I want to start with the concept of Leaky Gut (or intestinal hyperpermeability), because most women with Endometriosis have it, often without realising it..
In a normal, healthy, gut the lining provides a barrier between the gut and the bloodstream. Only fully digested food, once it’s broken down into the smallest molecules, will be able to pass from the gut, through the gut wall, into the bloodstream to be transported to where it’s needed.
A leaky gut has a damaged gut lining – with cracks or holes that allow undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to get through and into the bloodstream. Now because undigested food particles, toxins and bacteria are not meant to be in the blood stream, the body reacts to this quite strongly, in a way that affects your endometriosis directly. I’ll go into how exactly in the next post.
We know that women with Endometriosis have a damaged gut lining and leaky gut as a result of the combination of a genetic disposition (a vulnerability you are born with) and your microbiome.
You may not be aware of it, but if you have any of the following symptoms, it is very likely that you do have leaky gut:
- Chronic diarrhoea, constipation, gas or bloating.
- Headaches, brain fog, memory loss.
- Excessive fatigue.
- Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea.
- Cravings for sugar or carbs.
- Arthritis or joint pain.
- Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, coeliac disease or Crohn's
The cause of leaky gut is usually an intolerance reaction to food, in particular gluten (from wheat) and dairy. This sensitivity reaction causes inflammation, which in turn worsens the leaky gut – a vicious cycle.
If you want to learn more about how Leaky Gut affects your Endometriosis, and how your current diet may be contributing, join me on Friday 4 March, 12:30-1:30pm AEDT for a free workshop: 'How to work out if what you EAT is making your Endometriosis symptoms WORSE.