SELF-DIAGNOSIS, LEAKY GUT
As I reflected on what I perceived as minor health anomalies throughout my life and continued to educate myself I concluded that I had been suffering from a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome since my teens. Following is an outline of the symptoms I experienced that drew me to conclude I had leaky gut syndrome:
At 25 years old, I was told by my ophthalmologist that I would have difficulty wearing contact lenses because I had dry eyes. I have read that dry eyes are a symptom of slow lymph flow; digestive issues cause slow lymph flow.
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At 27, I had a major breakout of milia all over my face along with boil-type eruptions on my collar bones; one I had to have surgically removed. Milia looks and feels like little cysts (an inflammatory skin condition). Acne is an indication of digestive issues; malabsorption. Malabsorption occurs when something prevents the intestines from absorbing essential nutrients and fluids, including proteins, fats, and vitamins. Malabsorption is a sign of intestinal damage; leaky gut. (1)
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At 29, the dentist told me I had the beginning stages of periodontal disease. Destructive bacteria from gingivitis can be swallowed and carried to the gut, causing an imbalance. It's a chicken and egg scenario. If there were healthy gut bacteria, it might have warded off periodontal disease. However, the periodontal disease could have contributed to an already unhealthy microbiome.
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When I was 34, I developed chronic yeast infections. At first, I treated the symptoms with over-the-counter creams like Monistat as I got wiser, with supplements like Caprylic acid. Candida is a fungus – its job is to aid with digestion and nutrient absorption, but when there is an overproduction, it breaks down the intestine walls, penetrates the bloodstream, and releases toxic byproducts into the body; causing leaky gut. (2)
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At 38, I was on Paxil for depression – I have since learned depression is a symptom of poor gut health. Because of the side effects of Paxil, I stopped taking it after six months, then continued to go through bouts of depression and just dealt with it. (3) It was also about this time; I had an eye exam, and the ophthalmologist told me the inside of my eyelids was dirty. Reflecting on this now, I realize it was because of the toxins leaking from my digestive tract.
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When I was approximately 45, the esthetician told me my skin was extremely congested during a facial. I went home and squeezed the area around my nose, and the amount of white substance that came out was startling. At the time, it just made me feel dirty. Now, I realize it was the toxins leaking from my gut, and the path those toxins found were through my skin.
At 49, an annual blood test showed I had hypothyroidism. So I started taking a supplement called Nature Throid. Through research to treat hypothyroidism, I read that digestive issues and iodine deficiency are the leading cause. Click here to read about my discovery about the iodine crisis in the US. (4)
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A few years earlier, I was told by a naturopathic doctor that I appeared to be vitamin B deficient. I asked why – the pores on my face were big, and my tongue was engorged. Vitamin B deficiency is another indication of malabsorption. (5)
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During my annual well-woman exam at 54, my doctor discovered a tumor in my left breast. Click here to read how I healed my leaky gut.
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences. Therefore, nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice, and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. A Hidden Wholeness is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Click here to read my full disclaimer.
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Cite References:
1) Kerr, Michael, Malabsorption Syndrome, updated on March 7, 2019; Accessed June 23, 2021
2) Taylor, Marygrace, 7 Signs you Might have Candida Overgrowth, updated January 31, 2020; Accessed on June 23, 2021
3) Limbana, Therese, Khan, Farah, Eskander, Noha, Gut Microbiome and Depression: How Microbes Affect the Way We Think, Published online 2020 Aug 23 doi: 10.7759/cureus.9966; Accessed June 23, 2021
4) Knezevic, Jovana, Starchl, Christina, Tmava Berisha, Adelina, and Amrein, Karin, Thyroid-gut-axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function? Published online 2020 Jun 12. doi: 10.3390/nu12061769, Accessed June 23, 2021
5) Higdon, Jane, Ph.D., Linus Pauling Institute – Micronutrient Information Center – Vitamin B12, written in 2020; Accessed June 23, 2021
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