A dairy intolerance often starts with a condition called “Leaky Gut.”  Leaky Gut is a condition of the intestinal lining that is the result of damage to the intestinal lining.  It causes increased gastrointestinal permeability, which makes it less able to protect the internal environment as well as to filter needed nutrients and other biological substances. Inversely, some bacteria and their toxins, incompletely digested proteins and fats, and waste not normally absorbed may “leak” out of the intestines into the blood stream.  YIKES!

The causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome range from chronic inflammation to damage from taking large amounts of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to cytotoxic drugs and radiation or certain antibiotics to excessive alcohol consumption to compromised immunity.

Leaky Gut Syndrome is also thought to be caused by eating foods we are intolerant to but the Food Intolerance / Leaky Gut connection is kinda like asking the question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”  We know that when we heal the leaky gut, we often cure the food intolerance.  But did the food intolerance cause the leaky gut to start?  We don’t know but, what we do know is that if you eliminate foods you are intolerant to, the leaky gut often heals as well and many can reintroduce those foods in moderation into their diet down the road.  That is said with much caution though because if there is a food you are intolerant to, such as dairy, it is really best to avoid that food indefinitely so as to not re-damage the gut again.