What does it mean to have Leaky Gut Syndrome? Is LGS a real diagnosis or just a name for the symptoms that you're experiencing. People with LGS main complain of painful or uncomfortable symptoms such as excessive gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, or pain. These symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Symptoms are chronic which is likely because the permeability of the intestinal walls changes and molecules that should stay in the digestive tract leak into other tissues and areas.

When you first see your doctor and explain your symptoms they may tell you that you have leaky gut syndrome, but this is not a diagnosis. This simply covers the effects that you are having and will not help treat the actual condition that is making the changes occur in the bowel. Often this may be caused by a sensitivity or intolerance to certain substances or food types, but that is not always the case.

Some doctors think that diet or lifestyle plays a factor. Stress levels are known to impair the immune system and to cause physical changes to the body. Stress can be managed through exercise or meditation and can cause the symptoms of LGS if this is not done. Some cases can also be blamed on a diet that lacks essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy bowels.

If you have some or all of the problems associated with permeability changes in the intestines the first step is to make an appointment with your medical care provider. Explain what is going on and make sure that they listen carefully and pay attention. A shortage of physicians has caused many to try and rush through each appointment without actually giving the patient their undivided attention. This has caused many to be overlooked or ignored, and their symptoms may not be properly diagnosed or investigated.

You will need to find the root of the problem in order to be able to fix it and get some relief. If you don't get a definitive diagnosis, you could end up in a lot of pain and or uncomfortable about leaving the house because of concerns of restroom access. Keep track of your symptoms and track everything that you eat each day to see if you can find a relation between your symptoms and certain foods or ingredients. Doing this will help your doctor find the cause and get you feeling better faster.