Understanding the Role of Leaky Gut and Food Sensitivities
Research indicates that hypersensitivity reactions to food are implicated in many health problems and can be acquired throughout a lifetime.
Times of emotional stress, too many processed foods, acid blocking medications, antibiotics and alcohol can cause an inflammatory reaction in the digestive tract that leads to leaky gut syndrome.
LGS (leaky gut syndrome) leaves you susceptible to developing adverse food reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions are mediated by your immune system towards seemingly benign food substances. The top 5 allergens I see in clinical practice are to wheat/gluten, corn, dairy, soy and eggs.
Meet Justin: Addressing Chronic Bloating and Digestive Discomfort
Case Study: Justin, a 44-year-old male, presented with chronic abdominal bloating and distension with constipation for several years. His bowel movements were small and incomplete. He also experienced indigestion and stomach upset after most meals. His food journal revealed eggs and yogurt for breakfast daily, whey protein shakes after workouts, fast food lunches during the week and a glass of milk with dinner nightly. He rarely ate any vegetables except for salads occasionally.
Testing, Treatment, and Results
We began a series of colonics that were challenging initially due to the significant bloating, so I recommended digestive enzymes and betaine HCl with meals to help breakdown his food stuffs. He elected for food sensitivity testing as well.
His results revealed highly sensitive immune reactions to all dairy proteins and eggs. Within 2 weeks of strict elimination of his inflammatory foods his abdominal bloating and distention were markedly decreased and his colon hydrotherapy sessions were finally moving waste material out.
Justin’s energy is improving, his bowel movements have become more formed and complete and he feels much less inflamed in his abdomen. In the next month, we’ll be focusing on repairing and restoring his gut lining to resolve the leaky gut and re-introduce foods.
Dr. Jamie Doughty, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Medical Director at Tummy Temple. She supports individuals and families with hormone balance, digestion, detox, and overall wellness. A graduate of the National College of Natural Medicine, she is certified in IV therapy, classical homeopathy, and natural childbirth. Dr. Jamie also leads Tummy Temple’s Virtual Clinic, offering remote naturopathic care to help clients achieve vibrant, balanced health.
