Leaky Gut Specialist
-
- Tweet
ML Gastroenterology
Maria Lufrano, DO
Gastroenterology located in Bronxville, NY
Your gastrointestinal tract acts as a barrier, protecting the rest of your body from the microbes and toxins that travel through your digestive system. However, when there’s a break or weakened area in the intestinal barrier, these toxins may leak into the gut, causing abdominal pain and bloating. At ML Gastroenterology in Bronxville, New York, Maria Lufrano, DO, takes a conservative and integrative approach to care and specializes in diagnosing and treating leaky gut. To find out more about leaky gut, schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.
Leaky Gut Q & A
What is a leaky gut?
A leaky gut, sometimes called increased intestinal permeability, means the lining of your gut is unhealthy. Your intestinal tract digests, metabolizes, and absorbs the nutrients from the food you eat.
When healthy, the lining of your intestinal tract forms a tight barrier between your gut and body, controlling what gets absorbed and what stays behind.
With a leaky gut, you have cracks or holes in the lining of your intestine, which allows toxins and bacteria to leak into the tissue underneath. These toxins and bacteria cause inflammation that may disrupt normal gut function and cause digestive and health problems.
What causes a leaky gut?
Researchers are still investigating what causes someone to develop a leaky gut. Though genetics may play a role, diet and lifestyle may be major factors in the development of a leaky gut.
Not getting enough fiber in your diet may trigger inflammation that affects the tight barrier in your gastrointestinal tract. Alcohol and stress may worsen the inflammation.
Some gastrointestinal conditions also cause a leaky gut, such as celiac disease, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Crohn’s disease.
What can I expect during a leaky gut consultation?
You can expect a patient-centered exam when you visit ML Gastroenterology with concerns about abdominal pain and bloating.
The gastroenterologist takes an integrative approach to care and understands how frustrating it is to have these gastrointestinal symptoms and not know why.
During your consultation, the gastroenterologist reviews your symptoms, medical and family histories, usual diet, lifestyle habits, and stressors.
They perform a physical exam and may run tests to confirm or rule out other conditions that might explain your symptoms, such as bloodwork, allergy testing, or a stool test.
How is a leaky gut treated?
ML Gastroenterology takes a conservative approach to the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions like a leaky gut. Your treatment plan may focus on nutrition, encouraging you to eat foods that improve gut health and reduce inflammation, as well as nutritional supplements to restore balance.
ML Gastroenterology may also suggest tools to help you manage stress, such as regular exercise or meditation.
If a gastrointestinal condition is causing your leaky gut, your plan may include disease-specific treatments to ease symptoms.
Do you have chronic abdominal pain and bloating? Are you having a hard time getting the right diagnosis to explain your symptoms? Call ML Gastroenterology or schedule an appointment online today to get the answers you need.
