I’ve spoken to you all about the numerous stomach and digestive issues that I have had for years now, giving me all sorts of stomach problems and the issues I have had with my health in general, like living with M.E that I was diagnosed with when I was 14. I’ve never really had an answer to all my problems. The symptoms I have suffered over the years have gotten worse and worse, to the point now that I can’t eat most foods, I suffer if I do, and my skin is just looking terrible and I’m constantly tired.
After I found out about my food intolerance’s and the impact they are now having on my digestive system, because I was extremely intolerant to yeast, I thought I would finally test and see if I had Leaky Gut Syndrome (medically known as intestinal permeability) and see if I had a yeast overgrowth. I spoke with Verisana which is a lab in Germany, to see about doing a test (I wont go into the details as it’s a stool sample and nobody needs to know about that). I sent it off and within 2 weeks after it was cultured, I got my results to see my bacteria levels and gut flora, along with what issues might be going on.
I found out that the PH level of my digestive system is very alkaline, but I believe that’s to do with the antacid I have to take every morning because of the gastritis. I then found out that my levels of ecoli are extremely high when they shouldn’t be, which causes me a lot of gas and bloating even when the food isn’t. It’s not great having such high levels of bad bacteria like that. The worst part that I found out about was the extremely low amount of Secretory IgA in the gut mucosal immunology which means I have a very low, if not non existent, amount of mucus lining in my digestive system. It’s an immune protein that coats the intestinal lining, especially the mucosal surfaces and is supposed to protect us from the inside. It represents the first line of defense in the GI. Such low levels of this indicated that I have Leaky Gut Syndrome so my protection against undigested food and protein is minimal, meaning that food particles and toxins are leaking through small holes in my intestines and into my blood stream.
When I found out about this, my first reaction was to wonder if it was caused by a yeast overgrowth, but my candida levels are normal, so it wasn’t. There are many reasons why I have developed Leaky Gut Syndrome and since it started when I was about 13, I would say that a high amount of stress and a very poor diet when I was younger has contributed hugely to it. Chronic stress always damages the insides and I’ve been on a lot of antibiotics and medication since I was born, which also damaged my insides.
I was really shocked to think that I have small holes in my intestines and what I eat is leaking into my bloodstream which causes my body to inflame and go on attack mode, causing antibodies to things. I did often wonder if I had an autoimmune disorder,and this is very similar. This is the reason I have food intolerance’s that I never used to have, my body has made antibodies to it. It’s the reason I am always so tired as it’s constantly fighting off what it thinks is foreign toxins. It’s the reason I have really bad acne (I use Photoshop) because the toxins are coming out of my skin. It’s the reason I constantly have cystitis because the toxins are leaking into my bladder. It’s the reason I have nerve pain and inflamed skin a lot of the time which causes so much pain. It’s the reason for everything it would seem.
I am finally happy to have the answer to my problems, but it’s so daunting at the same time. The worst part is that Leaky Gut Syndrome isn’t a part of the NHS healthcare here so finding a practitioner who specialises in it has been very difficult. There’s a few in London, but I haven’t yet found any near me in Bath. If any of you do know of someone who deals with it in the South West, Bath area, please do let me know! I’ve taken to researching so much of it online and I’ve already started the supplements L-Glutamine, some strong Pro-Biotics, a Digestive Enzyme, and a few other things as they are all designed to repair and heal the digestive system from the inside out, but it’s going to take a very long time to repair because I’ve been sick for so long. I’m quite upset and disappointed that nobody told me about this before (doctors don’t have a clue about it) because it could have saved me years and years of mild torture. But I guess I was supposed to go down this path in order to reach the end goal. I just hope that I will get better, finally.
I spoke to two specialists at Verisana lab in Germany (Panras Ohanian and Sabine Bönecker) about the benefits of gut testing as well, which I have put in an interview just below for you so you can find out more about it all. They are just a lab that do the test though and don’t offer aftercare, so like I mentioned above, if you or anyone you know deals with it, please tell me. Have any of you suffered with Leaky Gut Syndrome? I know I have probably played my symptoms down dramatically though as I didn’t want to go into all of them, but if you do some research online about it, I literally had every single symptom, including the weight gain which I can’t shift no matter what. But anyway, check out the interview below. Lorna xx.
Lorna: How important is the glut flora to our overall health?
The gut flora is incredibly important to our overall health. Ultimately, 80% of the immune cells are located in the gut. In addition, the gut is an excretory organ (as well as our kidneys and skin), which ensures that all toxins are excreted from the body.
What impact can it have on our lives if our levels are imbalanced?
An imbalanced gut flora causes bad digestion. Imagine you eat normally, but are not using the toilet for five days. All of those poisons remain in your body. If digestion is interrupted for a long time, it can even lead to intestinal ulcers in extreme cases.
In addition, as already mentioned, the gut is a discharge organ. If the gut mucosa is damaged and the discharge through the gut is not working properly, the body is looking for another organ to get rid of the toxins, which is often the skin. This often manifests itself in the form of acne.
Leaky gut is something not many people know about, but it seems to be a big factor in health. Could you tell my readers more about leaky gut and what it does?
Different factors can cause a change of the gut flora and gut mucosa so that they become more permeable. This is what is called “leaky gut” (the “permeable gut”). When your gut mucosa is permeable, not only nutrients, but also toxins and metabolic products are able to penetrate through the damaged gut mucosa directly into the organism, where they can cause a variety of disorders: food intolerances and allergies, bloating, immunodeficiency, skin problems (especially around the mouth) and deficiencies, because nutrients are not absorbed correctly, so that deficiency symptoms can occur etc.
As my leaky gut syndrome is not caused by an overgrowth of yeast like most can be, what are the other causes?
It is difficult to identify a single cause. Most likely there are several factors that interact and lead to the syndrome. In general, everything that irritates or even destroys the gut mucosa can cause a leaky gut. That might be antibiotics or cortisone intake, pathogens, e.g. Fungi and viruses, an unbalanced diet (too much sugar, white carbohydrates, soft drinks), chemotherapy or heavy metals.
What other things do you test for at Verisana?
Verisana is a naturopathic laboratory specialized in the diagnosis of hormonal disorders, metabolic disorders and other holistic health problems. Therefore, Verisana offers for example hormonal saliva tests and gastrointestinal tests. All tests can be easily and conveniently taken from home.
Can almost all health complaints be related to the gut and an imbalance?
It’s difficult to generalize, but we know that the immune system is located in the gut and accordingly many complaints might have their origin in a damaged gut. Nevertheless, there can be many other causes, especially causes that interact.
Thank you!
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That is rather daunting, does this mean you are not suffering from ME after all this time or is this something else to add to your health problems. I sincerely hope not. I hope you can find help soon which would help you lead a normal life which you so much deserve. Take care Lorna.
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Thanks Norman. You know I’m not completely sure, but it all happened around the same time. When I was that age, a lot of bad stuff was going on and I was getting ill and pushing my body to its limit, as I was a kid full of energy, then I started developing the acne and the M.E at the same time, so it all went hand in hand. Leaky gut syndrome is one of the major causes of CFS/M.E and it’s also one of the main causes of acne and hormonal imbalance (I have hormonal issues too) so I’m wondering if it is all to do with my gut and the holes it has. I mean if it is, that would be amazing because I could fix it and potentially live a normal life, but I’m not sure, I always get scared to have hope because I’ve gone 14-15 years already being knocked back. I really appreciate your support though, thank you!
So sorry that you have to deal with this. Thanks for sharing your journey and I hope you can get help to heal. This post will definitely help others.
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
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Thank you so much, Kathrine!
I hope you can finally find treatment for this and get back to doing what you love with full health Lorna. You deserve it! ❤️
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Thank you, John!
Gosh, so sorry to hear about all of what you hav ehad to go through. I have a blogger pal with M.E., but now that you know about this leaky gut syndrome you have, hopefully you can be fully in recovery soon. Wish you the best. /Madison
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Thank you so much. Who is your friend with M.E.?
Thanks for being so open about your journey in finding out what your condition is, I know for sure with all you’ve shared in your symptoms and experience in searching for answers, you’ve helped narrow down some things and perhaps encouraged others who weren’t seeking treatment to look into their symptoms, too.
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
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Thank you so much, I really hope so!
I’ll be totally honest and admit that I have never even heard of this condition before reading this entry. It does sound like quite a shock – though maybe less so if you already had your suspicions. I hope that you can now move forward to getting the treatment that you require and set off on the pathway to recovery. However long it takes I know that you have the strength and determination required, Take care, Lorna. 🙂
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Thank you, Steven! I think it’s more of a newer, not so well known disease so that’s why it’s not widely known or on the NHS yet. Hopefully it will all get better 🙂
You’ve never heard of it because it’s utter nonsense being peddled by charlatans (for that matter, so is “Candida overgrowth”).
https://sciencebasedmedicine/leakybowel/
In the linked article, there’s actually a very interesting take on these things being a form of culture-bound syndrome. Food* for thought?
Sorry, but I live with chronic illness and disability myself, and seeing things like this being pushed onto a credulous public infuriates me.
“Needlessly gluten-free/non-GMO food, of course!
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I would have to politely disagree with this. Everyone has their own opinion, but after going through everything I have been through and doing tests, I certainly did have leaky gut syndrome. It doesn’t mean everything is leaking as such, but the wall of my digestive system was damaged and inflamed, which was causing issues with digesting food. I’ve been working on repairing it and one of those things was down to being gluten free as I’m quite intolerant to it, so being gluten free has helped hugely. Since I’ve rested and repaired my digestive system, I’m much better with my digestive issues, so my experience has been a very positive one. I spent a lot of time going through this and maybe the name itself doesn’t quite do the issue justice, but I’m standing by my article. Thank you for your input though.
I couldn’t possibly have replied to this comment with the grace and patience you’ve shown.
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That’s very kind of you, Travis, thank you!
Prayers and positive vibes being sent your way! I hope you get feeling better! Hang in there!
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Thank you!
There is an article here which seems pertinent:
http://garnetnews.com/2016/10/19/real-story-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/
This is the published study to which the article refers:
https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-016-0171-4
This an Australian viewpoint:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/mar/21/yet-more-research-shows-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-is-real-when-will-health-services-catch-up
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I’ve read the last link before, I remember it. But that 2nd link you sent over is really interesting, how ME patients have unbalanced gut flora. I can understand it because of the damage it does. I wonder whether or not it’s the gut floral that causes the ME or the ME that causes the unbalanced gut floral. It’s a very interesting concept.
I’m sorry to hear about your leaky gut syndrome, I happen to have ear problems, and I have to urgent care six times, including the doctors office three times. I have some ideas that i’ll email you sometimes.
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Thank you. I don’t have ear issues though so I’m not sure how helpful it would be, but it’s really kind of you.
So sorry to hear about this… sending you some positivity and I know you will get through this challenge.
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
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Thank you!
Great post dear!
http://iameleine.blogspot.com/
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Thanks!
I work in health care but it’s honestly the first time I’m hearing about this. Wishing you all the best!
http://www.jeannieinabottleblog.com
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Oh, hopefully it brings it to light a bit more!
My boyfriend actually suffers with a leaky gut as well dear. 🙁 I know that it sucks a lot. What remedies do you think has helped with your leaky gut issue? I hope you can share since I’d really love to share this information to my boyfriend.
BLOG | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM
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I wouldn’t know yet as I’ve only been on the supplements a week, so I can’t say for certain. I will do updates on it though so definitely check back with me to find out 🙂
that seems like a very serious disease, my dear…take care and I’m sure you’ll be ok
kisses
https://www.theitalianglam.com/
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Thank you, I hope it will get better too!
Your post serves an awareness and you give so much info about it, though so sorry it happened on you. But as you mentioned it’s a relief that you know fully of your condition. Wishing you the best, hope you can find a health good practitioner around your area. Tc.
http://www.busyandfab.com
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Thank you, I really hope it is able to bring more people together who might have it.
wow interesting…It’s great that you have some answers and you’re aware of some of the issues you been having. Thanks for sharing something so personal.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
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Thank you for all your continued support!
take care of you
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Thank you!
I’m so sorry to hear this hun xx you’re really going through the wars with everything lately. I hope you can fix this issue and you get better soon xx
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Thank you so much, I really appreciate that!
Lorna I’m sorry to know what you’ve been going through. It must be tough dealing with so many health setbacks. Until I heard your news, I hadn’t heard of Leaky Gut Syndrome before and wasn’t familiar with its symptoms. I just hope you’re able to find specialists in your local area that can devise a health plan with you. It’s a shame that the syndrome isn’t well understood and there is a lack of treatment for it. At least you’re doing lots of research and bringing the syndrome to the attention of others, who may have had similar problems which they didn’t understand.
I sincerely hope that the digestive problems can be repaired, so you can regain normal health and have a better quality of life. You truly deserve that. Please look after yourself and keep us posted on your journey, when you feel up to it.
Love Saba xx
http://www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com
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Thank you so much, Saba! I really hope it can help some people as well, there’s so much to learn, but I still haven’t managed to find anyone who could help me as of yet. We will see! Your support is always so wonderful!
Hi Lorna, I stumbled upon your blog as I was searching for gut health info. Just wanted to mention, if you have not heard this already, a good naturopath doctor can help you turn your leaky gut situation around. My doctor was referred by a friend who had turned hers around (and her thyroid disease). I have been following his advice for over 4 months so far and the results are amazing. I’m happier, have tons more energy, sleeping better, skin conditions subsiding and lost a little weight too (didn’t realize that leaky gut had caused my few stubborn extra pounds). Still working on the ultimate cause, but like your situation, it was not yeast. I had high gluten sensitivity, a pathogen, a parasite, and bad bacteria had over-taking the good. Please see if you can find a naturopath doctor in your area. As mentioned, traditional antibiotics may have caused some of the trouble in the first place, so that would not likely be your answer. Good luck!
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You sounds like me! My bad bacteria seemed to be overtaking the good, my weight wont shift, my skin is terrible. I have finally found a natural doctor in my area who treats leaky gut syndrome, and I’m hoping to see her next week! Fingers crossed!
So glad I found this post. Like you, I did the Verisana full gut biome lab test and just received my results. I’ve had severe stomach issues for two years and have had over 15 hospital tests done with doctor’s telling me “I’m fine” – Fine, yet lost 20 pounds, can barely eat, have weird food allergies all of a sudden and am in stomach pain daily, for two years! Also like you, my e coli levels on the test are super high, as well as clostridium levels, and like you, my Sec iGa are almost at zero (and my candida was normal). I’ve spent the past 24 hours researching which strains of probiotics work directly on e coli and clostridium and found some good info. I also grabbed some digestive enxymes and a product from Metagenics called Glutagenics (l-glutamine, aloe and licorice root). If there are any specific products you found that helped after you took the Verisana test, I would love to know! Also, did you follow up with a repeat test after you were on your cocktail of supplements? Thank you so much! Marisa
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Hi Marisa! So sorry to hear you’re going through it too. I actually found out going on from that that I had SIBO, you can see that blog post here https://fordlafemmes.com/2017/10/10/health-update-where-i-am-at-now/ as well as leaky gut, so you might want to look into that, since being treated I have been a lot better. My stomach is basically fine now, only flares up if I eat milk/cheese or gluten as I am probably life long intolerant to them now. If I stick to a diet without them and I keep taking my supplements, I’m all good! I also did a post here which lists my supplements https://fordlafemmes.com/2018/07/14/10-hypermobile-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-life-hacks/ the article itself is to do with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, but the supplements help! Let me know if you need more information and everything, I’m here xx.
Hi, how are you. I also did the Verisana gut biome test and they included the sigA test too and the result is: Inflammation and Permeability- sIgA 64 µg/g in a reference range of 100-1200 µg/g. How low was yours at its worse and was wondering if 64 is low but maybe not too bad. I suppose the range can change some too depending on diet. I have a lot of symptoms
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I think our test is different, my slgA is for Gut Mucousal Immunology and it’s 108 on a scale of 510 – 2040. Sorry I can’t be of more help!