PERSONAL TRAINING: NUTRITION 102: Compromised Absorption
The Symptoms
As a result of the trauma to the small intestine, your food becomes a stress rather than a fortification. When the problem is left unchecked, micro-tears develop in the intestine. These tears increase gut permeability, and you develop leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut occurs when sufficient damage is done to the small intestine to create any or all of the following symptoms:
- Gas, bloating, or abdominal pain, even with small meals
- Indigestion
- Chronic joint or muscle pain
- Drowsiness, brain fog or mental confusion
- Poor memory
- Hay fever-like symptoms
- Increased weight around the middle
- Decreased energy
- Asthma
- Mood swings or nervousness
- Poor immunity or recurrent infections
- Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – diarrhea, constipation, or both.
Malabsorption of nutrients and the resultant dietary deficiencies occur long before the problem becomes acute enough for a diagnosis, however. If you are using a personal trainer or strength coach in New York City – or anywhere else – to get lean, muscular, strong, or improve your performance in any way, gut health is essential.
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that occurs when the lining of the small intestine begins to break down as a result of external stress. These stresses are usually related to deficiencies in the diet resulting from poor dietary practices. They are magnified by additional external environmental stress.
When the integrity of the small intestine is compromised, nutrient absorption cannot take place. If you live in New York City or another urbane area where environmental stress is high, and you are trying to lose body fat and improve your performance, you owe it to yourself to take care of your gut health.
