Today more than 15 million Americans have food allergies. Almost half of these statistics include children under the age of 18 years old. This ever-growing prevalence of food allergies has increased by 50% since the 90’s.
When you’re always searching for the nearest bathroom or unable to join friends at certain restaurants, digestive issues can really hinder your quality of life. You may start secluding yourself from social situations if you’re having constant bouts of intestinal issues.
Are you one of the millions of Americans suffering from gastrointestinal issues? A lot of our patients come to us feeling like a bowling ball is stuck in their gut. The gas, the bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation can be unbearable.
Leaky gut leads to a lot of the symptoms listed above that aren’t so obviously caused by gastrointestinal health. For example, allergies and food sensitivities are a very common sign that you may have a leaky gut.
Your gastrointestinal system has a lining with an important job. Your gut lining has tight junctions that are supposed to allow only helpful substances through, like nutrients. However, if there is damage to the gut lining, it can cause what’s known as a leaky gut.
The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of microbes that need to exist in a harmonious balance for you to feel well. We have a symbiotic relationship with these microbes, and when they’re thrown off balance it can cause all sorts of discomfort.
Often times people don’t realize some of their symptoms are gut related and so they aren’t connecting the dots between symptoms like bloating and allergies, for example.
Taking care of your Gut. Your gastrointestinal tract takes in food and drinks everyday – pulling and creating important nutrients while keeping pathogens out so you stay healthy and well. When your gastrointestinal tract is doing a good job it’s easy to take it for granted.