b'inflammaTory BoWel DiSeaSe (iBD)actually encompasses two conditions: Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. Both can result in abdominal pain and diarrhea. Some people may also experience anemia, rectal bleeding, weight loss, or other symptoms. Both disorders may arise from a wayward immune system that leads the body to attack the gastrointestinal tract. Crohns involves ulcers that burrow deep into the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to infection, a thickening of the intestinal wall, and blockages that may require surgery. Ulcerative colitis, by contrast, afflicts only the colon and rectum, where it also causes ulcers.irriTaBle BoWel SynDrome (iBS)affects approximately 20 percent of all Americans. Symptoms can include constipation or diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bowel urgency, gas, and bloating. While the actual cause of IBS is not known, there are certain factors that have been identified, including abnormal contractions of the intestine, problems with the nervous system signals that regulate digestion, intestinal inflammation, and an imbalance of the gut microflora. Symptoms can be triggered by stress, hormones, and certain foods, such as dairy, wheat, chocolate, alcohol, dietary fats, corn, and vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.The lowdown on leaky GutYour large intestine is naturally permeable. This allows small molecules containing vital nutrients to pass through the intestinal wall where they are picked up by the bloodstream. Because the cells in the intestinal lining form tight junctions that regulate this permeability, harmful compounds cant traverse the intestinal barrier. But a number of factors can irritate and inflame the lining. The most common culprits include gluten, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, toxins, and stress. When the tight junctions break apart, the digestive barrier loses its selectivity and allows bacteria, toxins, and undigested food to leak into the bloodstream. Once this occurs, your immune system targets these foreign invaders and may trigger fatigue, digestive issues, or other symptoms. Reducing inflammation, supporting healthy cell development, and enhancing tight junctions in the intestine with a healthy, whole-foods diet and smart supplementation is crucial for anyone with leaky gut syndrome. 6the G o od Gut'