The connection between adrenal fatigue and leaky gut is something we see all the time with our clients.The truth is, stress takes a toll on our body on all levels. Even though our digestive system is quite resilient and very efficient at handling stressors, the effect of chronic stress on our digestive system over time leaves a mark.
Do you notice that you suddenly are very sensitive and reacting to foods you used to eat regularly? Are you noticing more gastrointestinal discomfort after meals (bloating, cramping, gas, constipation or other IBS symptoms)?
This is SO so common for those suffering from adrenal fatigue and Leaky Gut could be to blame.
Some Signs and Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Food allergies or intolerance (especially if you notice these are increasing or getting worse)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)- gas, bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)- like Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis
Auto Immune Disease
Skin issues such as acne, eczema and psoriasis
Anxiety or depression
Seasonal allergies or asthma
Candida overgrowth (chronic yeast infections, athlete's foot, etc)
Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
The Link Between Adrenal Fatigue & Leaky Gut
The link between adrenal fatigue and leaky gut cannot be overlooked.
When the junctions that line our intestinal wall become loose (from exposure to chronic stress), and bacteria, viruses, undigested food particles and toxic waste products can leak from the inside of your intestines into your blood stream. This sets off an inflammatory immune cascade. These loose intestinal junctions and increased intestinal permeability is also known as "Leaky Gut".
Because your adrenals help your body adapt to all the different stressors it is exposed to, this "leak" implicates the adrenals every time it happens. At the same time, leaky gut can indicate that your body is not absorbing the nutrients you are consuming (via food and/or supplements) well. This means your adrenals (and the rest of the cells in your body) aren't receiving optimal nutrition. If you are trying to recover from adrenal fatigue, addressing this gut connection is imperative.
Leaky gut can be caused by chronic stress and adrenal fatigue and adrenal fatigue can be caused or made worse by leaky gut.
In order to recover from adrenal fatigue, your body needs to be able absorb and utilize the key nutrients it needs to function. It is very difficult to recover when your body is depleted because a depleted body is in a state of chronic stress.
Curious on what steps you can take to heal leaky gut and improve nutrition right now? Check out our post on how to improve your digestion with adrenal fatigue now.