MY STORY (PART ONE): Leaky Gut Syndrome

In addition to my other health issues which include Dystonia and Graves' Disease, I have been diagnosed with Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome is intestinal permeability. In other words, I have developed holes in my intestines that cause bacteria, toxins, and food to leak into my bloodstream. This can cause a number of problems within the body including food allergies/food intolerances and inflammation.

I always suspected that something was not quite right with my stomach. Why? Well, I have always been underweight (currently 5'6'' and 111 pounds) although I love to eat and at one point or another I have been told that I have several deficiencies (i.e. Vitamin D, Zinc, Osteopenia (bone density issue). There are other reasons for my suspicions, but those are just a few. In my research, I have also found that Leaky Gut Syndrome is common in people with Autoimmune Disorders.

Based on research that I have been doing, I decided to consult an allergist. I explained to the allergist my symptoms, illnesses, etc. My allergist did do a skin test. The skin test showed that I was allergic to ragweed, dust mites, and feathers. The test did not show that I was allergic to any foods.

I had asked the allergy doctor to do a test that would show delayed food reactions. So, I was given a blood test. This test showed that I was allergic to 14 different foods. Amongst the foods that I am currently intolerant to are the following: chicken, milk, eggs, almonds, trout, almonds, lamb, corn, and corn. No more pizza for a while. Now, that hurts! The allergist says that I need to stay away from all of these foods for at least six months.

Based on my research on Leaky Gut Syndrome, I asked the allergist about the possibility of my issues being connected to Leaky Gut Syndrome. He said that intestinal permeability was a possibility. But, he did not have much information to give me in this area.

So, I consulted an integrative doctor. This particular doctor is also a family medicine doctor. I had read about this doctor in a health related magazine. She took an oral history for about an hour. She concluded that I did have Leaky Gut Syndrome. Since I suspected that this was an issue for me, I had been trying various remedies all along. Many of these same supplements were suggested by the integrative doctor. She added a few more to the regimen as well.

So, now I am taking various medicines and/or supplements for my thyroid condition and for the Leaky Gut Syndrome. I have chosen not to take medicines for the Dystonia due to the possible nasty side effects. Much of the time, I am in pain/discomfort. But, my goal is to stay off of meds for the Dystonia.

Anyway, I am on the following supplements on a regular basis: Probiotics, digestive enzymes, L-Glutamine, Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D. I also take Selenium, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C, and Aloe Vera Juice. In addition, I take Armour Thyroid for my thyroid condition. Needless to say, I am on a crazy schedule, because many of these meds and/or supplements require that I take them several hours apart.

What have I noticed since starting these supplements? I have been on this regimen for about two months. I have noticed that my bowel movements are much more frequent. This is a good thing. I continue to experience bloating after eating my food/meals. Hopefully this will subside.


The following is an excellent site if you would like to read more about Leaky Gut Syndrome:
http://leakygut.co.uk/