The Ultimate Guide to Health

Digestive System: How to Treat a Leaky Gut

Today’s busy lifestyle is really stressful and bad for your gut, because the entire digestive system can be affected by processed foods, medications, alcohol, stress and bacteria. These can cause digestive irritation leading to inflammation and a lot of pinprick-style leaks in a very delicate and thin lining of the intestines. A tiny leak can be a big problem causing undigested food particles, toxins and bacteria to the bloodstream that leads to a potentially out sized immune response. If there is continuous leak because of damaged lining of your gut, it can cause a big health problem. Allergies, acne, asthma, arthritis and autism are just some of the conditions associated with a leaky syndrome. A leaky gut can cause fatigue, respiratory issues, joint pain, rashes, and autoimmune responses like psoriasis.

Instead of taking medications to suppress the symptoms, the first step in treating a leaky gut is identification and removal of the source of the irritation intestinal linings. Identification and removal of intestinal irritants include beginning an elimination diet, keeping a food journal, limiting use of NSAIDs and alcohol, and ruling out infections. Eliminate digestive irritants like as dairy, sugar, soy, gluten and chemical additives found in processed foods. These foods should be eliminated for two weeks, and are reintroduced taking note its effects. If you feel gassy, bloated or fatigued after eating a specific food, add and write it to your elimination list so you are able to monitor the foods you need to avoid. Your gut tells you what foods you’re sensitive to, all you have to do is listen. Limit the use of alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs and alcohol because it inhibits the production of prostaglandins needed for rebuilding the lining of the intestines, while alcohol tires the liver and steals the nutrients from your gut. Leaky gut can be caused by parasites and pathogenic microorganisms that live in the warm and mucosal environment of your digestive system.

You will need lots of fiber such as berries, vegetables, nuts, legumes, seeds, and whole-kernel grains to eliminate toxic waste materials as quickly and efficiently as possible. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, psyllium seeds, or oat bran can be consumed as a food supplement. Taking enzyme supplements before eating gives your gastrointestinal tract a jump-start for good digestion, so food are easier to break down and nutrients are easier to assimilate. It will also help taking glutamine supplements to fuel the small intestinal lining to support digestion and immunity. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and rebuild the wall of the digestive system, so you can consume avocado, seeds, nuts, cold-water fish and purslane. If you have a leaky gut it helps eliminating the foods for upset stomach and consume foods that support a healthy digestive system.

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