Poor diet one suspected cause of leaky gut syndrome

Dear Doctors: I went to urgent care with bad stomach cramps, and the doctor there talked about something called “leaky gut.” But when I asked my own doctor about it, he said it’s not really a thing. What do you know about leaky gut?Dear Reader: Your doctor may have been referring to the fact that leaky gut is more of an umbrella term than a specific diagnosis. In fact, it’s commonly known as leaky gut syndrome. When something is characterized as a syndrome, it means that certain symptoms, when taken together, indicate that something is medically amiss. In the case of leaky gut syndrome, the cluster of symptoms centers on digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea. There is also evidence of a link between leaky gut syndrome and mood imbalances, as well as a range of immune system disturbances.Although the idea of a leaky gut has gained ground in recent years, the how and why remain a mystery. The syndrome is also the subject of an ongoing -- and quite spirited -...