Leaky Gut Syndrome

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Do you also suffer from any of the other leaky gut symptoms? You might be surprised to find how closely the two are related.

Maybe you are like me. I never had allergies of any kind growing up. Come to think of it, I don’t remember anyone having them. But today, it seems like allergies plague almost everyone. You might think this is just a coincidence but I have to tell you that it is not.

It wasn’t until I had developed leaky gut that I even started to notice the development of seasonal allergies. I would get a cough, runny nose, and watery eyes during the change of seasons. I never thought to question why because these symptoms were so common that they were generally accepted as no big deal. And symptoms that aren’t considered a major health risk tend to get swept under the rug. But for me, things only went downhill from there. I started experiencing digestive problems along with skin problems like eczema. I had no idea that this was all related to my gut and it wasn’t until I addressed the underlying problem that the reality of it really hit home. As soon I healed my gut, my allergies immediately disappeared and I haven’t dealt with them since.

The Leaky Gut Seasonal Allergy Link

When you suffer from increased intestinal permeability, undigested food particles, pathogens, toxins, and other harmful substances are able to actually pass through your intestinal lining and directly enter the bloodstream. All of these substances are considered foreign invaders to the body which prompts your immune system to respond and combat the invaders. The big problem with this is that it is occurring continuously day and night without end.

Initially, your immune system does its job and fights off the foreign invaders. But after battling for a long time without rest, it quickly becomes overstressed and overactive. It is this over-activity of the immune system that prompts it to erratically react to anything it comes into contact with. This includes all of the pollen, mold, and other allergens that are always in the air. It is because your immune system is too busy defending you from your own leaky gut that it doesn’t have the time or ability to properly deal with these allergens. So you are left with seasonal allergies by reacting to any foreign airborne particles that you come into contact with.

All of these common airborne allergens have always existed and will always exist. So the days of blaming these allergens as the problem are over. It has little to nothing to do with them and everything to do with your gut health.

Seasonal allergies may not be a life threatening symptom but they are definitely trying to get your attention for a reason. They are really a way of your body telling you that something is not quite right. It’s time to start listening to these signs and use them to paint the bigger picture of your health. If you continue to ignore them or mask them with the use of allergy medications then your body will find another way to get your attention. And the next time it does, it will be with more extreme symptoms that won’t be as easy to dismiss. Do yourself a favor and get to the root of the problem by addressing your leaky gut.

In health and happiness,

Karen Brimeyer
Author of the Leaky Gut Cure

Happy day after Halloween!

I hope you had fun last night whether you were out trick-or-treating or home handing out candy. I spent my night out with my family and my 2 year old son going door to door collecting leaky gut promoting high fructose corn syrup ridden candy. That Halloween candy is worse for your health than you probably thought.

Yes, I am quite the health nut but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want my son to enjoy on all the fun holidays or festivities. So last night I wanted to keep my little “organic free-range chicken” up to par with organic standards which isn’t easy on a night where all regards for health are tossed out the window.

But as you can see, I also couldn’t resist dressing him up in an adorable costume and taking pictures to use as blackmail for a little later in life.

Of course my little chick wanted candy of his own just like all the other kids but I came prepared. To avoid all that high fructose corn syrup, I emptied some wrappers from some of the more popular candies and filled them with more health healthy candy alternatives like organic macaroons and dates which contain only all natural ingredients. When he wanted a piece of candy, I made sure he got one of my special treats. The best part was he never knew the difference.

Whatever you did last night is in the past (including eating all that Halloween candy!). Do yourself, your kids, and your leaky gut a favor and toss out whatever Halloween candy you might have left and replace it with a healthier alternative like I mentioned above. Halloween or not, you should cut all processed candy out of your diet.

6 Reasons Why You and Your Leaky Gut Should Stay Away From High Fructose Corn Syrup

1. It travels straight to the liver where it is metabolized directly into fat. In fact it converts to fat more than any other sugar.

2. A recent study found evidence that it contributes to the development of diabetes.

3. It causes you to eat more, consume more calories, and gain weight because it does not stimulate production of the hormone leptin which works to regulate your appetite and signal to your brain that you are full.

4. It is highly processed and contains no enzymes, vitamins, or minerals. Instead it strips your body of these much needed micro-nutrients.

5. The fructose in high fructose corn syrup is not the same as fructose in fruit. It is chemically altered and the body doesn’t even recognize it as a food. Also, it is almost always made out of genetically modified corn.

6. It has been shown to increase osteoporosis, tooth decay, anemia, osteoarthritis, and many other leaky gut symptoms.

Do yourself a favor and ditch the Halloween candy filled with high fructose corn syrup. There are tons of healthier alternatives that will leave you more satisfied and healthier in the long run.

In health and happiness,

Karen Brimeyer
Author of the Leaky Gut Cure