By David DeHass
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September 4, 2025
"All disease begins in the gut." – Hippocrates If you struggle with chronic symptoms, there’s a high probability that “Leaky Gut” is at the root of your issues. Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Anemia Asthma or seasonal allergies Bloating Canker sores (mouth ulcers) Chronic joint pain Candida overgrowth Autoimmune conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto’s, Lupus, Psoriasis, or Celiac disease Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia Digestive issues (gas, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, IBS) Epilepsy Food allergies or intolerances Hormonal imbalances (PMS, PCOS) Lactose intolerance Migraines Depression or anxiety Gallbladder issues Gastric ulcers Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis herpetiformis) Thyroid disorders (hypo- and hyperthyroidism) Ulcerative colitis Vitamin/mineral deficiencies Unexplained weight gain or weight loss Instead of chasing symptoms, it’s time to address the root cause. What is Leaky Gut? Your intestinal tract is massive—about the size of a tennis court when stretched out! Its surface is lined with villi, tiny finger-like projections that look like “shag carpet.” In a healthy gut, these villi have tight junctions that allow vitamins and minerals to be absorbed into the bloodstream for cellular repair. But poor diet, stress, and constipation can damage this lining. When old, undigested food sits in the gut for days—or even years—it causes tiny tears in the intestinal wall. Think of it like leaving food in your refrigerator for weeks. The stench and toxicity that builds up there? The same thing happens in your gut. When undigested food, toxins, and pathogens leak into the bloodstream, the immune system reacts with inflammation, leading to autoimmune responses and disease. Stress: The Hidden Culprit Stress is one of the biggest drivers of gut dysfunction. When you stuff emotions and carry worry in your gut, your nervous system automatically absorbs the impact. Combined with poor digestion, this toxic load causes the intestines to swell. The colon, which should be about three inches in diameter, can expand to as large as 16 inches! The average person carries 12–15 pounds of old, rotting fecal matter in their intestinal tract—sometimes for years. When neurons in the gut are covered in waste, nerve signals can’t fire properly. This leads to dysfunction everywhere those nerves connect: arms, joints, head, thyroid, skin, and more. In short: if you’re full of old poop, you’re going to feel it everywhere. Healing the Gut: A Multi-Step Approach At Living Waters, we’ve developed a proven process to help heal the gut. Here’s where to begin: Colon Hydrotherapy – Several sessions hydrate and dissolve old fecal matter. Consistent treatments strengthen the muscles of the colon and restore peristalsis (the natural squeezing action that moves waste out). Herbs, Fibers, and Clays – Your colon hydrotherapist may recommend natural supports to break down impacted matter. Correct Bathroom Posture – Modern toilets work against natural elimination. Use a small stool (like a “Step and Go”) to elevate your feet and mimic a squat position, allowing easier, more complete bowel movements. Add Fiber – Increase whole food fiber to feed healthy bacteria and support elimination. Restore the Microbiome – Especially important after antibiotics. Work with your therapist to rebalance gut flora at the right pace. Address Candida/Yeast Overgrowth – If you’ve had antibiotics, you may have symptoms like fatigue, carb cravings, itchy skin, or a coated tongue. Support Gut Repair – Bone broth, targeted supplements, and avoiding wheat, gluten, processed foods, and (at first) fermented foods are key. Reduce Stress – Yoga, breathwork, or pulsed frequency therapy like Ondamed can help reset the nervous system and accelerate healing. Take the First Step After working with thousands of clients, we agree with Hippocrates, Dr. Bernard Jensen, Dr. Harvey Kellogg, and many others: all true healing begins with the bowels . If you’re ready to stop chasing symptoms and start healing at the root, colon hydrotherapy is the most powerful place to begin. Call Living Waters Wellness Center at 208-378-9911