What do stomach problems, fatigue, skin rashes and joint pain have in common? They’re all possible symptoms of leaky gut syndrome. But, there’s a catch: depending on who you ask, leaky gut is either a widespread health crisis or a marketer’s dream. Welcome to the wellness world’s latest conundrum. It wasn’t that long ago that any mention of gut issues in polite conversation would elicit a TMI warning; now we’re only too happy to talk sh*t over a glass of kombucha. You’ve probably heard your bestie mention leaky gut or seen a blogger talk about it on Instagram, while its long list of symptoms makes it sound like it could be the culprit behind any number of health niggles. Only, your GP has probably never heard of it.
So, is leaky gut even a thing? “It is a very real phenomenon,” confirms professor Terry Bolin, a gastroenterologist. In medical terms, though, it has a far less catchy name: increased intestinal permeability.
Quick biology lesson: the lining of the gut is made up of cells that are bound together tightly. In a healthy body, this lining is designed to allow only water and nutrients into the bloodstream. But, if the tight junctions of the gut loosen, larger food particles and bacteria can leak (hence the name) through and float around where they don’t belong, causing problems from inflammation to, in severe cases, malnutrition.
Tummy Talk
Where health practitioners begin to butt heads is over what causes the problem, how it presents and who has it. According to Bolin, who’s been researching increased intestinal permeability for about 20 years, it’s not well known in the wider medical community, which is why the term “leaky gut” might raise your doctor’s eyebrows.
Esta historia es de la edición June 2020 de Women's Health South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 2020 de Women's Health South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Irreconcilable Differences?
You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.
Hot And Bothered
Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.
Self-esteem under the microscope
The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.
the reset
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER
Mind Over Muscle
Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.
How To Be Decisive
You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.
Build A Strong Base
You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.
