There are a variety of gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases that can contribute to what is known as leaky gut syndrome. So, what exactly is leaky gut syndrome? It’s close to exactly what it sounds like. Each one of us has semi-permeable guts. What that means is the mucous lining of our intestines is designed to absorb water and nutrients from our food. Your intestinal lining is responsible for acting as a barrier to bacteria. With leaky gut syndrome, your intestinal lining “leaks” allowing more water and nutrients through, but also potentially allowing toxic molecules to come through as well.
Some common causes of leaky gut include suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, chronic overuse of NSAIDs or alcohol and even food allergies. Symptoms can include gas, bloating, low energy levels, and painful indigestion. Basically, your immune system is compromised when you have leaky gut.
If you think leaky gut syndrome might be an issue, there are some steps you can take that may provide some relief. Dietary changes are typically the first order of business. Avoiding alcohol, processed sugars, caffeine, and dairy products is a good first step. Try eating more organic fruits and vegetables loaded with antioxidants that fight off free radicals. Add in some essential fatty acids from foods such as walnuts and flaxseed oil.
The next best option is to make an appointment with your acupuncturist. Chinese medicine can be an extremely helpful tool in repairing your leaky gut. The very first thing they will do is a full health history to examine the underlying causes of the issue that is causing this imbalance in your body. Some of the questions asked might not make sense initially as they might not seem related to the condition. But remember, they are looking at your entire body and looking at all contributing factors.
What you might not know is that there are twelve meridians or channels in your body. Energy or “qi” flows through each of these channels which are connected to a specific organ in your body. When one or more of these channels experiences an issue, your body becomes imbalanced. Specifically with leaky gut syndrome, there is often an energy imbalance in the spleen, liver, heart, or kidney meridians. Your acupuncturist will needle these channels to help correct this energy imbalance.
Your acupuncturist might also prescribe Chinese herbs as an additional treatment option. While the acupuncture needling works to rebalance your energy, Chinese herbs work in your blood and have been shown to kill bacteria, lower cholesterol, balance hormones, and lower blood pressure, just to name a few of the amazing results you can get from taking Chinese herbs.
Duration and frequency of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Traditional medicine can prescribe various drugs to address the symptoms of leaky gut, but you want to deal with the root of the problem. Make an appointment today to begin the journey to rebalance your energy and heal your gut from the inside out.