BEST PROBIOTIC FOR LEAKY GUT

By Probiotics Expert: Dr. Raga

WHAT IS LEAKY GUT SYNDROME?

Medically termed as “Hyperpermeable Intestines”

A condition in which the intestines become more porous due to the hole formation and enlargement.

Due to this damage in the intestinal lining, the body’s ability to protect internal flora becomes lessened.

In this condition, the unhealthy bacteria, toxins, wastes, as well as incompletely digested proteins and fats are not processed completely. So, they leak out of the gut.

THE ROLE THAT THE INTESTINES PLAY IN OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

The balance of the good and bad bacteria in the intestines keeps the digestive tract healthy and normally functioning.

Factors such as stress, diet, and medication use (e.g. antibiotic therapy) can alter the balance of the intestinal flora.

When this occurs, the bad bacteria wins over the good bacteria. Thus, this leads to the development of gastrointestinal disturbances such as in the case of leaky gut syndrome.

70-85% of the immune system is located in the intestines. So, maintaining a healthy balance of the normal intestinal flora aids in boosting the immune system.

CAUSES OF LEAKY GUT SYNDROME Diet: Consumption of high amounts of food products such

as processed foods, preservatives, refined sugar, refined flours, and flavorings. These are identified by the intestines as toxins.

Zinc deficiency: Zinc plays a vital role in the maintenance of the intestinal lining integrity. Lack of Zinc causes the weakened intestinal lining which leads to its increased permeability.

Inflammation: Any type of gut inflammation can contribute to its development. These may be caused by bacteria, yeasts, parasites, environmental toxins, and low stomach acid.

Chronic Stress; This suppresses the normal functioning of the immune system. As the immune system gets impaired, it becomes overwhelmed with fighting the pathogens that threaten the body health. Weakened immune system leads to more inflammation.

CAUSES OF LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

Yeast overgrowth: Yeast is actually a normal organism found in the intestines. However, when its growth becomes out of hand, it converts into a multi-celled fungus (Candida). Candida have finger-like projections that grab into the intestinal lining and stays there. Then, these make their holes into the gut.

Medications: Some medications such as acetaminophen and aspirin can cause irritation of the mucosal lining (membrane that protects the intestines). This can either start or aggravate intestinal inflammation which leads to increased gut permeability.

SYMPTOMS OF LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

Multiple food sensitivities Cravings for carbs and sugar Bloating and gas Nutritional deficiencies particularly lack of

the essential minerals and vitamins in the body

Chronic diarrhea and constipation Headaches, brain fog, memory loss, and

excessive fatigue Skin rashes Anxiety

CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

chronic diarrhea or abdominal pain (Crohn’s disease, Colitis, Celiac, and Irritable bowel syndrome)

pain in multiple joints (arthritis) chronic skin condition such as psoariasis,

acne and eczema allergies chronic fatigue chronic depression malaise

BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS Probiotics are live microorganisms

that are beneficial to the body. These microorganisms, particularly bacteria, can cause several health benefits to the body.

The bacteria in probiotics aids in the repair of the intestinal wall. This effect of probiotics in the repair of leaky gut syndrome have been studied before.

Aside from that, probiotics help to establish balance between the good and bad bacteria in the intestines. Thus, creating a balance that promotes digestive health and improved immune system.

STUDIES ABPUT THE USE OF PROBIOTICS FOR LEAKY GUT SYNDROME TREATMENT Based on several studies, various strains of Lactobacillus have

shown positive results in the treatment of leaky gut syndrome. In a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics (2003),

Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus rheuteri have been given in children with atopic dermatitis which is a condition that causes gastrointestinal problems such as leaky gut syndrome. The findings indicated that probiotics have contributes to the improvement in gastrointestinal conditions of the pediatric subjects.

Also, in a study that was in Letters in Applied Microbiology (2006), Lactobacillus plantarum can decrease the intestinal permeability in biliary obstruction (a condition in which the tubes that carry bile from the liver coming from gallbladder and small intestines are blocked.

According to a study contained in the APMIS (January 2011), Lactobacillus casei can prevent alteration in the barrier function of the epithelial cells.

BEST PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTS FOR LEAKY GUT SYNDROME Effective probiotics for digestive

problems such as in leaky gut syndrome should contain high doses of live active microorganisms.

This is because the intestines contains trillions of bacteria. So, the probiotics which contain only millions of live microorganisms would not be enough to replenish and restore intestinal flora balance.

The best probiotic for leaky gut syndrome should contain at least five billion live active cells of probiotic bacteria.

MY FAVORITE PROBIOTIC Probacto is the best probiotic that I

have ever run into. They use multiple strains and they are spore forming so they can last while not refrigerated. They do not use cheap bacteria, but expensive ones such as B. Subtilis.

Probacto also contains prebiotics to help stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Probacto contains digestive enzymes to assist in your digestion.

Probacto is enteric coated and made to be slow release so it will release in your gut gradually.

BEST PROBIOTIC FOOD SOURCES FOR LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

Some of the probiotic-containing foods that are recommended for leaky gut syndrome includes:

Kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut Yogurt and milk Mushrooms, leeks,

artichokes, onions, asparagus

Bananas

CONCLUSION

Probiotics are widely available in various forms of products such as supplements and fermented foods. Many of the probiotic strains contained in these products are not widely tested in humans. Though there are some which are widely studied but are not easily and readily available. Also, the regulation in the manufacture of these products are not entirely strict just like in the case of drugs. This is because probiotics are considered as food supplements instead of drugs. So, in order to ensure effectiveness and quality, you must go with a reputable company.