PERSONAL TRAINING: NUTRITION 102: Compromised Absorption
Leaky Gut Syndrome: The Causes
Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the intestinal lining becomes inflamed. Inflammation of the intestinal lining can originate from any of the following causes:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Antibiotics, which lead to the overgrowth of abnormal flora in the gastrointestinal tract.
These include
- bacteria, parasites, candida, and fungi
- Alcohol or caffeine, both strong gut irritants
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- Prescription hormones like birth control pills
- Diets high in refined carbohydrates – white flour products, candy, soft drinks
- A lack of variety in the diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies and the exhaustion of some enzymes
- Foods and beverages contaminated by parasites or bacteria
- Chemicals in fermented and processed food – dyes, preservatives, peroxidized fats
- Enzyme deficiencies, which lead to the improper breakdown of foods
- Mold and fungus in stored grains, fruit and refined carbohydrates.
The inflammation of the tissue causes the spaces between the cells of the intestine (desmosomes) to loosen. This loosening allows slightly larger molecules than are normal to pass through the intestinal lining. As the molecules pass into the bloodstream, the body produces an immune reaction and releases cytokines, which cause an increase in white blood cell count. The resulting oxidation – you can think of oxidation as rusting of your body – causes inflammation to increase throughout the body. Increased inflammation leads to increased body fat. If your strength coach or personal trainer addresses this problem, it is much easier to make progress.
