5 Remedies for Leaky Gut
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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How to Choose the Best Probiotic
It’s no secret that probiotics support a number of health benefits http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32283. They support digestion, boost the immune system, and offer a host of other positive offerings. In fact, a good probiotic is one of my must-have items. But, what makes a probiotic supplement a good one? Here we’ll cover some of the things you should watch for when choosing a probiotic.
Choosing the Best Probiotic Supplement
Finding a high-quality probiotic isn’t hard but does require you to read the label and know what it means. Here are some of the top parameters you should check for the next time you’re deciding on a probiotic.
How Many Strains Does it Have?
A probiotic is just another name for a strain of bacteria; and different strains of bacteria offer different benefits. A lot of supplements offer just one strain, some offer several. When you start looking into individual strains, you can quickly find yourself up to your neck in research. This isn’t bad but can be a bit intimidating. If you want to simplify the processes, look for a product that has at least three strains. Multiple strains will offer benefits specific to each strain and improves the ability of bacteria to colonize00 your digestive tract. [1]
Does it Contain Prebiotics?
Multiple strains and billions of live active cultures is a great start, but also consider that probiotics need “food” to multiply and thrive. This food is called “prebiotics” and generally comes from fiber. Inulin, chicory root, and gum arabic http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=32361 are common examples of prebiotics. A great probiotic supplement will also contain prebiotics from any of these sources.
Is it Vegan Friendly?
This is more an item of personal preference than a hard requirement, but I included it on the list because it’s important to me. Many supplements, including probiotics, use gelatin capsules. Personally, I prefer vegetarian capsules. Also, while I won’t go so far as to say it’s a law, in general, I find supplements that are specifically vegan friendly to be produced with more care than those that are not.
The Probiotic Supplement I Recommend
Earlier this year, we introduced a new probiotic supplement called FloraTrex™ http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=34639. It offers more than a dozen of the best probiotic strains available for a complete spectrum of benefits. It’s also vegan friendly, contains probiotics, and has gotten incredible feedback from the people who’ve tried it. I’ve been really happy with the results and I’m confident you will be too.
Is there something else you look for when you’re shopping for a probiotic supplement? Add your suggestions for others to read in the comments!
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Chapman CM, Gibson GR, Rowland I. In vitro evaluation of single- and multi-strain probiotics: Inter-species inhibition between probiotic strains, and inhibition of pathogenshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22677262. Anaerobe. 2012 Aug;18(4):405-13. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2012.05.004.
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Probiotics and Gluten-Free Foods for Celiac Disease Diet
Bowel diseases are numerous and unpleasant. Among them, celiac disease is perhaps one of the strangest and least understood. The condition is believed to stem from an abnormal reaction of the small intestines to gluten proteins, which triggers a sort of self-destructive immune response within the upper bowels. Fortunately, there is a growing body of scientific research which supports the use of beneficial probiotics and eating gluten-free foods, as part of your Celiac Disease diet, can help alleviate those uncomfortable symptoms.
Gluten is commonly found in a variety of foods and provides shape and texture. Healthy bodies are able to digest gluten like any other food. In patients who suffer from celiac disease however, gluten is treated very much like a severe allergen, and the presence of even small amounts can trigger intense flare-ups.
Common Foods to Avoid (Unless Labeled Gluten-Free)
- Beer
- Bread
- Candy
- Cereal
- Fries
- Artificial/Processed Meat
- Pastas
- Salad Dressing and Other Sauces
- Potato/Tortilla Chips
How Does Gluten Aggravate Celiac Disease?
The lining of the small intestines are covered with delicate, specialized tissue called villi. The name, which means “shaggy hairs” in Latin, accurately describes their appearance. Villi are responsible for the uptake of vital nutrients from food, and for patients with celiac disease, they can also become a source of agonizing pain.
When gluten proteins become entangled in the intestinal villi of a person with celiac disease, their body’s defense mechanism mistakenly attacks the gluten AND the villi. This interrupts the absorption of vitamins and minerals and can ignite a range of painful side effects. Typical symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain due to gas and bloating, constipation and diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These can be periodic or constant depending on the individual.
Over time, the diminished ability to process nutrients can also lead to more serious issues such as anemia, depression, fatigue and body aches, even hair loss and stunted growth in children. Read more
Bifidobacterium infantis: The Health Benefits of Probiotics
With all the talk about probiotics, you’ve probably–at one point or another–considered supplementing. The idea of consuming bacteria, however, may seem a bit alien to most people, simply because they’ve been brainwashed to believe all bacteria is bad. The praising of antibiotics and antibacterials in mainstream culture has simply perpetuated this myth. Probiotics, on the other hand, are symbiotic organisms that help you digest food, stimulate your immune system (thus helping fight infections!), and even produces some of the vitamins you need for life.
Beyond Digestion: The Health Benefits of Probiotics
Your gut is where digestion happens and where most of your immune response occurs. A lot of the nutrients you get come from friendly bacteria which help digest the food you eat. Probiotics also produce essential nutrients like vitamin B3 and folate. [1] Bad bacteria, like E. coli and C. difficile, produce toxins that poison, cause illness, and speed the aging process.
When friendly probiotics like Bifidobacterium infantis line your intestines, germs like E. coli get swept away and do no harm. They also break down fiber and sugars that lead to bloating, gas, and aggravate conditions like IBS. [2] And studies have shown that men and women with balanced levels of probiotic bacteria can focus and concentrate better and enjoy stronger bones, normal blood sugar, fewer allergies, and better cardiovascular health. [3] [4]
The Importance of a Healthy Gut
Your life depends on the health of your gut. When you don’t have enough probiotic bacteria, germs and toxins attack the lining of the intestine. This damages the cells lining your intestine, and with enough damage, germs and toxins get into your blood. While you may not see this happening, you feel the results.
Frequent bloating and gas indicate there’s a problem with your digestive system, and probably indicates your intestines are running low in beneficial bacteria. But you may also experience frequent headaches, increased allergic response, blood sugar spikes, and chronic illness.
And on top of all this, a sick gut reduces your ability to digest nutrients. This disrupts how your hormones work, starves your mitochondria (energy source of the cell), and slows metabolism. Think of it this way: your probiotic bacteria are the gatekeepers of your gut. Keep them strong, and they’ll keep the bad guys out and keep your gut working efficiently. Read more
