Are Leaky Gut and IBS the same?

According to a large scientific study from 2015, around 10-20% of adults and adolescents throughout the world have symptoms consistent with irritable bowel syndrome, better known as IBS. Female patients are affected more frequently than men. Interestingly only a fraction of affected individuals 25-50% seek medical care for their symptoms. IBS symptoms come and go over time, often overlap with other conditions, and the symptoms impair quality of life. 

So, IBS is extremely common and most people suffer in silence or without understanding it. But can and should it be ignored?

Can IBS be a sign of something more significant? What about leaky gut?

The scientific body of evidence indicates that  IBS has a very complex pathogenesis. There is an undeniable link between IBS and modern western lifestyle and diet. The fast pace of life, the highly processed, rich in carbohydrates diet and lack of sleep are some of the major contributors. Most people don’t understand that there is a connection between IBS and leaky gut. 

Leaky gut, more formally known as intestinal lining hyperpermeability, is an imbalance between beneficial and harmful species of bacteria in the large intestines.  It occurs when the pores of the semi-permeable inner lining of the large intestinal wall become inflamed, causing the pores to enlarge.When this happens, substances that are normally blocked,not allowed to penetrate the barrier, gain access to the bloodstream. These include bacteria, fecal materials and toxins.

The symptoms of leaky gut, just like in IBS, can be diverse and varied. Even a person that might be living, by appearances, a healthy lifestyle, but be afflicted by reflux, change of bowel habits, constipation, bloating and not be aware that these symptoms may indicate some form of leaky gut. The prevalence of this condition is surprisingly high. 

The inflammation and digestive disturbances associated with IBS can damage over a period of time the intestinal lining, which on the other hand compromises the digestive process, the absorption of nutrients. This causes a confusing  “chicken and egg” situation where it’s hard to tell where the problem started: is it IBS or a leaky gut?

This in turn, makes it difficult to diagnose and treat the root cause of the problem.

So what can be done? 

Unfortunately, there is no gold standard treatment for leaky gut or IBS. Medical doctors are looking for answers but not completely agreeing on the way forward.

Functional medicine doctors advocate that the best way to get rid of leaky gut is with diet. Avoid eating foods that feed the bad bacteria in your gut! Replace bad foods with good foods! Inoculate, if needed, the colon with probiotic bacteria to general 80% good and 20% bad bacteria as a norm. Drink lots of water to help your liver to flush out the toxins.

You don’t know where to start? 

Why don’t you consider taking my free GUT HEALTH QUIZ! This will inform you of the current state of your gut and give you some guidance.