What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut is commonly heard these days. But what exactly is it? The intestinal lining contains small ‘holes’ to allow things such as nutrients to enter into the bloodstream, which is good. However, sometimes these ‘holes’ become too large, allowing toxins and undigestible food particles to pass into the bloodstream. This is bad, potentially creating a number of health issues.
Causes of Leaky Gut
– Poor Diet
– Chronic Stress
– Exposure to Toxins
– Too Much Bad Bacteria & Not Enough of the Good
Signs That You May Have Leaky Gut
– skin issues – low thyroid function
– food sensitivities – low energy – joint pain – weight gain
– bloating – constipation – diarrhea – malabsorption
– mood swings – anxiety – frequent colds – headaches –
Foods to Avoid
1. Grains (especially un-sprouted & unfermented)
2. Sugar
3. Conventional Dairy
4. Conventional Meats
Avoid All Toxins, Especially These…
1. antibiotics
2. pesticides & herbicides
3. tap water (toxins such as fluoride & chlorine)
4. anti-inflammatory drugs
Foods to Help Repair the Gut Lining
1. Bone Broth- repairs the damaged cell walls
2. Probiotic-Rich Foods- adds good bacteria to the gut, balances the pH of the intestines (ex. kefir, sauerkraut, kvass, kimchi, yogurt)
3. Coconut Products- healthy fat that is easier to digest than other fats
4. Sprouted Seeds- a fiber source that adds good bacteria to the gut
5. Omega 3 Rich Foods- helps reduce inflammation (ex. wild-caught fish, grass-fed meats)
Supplements to Help Repair the Gut Lining
1. L-Glutamine- an amino acid that helps reduce inflammation & repairs the gut lining
2. Probiotic- adds good bacteria to the gut
3. Digestive Enzyme- helps your body to breakdown & digest food fully (take with each meal)
4. Licorice Root- herb that helps improve stress levels & improves the pH of the stomach
5. Quercetin- a flavonoid that helps to seal the gut lining
Suspicious of leaky gut? Contact Balanced Health at 612-812-9121 or email us at info@creatingbalancedhealth.com
