3. Food Sensitivities: An Immune System Overreaction
Food sensitivities are a frequent symptom of leaky gut syndrome, and they can develop as a result of the immune system’s response to foreign substances entering the bloodstream. When the gut lining is compromised, undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria can pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. The immune system, in turn, recognizes these foreign substances as invaders and mounts an inflammatory response.
Over time, this immune response can lead to the development of food sensitivities, as the body becomes more reactive to specific food proteins. Common food sensitivities associated with leaky gut include gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, and nuts. These sensitivities can cause a variety of symptoms, such as digestive problems, skin issues, joint pain, and fatigue, which can further exacerbate leaky gut symptoms.
To address food sensitivities related to leaky gut, it’s crucial to identify and eliminate the problematic foods from your diet. An elimination diet, where you remove potential food triggers for a set period and then reintroduce them one at a time, can help pinpoint the culprits. Once identified, avoiding these foods and focusing on a gut-healing diet can help reduce inflammation and restore gut integrity. (3)
