Leaky gut syndrome is the cause of most food allergies. It occurs when a gut becomes inflamed and lets large food proteins, toxins, bacteria, food additives, metals and other toxic substances straight into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the immune system is activated to create adverse symptoms.

Also, your liver and kidney detoxification process is impaired. A leaky gut allows for damage to the immune system and gastrointestinal tract, which leads to less resistance to viruses, parasites, harmful bacteria, toxic food constituents, metals and yeast.

A digestive system suffering from leaky gut syndrome has an impaired lining that does not absorb the nutrients properly. Bloating, gas and cramps occur, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This is thought to occur because of damage to the carrier proteins that are needed for transport of specific minerals.

An example of this is the magnesium deficiency that is seen in most fibromyalgia patients. This can also occur with zinc deficiency, which has been observed to affect hair loss and macular degeneration. Eventually, symptoms of fatigue, memory loss, poor concentration, headaches or irritability develop.

Here are some other links to leaky gut syndrome:

• Refined sugars and other carbohydrates such as candy, cookies, sodas, white bread and processed foods.
• Alcohol and caffeine drinks such as diet and regular sodas, chocolate, coffee and cocoa. All of these irritate the gut wall.
• Chemicals found in processed and fermented foods (preservatives and dyes), wine, vinegar, tofu, soy sauce, etc.
• Foods contaminated by parasites such as pork, and certain kinds of freshwater and hatchery fish.
• Antibiotic use. This causes an overgrowth of yeast and subsequently harmful bacteria in the gut.
• Contaminated foods, E. Coli and other bacteria, usually due to poor food handling and processing.
• Beef and chicken that have been given antibiotics and hormones.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen.

In order to reduce your risk of leaky gut syndrome, not only should you avoid the above list, but you should try to eliminate yeast and harmful bacteria in the digestive tract by using digestive enzymes at the end of each meal. You should find a quality probiotic supplement (acidophilus/bifidus/Lactobacillus sporogenes) to take between meals for two months while improving your diet as just mentioned. Gluten-containing grains, especially barley, wheat, oats and rye can also help your diet.

You should also exercise at least 30 minutes a day, drink lots of pure water, increase essential omega-3 fatty acid consumption and add B vitamins to your diet through food and supplementation.