Leaky gut syndrome happens when your intestinal lining has become damaged as a result of inflammation or irritation. Drugs, alcohol, gluten and processed foods can damage the lining of the gut wall. Leaky gut can also result from internal toxicity due to an imbalance of bacteria and yeast, which we call “dysbiosis.”
When this happens, the lining of the gut becomes full of tiny holes, like swiss cheese, or a leaky bucket. In many places, the lining of the gut is just one cell thick, so leaky gut or “intestinal permeability” can easily happen.
This is a problem because food particles and toxins from the gut are released into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. A huge toxic burden is imposed on the liver. The liver is overwhelmed by digestive by-products, toxins and inflammatory irritants, and other organs are affected as well.
If you have been dealing with a ton of food sensitivities, and seem to be getting more sensitive to more foods all the time, it could be leaky gut. Instead of doing extensive allergy testing, we would recommend healing the gut, and sealing up those leaks. The food is not the main problem: the problem is that the food you eat is escaping into the bloodstream and triggering an immune response.
Signs You May Have a Leaky Gut
- You have digestive issues like constipation, bloating, diarrhea, gas or IBS
- You have sensitivities to many foods
- You have skin rashes, hives, eczema, psoriasis, or breakouts
- You have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chrohn’s disease, or celiac disease
- You have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or fibromyalgia
- You have allergies or asthma
- You have aches, pains or arthritis
Potential Causes of a Leaky Gut
- Dysbiosis (overgrowth of yeast, bad bacteria, parasites)
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain medications (NSAIDS such as Advil or Motrin, steroids, chemotherapy)
- Food sensitivities
- Environmental toxins
- Low fiber, highly processed diet
- Low stomach acid
- Low digestive enzymes
- Chronic stress
- Chronic constipation
- Intestinal infections
- Autoimmune diseases
How to Treat Leaky Gut
1. Glutamine
Glutamine is key for helping to heal the lining of the gut. The Be Well GI Support product is a good choice, because it has glutamine as well as aloe vera and deglycyrrhizinated licorice which also help to heal the gut.
2. Cleanse
The Be Well Cleanse is a good protocol if you have leaky gut for a few reasons: ,
- The Cleanse elimination diet will help you take out the foods that are most irritating to the gut such as gluten, sugar, alcohol and processed foods
- The herbal antimicrobial supplements on the Cleanse will help to get rid of bad bacteria
- The digestive enzyme supplements on the Cleanse will help you to break down the food you are eating
- The liver support in the Cleanse shakes will help to support the liver from the burden of excess toxins
- The glutamine will help to heal the lining of the gut
3. Probiotic
A strong probiotic is also essential for supporting your immunity and restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
4. Bone Broth
Bone broth is also very healing for the gut. Incorporating a cup or two of bone broth into your daily routine can be helpful. We have more information and a recipe here.
This article was originally published on www.drfranklipman.com. Read the original here.
*Image of “stomach problem“ via Shutterstock
