Digestive Health and "Leaky Gut Syndrome"

“All chronic diseases start in the gut”
-Hippocrates 400 B.C.

The digestive system is involved in many body processes and is truly the foundation of our well-being. The gastrointestinal (G.I) tract which starts at the mouth and stretches to the anus is responsible for breaking down the foods we eat, extracting the nutrients, and eliminating the wastes. If our gut health is poor it leads to an impaired nervous system, various hormonal imbalances, and an impaired immune system. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of our immune function is related to our G.I system.

Leaky gut, scientifically know as intestinal permeability, prevents essential nutrients from being properly absorbed, and allows toxins to leak into our blood stream. When toxins are absorbed into the blood it leads to an inflammatory response which produces various symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. However, leaky gut also manifests as symptoms and issues that may not even seem related to the gastrointestinal tract. This includes food allergies/sensitivities, skin disorders such as acne and eczema and psoriasis, headaches/migraines, auto-immune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, inability to lose weight, thyroid disorders, and much more.

So what exactly leads to leaky gut syndrome? Poor food choices is one of the biggest culprits. However, viruses, bad bacteria, antibiotics, stress, various over the counter and prescription medications, caffeine, and alcohol consumption can all cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract leading to intestinal permeability over time.
At Health & Wellness Care, our nurse practitioner Chelsea Welsh specializes in healing leaky gut. Her individualized 4-step approach will strengthen the immune system, decrease inflammation, and get you feeling GREAT again. If you suffer from any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is very likely you suffer from this very common chronic disorder.

Book an appointment with Chelsea today to review your health history, discuss your symptoms, and have specialized lab testing ordered which can diagnose intestinal permeability.

For appointments, please call 480-947-1545