Digestion is a complex process with many moving parts and there are many steps along the way for something to go wrong. One of the more increasingly common disorders is a condition known as “leaky gut.” Leaky gut, otherwise known as intestinal hyperpermeability, is when perforations develop and allow undigested food and toxins to pass back into the body. Sound like a problem? It is. Leaky gut can be the starting point for anything from food intolerances to inflammatory bowel disease. If leaky gut is a problem for you, you have options, and here are five to get you started.
1. Water
One of easiest things you can do to defend against leaky gut is to stay well hydrated. Chronic dehydration causes constipation. This, in turn, allows bacteria to linger and inflame the intestinal lining, leading to—you guessed it—leaky gut.
2. Probiotics
Your gut is home to lots of bacteria—good and bad. Sometimes an imbalance can occur and the bad bacteria can take hold. When that happens, regaining balance is of vital importance. A probiotic supplement http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=34360 can help replenish the good guys and soothe and calm an unsteady gut environment. [1]
3. Digestive Enzymes
Taking digestive enzymes http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=33999 before eating a meal is an excellent way to help ensure your food is properly digested, lessening the chance that partially digested food will cause more harm to your body. In addition, studies also suggest digestive enzymes can help encourage a healthy bowel environment. [2]
4. L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is an essential amino acid with anti-inflammatory properties that works by coating cell walls and protecting against irritants. Studies suggest it could aid in the repair and growth of the intestinal lining and reduce some of the problems associated with leaky gut. [3]
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is another way to combat inflammation. Some research even suggests omega-3s could work to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. [4] There are a couple ways to get more of this nutrient; you could consider a supplement, or simply eat more fatty fish, like salmon. If you’re a vegan or concerned about some of the aspects of eating fish, that, of course, limits your options.
Is leaky gut currently a problem for you? Have you tried any of these five remedies, or do you have another to share? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. West, N. P. et al. Probiotic supplementation for respiratory and gastrointestinal illness symptoms in healthy physically active individualshttp://www.clinicalnutritionjournal.com/article/S0261-5614(13)00261-6/abstract. Clinical Nutrition. 33 (4).
2. Olendzk, B. C. et al. An anti-inflammatory diet as treatment for inflammatory bowel disease: a case series report http://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-13-5. Nutrition Journal. 13.
3. Rapin, J. R. & Wiernsperger, N. Possible Links between Intestinal Permeability and Food Processing: A Potential Therapeutic Niche for Glutaminehttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2898551/. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 65 (6).
4. Simopoulos, A. P. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719248#.Vr5NaRorJsM. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 21 (6).
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