Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome in Iowa City IA

Play Video

Leaky Gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition at the heart of many chronic illnesses, often misunderstood and overlooked in mainstream healthcare. Our understanding of this condition is discussed in Chapter 8 of Dr. Ryan Bowman's bestselling book, “Optimized Healing: Common Sense Solutions to Restore Brain & Body”. To learn more, contact our Iowa City IA chiropractor today.


What is Leaky Gut?

Leaky Gut Syndrome manifests in the small intestine where disruptions occur in the lining's tight junctions, which you can envision as a "screen door." Normally, these junctions prevent undigested proteins, pathogens, and toxins from entering the bloodstream, much like a screen door keeps bugs out while letting air pass through. When these junctions fail, it leads to systemic inflammation, affecting body systems differently depending on the individual's weakest links.


Symptoms of Leaky Gut In Iowa City IA

The symptoms of Leaky Gut can vary widely, often appearing in:

  • The Body: Joint pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and neuropathy.
  • The Brain: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and cognitive issues such as problems with focus attention, and concentration.
  • The Gut: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food sensitivities, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

These symptoms can be the initial indicators of more severe long-term issues if left untreated, including major neurodegenerative conditions like Neuropathy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson's, as well as severe digestive disorders.


Causes of Leaky Gut

There are MANY causes of Leaky Gut. Here are 4 of the most common:

  1. Prior Head Trauma: Just because you have never been diagnosed with a concussion does not mean you have not had a bump to your head significant enough to lead to Leaky Gut. Brain trauma, even when mild, can disrupt brain and gut function allowing the tight junctions in your “screen door” to open up.
  2. Glucose Dysregulation: High blood sugar leads to widespread inflammation including the lining of your gut.
  3. Food Sensitivity: Gluten sensitivity is the most common food sensitivity leading to gut inflammation and Leaky Gut. However, any food can trigger leaky gut. Proper testing is required to identify most food sensitivities. Symptoms are generally not a good guide.
  4. Chronic Stress: prolonged chronic stress or severe acute stress can weaken the brain - gut connection allowing the junctions in your “screen door” to open up.

Healing Leaky Gut

Healing Leaky Gut requires dedication to lifestyle changes:

  • Diet Adjustments: Eliminate processed foods, dairy, gluten, corn, and soy unless you have specialized testing showing which foods are safe for you. Increase intake of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
  • Probiotics and Fermented Foods: Incorporate these into your daily diet to aid digestion and restore gut flora.
  • Comprehensive Detox Programs: Detoxification is one the best ways to decrease the amount of inflammation in your gut that is already present.

Why Choose Us?

At the Bowman Clinic, we offer a holistic and integrative approach tailored to your health needs that respects the intimate connection between your overall health and the health of your gut. Our clinic not only aims to alleviate symptoms but also addresses the underlying causes of health issues to restore overall wellness.


Schedule a Consultation

If you suspect you might be suffering from Leaky Gut Syndrome or if you are experiencing any gut-related symptoms, contact us today. Begin your journey to better health with a consultation at our clinic.

Monday
9:00am - 6:00pm


Tuesday
9:00am - 5:00pm


Wednesday
9:00am - 6:00pm


Thursday
9:00am - 5:00pm


Friday
Closed


Saturday & Sunday
Closed

Bowman Chiropractic Associates, PC of Iowa City

2501 N Dodge St
Iowa City, IA 52245

(319) 354-2468