids. Inadequate levels of stomach acid can lead to issues such as heartburn, indigestion, gastritis, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Ileocecal Valve Problems – An open ileocecal valve causes a reflux of fecal matter into the small intestine. This can be treated with lesser-known Applied Kinesiology techniques to prevent a reflux of “garbage” into the “kitchen.”
Adrenal Stress – Life is full of stressors – work, relationships, finances, poor diet, hypoglycemia etc. Heightened levels of stress hormones halts the digestion process to allow the body to deal with the stressor.
Incomplete Chewing – Not thoroughly chewing food allows larger protein particles to enter the bloodstream.
Low Levels of Pancreatic Enzymes – Digestive enzymes play an essential role in the digestive process. Not having sufficient levels of pancreatic enzymes worsens digestive issues and leaky gut symptoms.
Dysbiosis – Microbial imbalances and infections in the gut will weaken the GI system, making it less effective and more prone to inflammation that can weaken the natural defense system.
Large meals – Overeating overwhelms the digestive system.
Medications – Prescription antibiotics are indiscriminate killers – they kill both the good AND the bad bacteria. Frequent use of NSAIDS such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve etc. can damage the gut lining and contribute to leaky gut.
Alcohol – Alcohol compromises gut health, especially when it is consumed on an empty stomach. Alcohol abuse leads to a greater likelihood of a compromised gut.
What is Associated With a Leaky Gut?
Diseases and Disorders such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Chron’s Disease
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Ileocecal Valve Dysfunction
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Dementia
Get Started Today
Step 1 New Patient Exam
Step 2: Diagnostic Testing
Step 3: The Journey
