By Kristen Cox
What does it mean to have Leaky Gut Syndrome? Is LGS a real diagnosis or just a name for the symptoms that you're experiencing. People with LGS main complain of painful or uncomfortable symptoms such as excessive gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, or pain. These symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Symptoms are chronic which is likely because the permeability of the intestinal walls changes and molecules that should stay in the digestive tract leak into other tissues and areas.
When you first see your doctor and explain your symptoms they may tell you that you have leaky gut syndrome, but this is not a diagnosis. This simply covers the effects that you are having and will not help treat the actual condition that is making the changes occur in the bowel. Often this may be caused by a sensitivity or intolerance to certain substances or food types, but that is not always the case.
There are many factors that may play a part in leaky gut syndrome. Some doctors think that lifestyle and diet choices may be involved. Someone suffering from chronic stress is likely to have an impaired immune system and this can cause lasting damage to the body. It is vital that stress levels be managed with exercise or meditation, especially in someone suffering from LGS. A diet that is lacking in essential nutrients may also cause the bowel to become unhealthy.
If you have some or all of the problems associated with permeability changes in the intestines the first step is to make an appointment with your medical care provider. Explain what is going on and make sure that they listen carefully and pay attention. A shortage of physicians has caused many to try and rush through each appointment without actually giving the patient their undivided attention. This has caused many to be overlooked or ignored, and their symptoms may not be properly diagnosed or investigated.
If you are going to get any relief from your symptoms, you will have to find out what is causing them. Without a real diagnosis, you could damage your health or end up in a lot of pain. Before you visit the doctor, start a food journal. Track everything that you eat and drink each day and write down your symptoms to see if you can find a link between a certain food or ingredient and your symptoms. This will assist your doctor getting you back to normal faster.
