Ancient healers have long acknowledged that the health of the digestive tract dramatically impacts whole-body health. If you study ancient healing systems such as Asian medicine (Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic, South American herbalism (e.g., Amazon), European and North American Naturopathic medicine, and most natural healing systems throughout the world, you will find that they recognize the vital link between digestive health as a core for creating whole-body health. The gut-body connection is part of the larger holistic premise that health and healing are generally prioritized from the inside to the outside of the body. And of course, the core of your body is the digestive tract!
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For many decades holistic and integrative doctors have acknowledged that their clinical experience correlates with the published scientific research on the problem of intestinal permeability, also known as "leaky gut" or "'leaky gut syndrome. "These terms refer to an unhealthy or damaged small intestine lining where molecules that are usually excluded from being absorbed can enter the intestinal wall and potentially into the bloodstream. When the small intestine lining becomes damaged or diseased, increased permeability can allow the passage of proteins, toxins, and bacteria into the intestinal tissue and blood and lymphatic circulation. This can lead to a local intestinal and systemic immune and inflammatory response. A healthy intestine allows the absorption of nutrients and fluids while preventing harmful substances such as bacteria from passing through.
Up until recently, much of conventional medicine discredited the ancient notion of gut health imbalance and the association with digestive and non-digestive illness. As modern scientific research has demonstrated, ancient healers and today's integrative doctors were correct on this matter. The same medical groups that brushed off this concept until recently. For example, Harvard Health Publishing recently published an article recognizing the legitimacy of leaky gut and noted that most doctors would not recognize the term. Also, an article in the mainstream medical journal frontiers in Immunology states, "Disruption of the epithelial barrier increases intestinal permeability, resulting in leaky gut syndrome (LGS)."
Now medical researchers and gastroenterologists at the forefront of gut permeability research have done a complete turnaround and acknowledge the medical reality of "leaky gut." Many experts agree that this condition occurs in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and damaging effects from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, research also shows that leaky gut increases in various diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, recent research has shown that leaky gut is a common occurrence with aging. In addition, integrative doctors like myself have found that leaky gut can occur in a less severe disease state.
Dysbiosis goes hand in hand with a leaky gut. Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance of the gut microbiota where there are reduced beneficial microbes and an increase of pathogenic microbes. It results from the processed American diet, medications such as antibiotics and acid reflux drugs, and high-stress levels. Modern medicine acknowledges dysbiosis but does little to address this significant health problem associated with a leaky gut.
Unfortunately, the average doctor is not aware of the all-too-common problem of leaky gut. As a result, the root cause of your health problems will not be addressed. The good news is that I handle this vital topic frequently and have an upcoming book that comprehensively addresses this topic. I will let you know when it is available.
If you want to have hormone balance, then you must have a healthy gut microbiome. My e-book is now available on gut health and an expanded section on how to health the microbiome and leaky gut with natural protocols. Right now you can save 60%, to get your copy simply CLICK HERE.
Dr. Mark Stengler NMD, MS, is a bestselling author in private practice in Encinitas, California, at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. His newsletter, Dr. Stengler’s Health Breakthroughs, is available at www.markstengler.com and his product line at www.drstengler.com
