Vitamins are essential in maintaining your health. However, when you suffer from a leaky gut you can also be vitamin deficient (or malnourished).
When you have leaky gut, it’s likely you also may have an absorption problem. That means you can be eating the healthiest nutrient dense foods AND taking good quality supplements and still have deficiencies. This happens because of the ongoing inflammation and weakening of the intestinal wall.
The most common deficiencies are iron, Vitamin B12 and magnesium. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can cause hair loss, fatigue, dry skin and nails, brain fog, constipation, and even pain and neuropathies. Zinc deficiency can cause in hair loss and copper deficiency can lead to high cholesterol levels and arthritis. Bone problems can also develop from deficiencies of calcium, boron, silicon and manganese.
What is leaky gut?
Leaky gut is a very common disorder in which the lining the intestines become “leaky” due to inflammation. The spaces between the cells open up and allow toxins into the bloodstream that would normally be eliminated. These toxins like bacteria, fungi, parasites, undigested protein, fat and toxic waste get absorbed into the bloodstream and your immune system launches an “attack” to protect you (causing more inflammation).
What causes leaky Gut?
- Celiac Disease
- Medications (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen and Motrin
- Gut overgrowth or infection
- Parasite infections
- Fungal overgrowth (Candida)
- Ingestion of allergenic foods
- Stress
- Aging
- IgA deficiency (immune response in the gut)
- Chronic alcohol intake
- Excessive exercise
Leaky gut can be connected to these symptoms and disorders:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s & Colitis)
- IBS
- Inflammatory joint disease
- Food allergy
- Celiac disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Eczema & psoriasis
- Bipolar & Depression
- Anxiety
- Allergies and asthma
- Hashimotos
How do you know if you have leaky gut?
Food allergies, toxins, sugar, antibiotics, parasites and stress can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Many time stomach symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation or stomach discomfort may be the first clue that something is wrong with the digestive tract, but allergies or even lack of energy and fatigue can often be traced to digestive problems too.
When I work together with clients, we use testing that will tell you for sure if your gut is leaky and is contributing to your overall health.
Vitamins are important players in your body’s overall functioning. That means your gut needs to be healthy to ensure you are getting all the vitamins you need to feel your best!
If you would like to learn more about how you can heal your leaky gut and how vitamin deficiencies may be affecting your health, book a complimentary call with me below and tell me more.
