The Leaky Gut Syndrome explained …
Digestive problems like a “Leaky Gut” or easily permeable intestines seem to be the cause and base of many disorders and diseases.
The inside of our intestines are lined with millions of tiny holes which are needed to let the nutrients we need pass through. These tiny holes and lining should be healthy to keep foreign or toxic elements out.
In case of a leaky gut, this protective layer is damaged which means that the holes get bigger than they supposed to be. This allows larger and unintentional particles in the bloodstream to travel through the body.This leakage can be caused by poor food choices, stress, drugs, medication, toxins or inflammation due to a too acidic diet.
Gluten, harmful bacteria, undigested food, parasites and toxins which not yet have been eliminated are now able to travel through the body to places where they not supposed to go and do harm.
A leaky gut can cause more inflammation to the tissues and be the cause of the following disorders,
- Abdominal bloating and digestive problems
- Allergic reactions and increased ( food ) sensitivity
- Food intolerance
- Thyroid problems
- Fatigue, low energy
- Inflamed joints, artritis or reumatic pains
- Headaches
- Skin conditions like couperose, psoriasis, eczema and acne
- Weight gain
- Digestive problems
These reactions do not have to be permanent or worsen over time but when diagnosed, the gut has to be repared before permanent damage is done.
A leaky gut also causes problems with the absorption of nutrients like zinc, iron and magnesium.
The 4 main causes for developing a leaky gut are,
- An acidic diet. Alkaline rich foods keep the bodies pH balance in check.
- Chronich stress
- Too much toxins in the body. Regular detoxing and a clean,wholefoods, plantbased diet keeps the body clean.
- Dysbiosis, bacterial disbalans, when the balance between good and bad bacteria is distorted.
Foods which do the most damage to the lining of the gut and cause inflammation are,
- Phytic acid found in unsoaked nuts, seeds, beans and grains, a natural protector against nature and animals. Phytic acid damages the inside of the intestines, causes inflammation and malabsorption of nutrients.
- Refind sugar
- GMO modifide foods like soy, corn. These are rich in lectines to protect them from insects.
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Too much bad bacteria cause exotoxins which attack good cells and eat holes in the protective lining of the gut.
Steps to heal a leaky gut through a balanced diet,
- Remove foods that cause a leaky gut, my pH list makes it easier to make anti-inflammatory choices
- Replaces these foods with healing, calming foods
- Gut and digestion aiding supplements like,
L-glutamine in combination especialy in combination with zinc. L-glutamine is an essential amino acid which protects and repares the inside of the intestines, works anti-inflammatory.
Digestive enzymes help and speed up the digestion which results in a smaller chance of undigested foods traveling through the body.
- Add herbs like liquerice, ginger and peppermint.
- Probiotic capsules reinforce the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut.
Rebalancing the natural occuring bacteria with probiotics from foods.
- Natural probiotics are found in water kefir, kombucha and yogurt. A wonderful plantbased option is coconut yogurt. Fermented vegetables like saurkraut, chutney and kimchi are rich in these natural probiotics.
- Add more coconut to your daily diet! Extra virgin coconut oil and raw coconut butter are a wonderful and powerful addition to your daily diet. Gut healing and supportive to your the intestines due to their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
- Seeds like chia, flax and hemp are rich in fibre and omega 3 and support the growth of healthy bacteria.
Healing and keeping the lining of the gut healthy is so important, this protective barrier is what keeps the bad guys out! Much needed for an energetic and healthy body. Always talk to your healthcare provider about changes you are planning to make in your diet, excercise routine or supplementation.
Read here about Autoimmune Disorders, one of the diseases that can evolve when a leaky gut is not treated in time. Read about how I calmed and healed my body with a new diet and a new lifestyle.
Tina xo
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