SELF-DIAGNOSIS, LEAKY GUT

At 25, my ophthalmologist told me I would have difficulty wearing contact lenses because of dry eyes. I have since learned that dry eyes may result from slow lymph flow and underlying digestive issues.

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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 look and feel like small cysts (an inflammatory skin condition).  Acne is an indication of digestive issues and 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, my dentist diagnosed the early stages of periodontal disease. Harmful bacteria from gingivitis can be swallowed and disrupt gut balance. Healthy gut bacteria might have prevented periodontal disease, but the disease itself could also have worsened an existing imbalance in the microbiome.

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At 34, I developed chronic yeast infections. Initially, I used over-the-counter treatments such as Monistat, and later incorporated supplements like Caprylic acid. Candida, a fungus that aids digestion and nutrient absorption, can cause leaky gut when it overgrows by breaking down intestinal walls, entering the bloodstream, and releasing toxic byproducts. (2) 

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At 38, I began taking Paxil for depression. I have since learned that depression can be linked to poor gut health. Due to side effects, I discontinued Paxil after six months, but continued to experience depressive episodes.  (3) Around this time, an ophthalmologist noted that the inside of my eyelids appeared dirty. In retrospect, I believe this was caused by toxins leaking from my digestive tract.

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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 causes. Click here to read about my discovery of the iodine crisis in the US. (4)

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A few years earlier, a naturopathic doctor noted that I appeared to be vitamin B-deficient, citing enlarged facial pores and an engorged tongue. Vitamin B deficiency is another sign of malabsorption. (5)

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At 54, my doctor discovered a tumor in my left breast during my annual well-woman exam.  Click here to read how I healed my leaky gut.

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Disclaimer: 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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