You know the old saying, “you are what you eat”.

The crazy thing is that it’s actually true.

The state of your gut, which is largely determined by what you put into it, can affect your health in a number of surprising ways.

Our gastrointestinal (GI) system forms the core of our bodies, and our general well-being relates directly to our nutritional status. In fact, 70% of our immune system is based in the gut.

One of the causes of poor health could be something called “leaky gut” – and yes, it’s as worrying as it sounds.

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to “leak” through the intestinal wall into your bloodstream.

A leaky gut can be caused by a few things, from antibiotics that destroy beneficial bacteria necessary for our immune system, to food allergies to poor eating habits.

The following infographic maps the key causes of an unhealthy gut:

Toxins in the bloodstream could produce a number of symptoms including mood changes, depression, anxiety, acne, rosacea, eczema, achy joints, frequent colds, constipation or diarrhoea and often irritable bowel syndrome.

Changing your diet can go a long way towards improving overall health, and the following foods assist in repairing a leaky gut:

• Foods rich in glutamine like broccoli and Brussels sprouts – you should also ask your health practitioner about supplements.
• Foods rich in quercetin like onions and apples.
• Fermented foods like pickles sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi.
• Traditional spices like turmeric.

Experts will tell you that self-diagnosis is not recommended, so always consult a medical practitioner.

You can make an appointment with a Health Renewal doctor to chat about your GI health, and whether or not it might be impacting other areas of your body like your skin.

Health Renewal, at the Renewal Institute, also offer a number of treatments that can help to take care of some of the cosmetic effects of poor gut health, which will help you on your path to looking and feeling better. These include a variety of laser treatments to get your skin back to its old glowing, youthful self.

Your Health Renewal doctor will also be able to recommend the lifestyle changes necessary to become a happier, healthier you.