It’s tempting to shrug off digestive issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. But when they become a sudden or ongoing problem, your body is trying to tell you something.
Leaky gut syndrome describes a condition that occurs when gaps develop in the walls of the intestine, which makes it permeable. These openings allow bacteria, food particles, and other toxins to pass from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.
When this occurs, it can trigger uncomfortable symptoms, but it also activates an inflammatory response that could lead to a variety of diseases.
Unlike conventional physicians, who focus on symptoms alone, Dr. Terry L. Franklin gets to their source through functional and holistic medicine. These medical approaches consider the links among physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
And gut health is often at the center of it all.
Here’s how Dr. Franklin addresses a leaky gut at his practice in Monterey, California.
To effectively manage leaky gut, it helps to understand the most common causes of the condition.
A leaky gut usually doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, the lining of your gut breaks down over time for various reasons, such as:
Other factors that can compromise your gut lining include stress and an unhealthy, unbalanced diet.
Technically, your intestines should be semipermeable. This enables them to absorb water and nutrients from food.
But a healthy gut lining also has a barrier with mucus and epithelial cells that limits the movement of harmful microorganisms.
When gaps develop in your gut lining and this barrier breaks down, there’s nothing to keep these microorganisms in check. This activates inflammation and changes in the gut microbe, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
Common signs of leaky gut include:
Leaky gut can also lead to widespread inflammation and contribute to other chronic health problems, from autoimmune diseases to liver conditions.
Fortunately, Dr. Franklin can help ease these symptoms, improve your digestion, and protect your health.
Dr. Franklin outlines leaky gut treatment plans on a case-by-case basis, but the most effective strategies for managing this condition involve lifestyle and dietary changes.
During your consultation, Dr. Franklin discusses your symptoms, diet, stress levels, and everyday habits. He also explores food sensitivities or allergies — for instance, gluten or dairy can increase inflammation in some people.
Based on his assessment, Dr. Franklin might recommend a variety of strategies moving forward, such as:
Dr. Franklin can also offer pointers on items that can benefit gut microbes and the epithelial barrier, like L-glutamine and flavonoids. He could also suggest vitamin injections for optimal results.
Physical activity and stress reduction also improve gut health.
Dr. Franklin can provide personalized recommendations on healthy habits to add to your daily life, like meditation, deep breathing, or exercise. Even taking a 15-20 minute walk after eating can aid digestion.
If you have a leaky gut or other signs of digestive issues, Dr. Franklin can help identify the cause of your symptoms.
To find medical treatment that gets to the source instead of the symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Franklin in Monterey, California, today.
