Does Leaky Gut Cause Weight Gain? A Personal Journey with Stage IV Endometriosis
Hey loves! If you’re on a health journey like me, you might have wondered: Does leaky gut cause weight gain? And, you know I had to share what I found!
As a mother living with Stage IV Endometriosis, weight fluctuations have been a part of my journey, and I’ve learned that gut health plays a major role in how we feel—and look—day-to-day. Let’s dive into leaky gut, its connection to weight gain, and how managing this condition can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the gut lining becomes damaged, allowing harmful substances like toxins and undigested food particles to pass into the bloodstream. This can lead to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and various health issues—one of which is unexplained weight gain.
Personal Experience with Leaky Gut and Weight Fluctuations
For me, I always knew there was some imbalance in my gut causing my infamous “endo belly.” Even when I was at my skinniest, my stomach would bloat up, especially when dealing with stress, eating fried foods, or not having any greens or whole foods for a while. After having my son and finishing breastfeeding, controlling my weight became even harder. It felt like no matter what I did, the weight just wouldn’t come off, even though I had already found ways to manage my endometriosis pain.
What Causes Leaky Gut and How Does it Affect Weight?
Carbs, fried foods, alcohol, processed foods, and white sugar have been some of my biggest triggers, leading to inflammation and gut issues. When your gut lining is damaged, the inflammation can disrupt the hormones that regulate weight—such as insulin and leptin—making it harder to shed those extra pounds. Additionally, leaky gut can impair nutrient absorption, which means your body isn’t getting what it needs, even if you’re eating all the right foods.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut:
- Chronic fatigue
- Bloating and gas
- Food sensitivities
- Skin issues (like hormonal acne)
- Joint pain
Personally, I experienced all of these. Tackling leaky gut, bloating, and hormonal acne at the same time was no easy task. I also noticed I became sensitive to foods that promote inflammation.
Does Leaky Gut Cause Weight Gain?
The Connection Between Leaky Gut and Weight Gain
Research shows that the inflammatory response caused by leaky gut can lead to weight gain by disrupting your body’s ability to regulate metabolism. A study published in the Frontiers in Immunology highlights that gut permeability is linked to metabolic disorders, including obesity. That’s why focusing on gut health can be a game-changer in managing your weight.
How I Managed Leaky Gut and Improved My Weight
Diet has been a huge part of my healing. An anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean diet was key for reducing inflammation and addressing gut health. I also took time to do an elimination diet to give my gut a break and better understand how different foods were affecting me. This really helped me isolate foods that were triggers, and it gave me a clear path forward.
Additionally, I had to treat my gut healing like it was a prescription from my doctor. I made it a priority to work on my diet and exercise routine every single day. It wasn’t easy, but I got my family on board to help support me.
Supplements That Helped My Gut Health and Weight Management
On my journey, I found that certain supplements were incredibly helpful. For me, L-Glutamine and Amino Acids were essential in rebuilding my gut lining and restoring a healthy microbiome. They helped me heal from the inside out, reducing bloating and improving digestion.
Steps to Heal Leaky Gut and Manage Weight Gain
If you’re dealing with leaky gut and weight gain, here are some practical steps that have helped me:
- Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil.
- Stay Consistent with Supplements: L-glutamine, sea moss, and chlorophyll can support gut healing.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Eliminate processed foods, sugars, and potential allergens like gluten and dairy.
- Monitor Flare-Ups: Keep a symptom journal to identify food triggers and adjust your diet accordingly.
- Stay Active: Low cortisol workouts like walking or yoga help reduce stress and inflammation.
- Manage Stress: Stress has a significant impact on gut health, so I prioritize self-care routines like breathing exercises and daily affirmations.
Personal Results from Managing Leaky Gut
Since changing my diet, using L-glutamine, and incorporating stress management techniques, I’ve seen improvements in both my weight and overall well-being. I now prioritize self-care, low-cortisol workouts at least 5 times a week, which has helped me stay consistent in managing my weight and gut health.
Advice for Other Women Struggling with Leaky Gut and Weight Gain
First off, you can do this! It may take time, but take a step every day toward improving your diet, lowering stress, finding fun workouts, and taking the vitamins and supplements your body needs. For me, it was exciting to discover new healthy recipes and explore new healthy restaurants. I challenged myself to hit 10,000 steps a day, and breathing exercises combined with affirmations kept me motivated.
Take control of your journey, and remember: progress is progress, no matter how small the steps!
Want to Learn More About Gut Health and Managing Weight?
Explore these related articles for more tips and resources on gut health and weight management:
- How to Heal Leaky Gut: A Comprehensive Guide
- Managing Inflammation with a Mediterranean Diet
- 5 Best Teas for Bowel Movements
- 4 Top Benefits of Collagen for Women’s Health
- White Peony Tea Health Benefits for Inflammation
- Ultimate Tea Tree Oil Diffuser Recipe
Taking care of your gut health is essential for managing weight and improving your overall quality of life. Remember, every step counts, and by making small daily changes, you can heal your gut and feel your best. Always consult with healthcare providers before making significant changes, especially if you’re managing conditions like endometriosis. Let’s keep pushing forward on this journey together!
hello!
It’s Kyla
Hi Healthy Fam!
Living healthy my way is my thing, and Pink Proverb is my place for health and wellness. Focusing on being proactive about health, and living and creating a self-care lifestyle that allows me to be my best self!
I am taking you a long for the ride, and I hope it inspires you to do the same.
I am a Stage IV Endometriosis mom, working hard to stay pain-free. This is my sacred place of inspiration, journaling the things that have helped me along the way.
For more, check out Healthy Kyla on Youtube!
