How to Heal a Leaky Gut

The term “leaky gut syndrome” refers to a hypothetical condition. It works on the basis of the principle of comparable intestinal permeability.

You must start at the cellular level. Millions of cells make up the lining of your intestine. These cells link together to form a tight barrier that works as a security system, determining what enters and what exits the bloodstream.

Everyone has semi-permeable guts. Our intestines’ mucous membrane is meant to absorb nutrients from our meals and transport them to our circulation. However, some people have high intestinal permeability, sometimes known as hyperpermeability. That means their stomachs “leak” more than just water and nutrients.

However, in a sick stomach, the lining might deteriorate, resulting in “holes” in the barrier. As a result, poisons and germs can enter the body. This can create inflammation in the stomach and throughout the body, resulting in a cascade of symptoms like bloating, flatulence, cramps, food sensitivities, lethargy, headaches, and muscle aches, to name a few.

Symptoms of a Leaky Gut

There are no symptoms that are directly related to intestinal permeability. However, intestinal permeability is usually caused by damage to the intestinal lining, and you may experience symptoms as a result.

As an example:

• A burning sensation of ulcers in your stomach.
• Intestinal mucosa loss causes painful indigestion.
• Diarrhea
• Fermentation by excessive bacteria in your gut causes gas and bloating.
• Low energy as a result of a diminished ability to get energy from your food.
• Radiation therapy caused gastrointestinal mucositis.

Leaky gut may not directly cause any of the above conditions; rather, those with gut troubles are more likely to have a variety of other health issues. While the scientific evidence does not yet indicate that increased intestinal permeability is the cause of these illnesses, it does strongly suggest that leaky gut and other dysfunctions often occur concurrently.

Repairing a leaky gut

The only known remedy for a leaky gut is to deal with the underlying cause of it. Specific treatments for IBD, celiac disease, and other intestinal permeability-related diseases have been found to restore the intestinal lining in people who were impacted. Treatments that target the intestinal lining separately, on the other hand, have not been found to alleviate these disorders or prevent recurrence of intestinal permeability. It is important to consult a specialist such as a Functional Nutrition/Gut/Microbiome Specialist— I am one myself. Consult with me and let’s see what we can do. 

Here are some of the things you can start with: 

Reduce gut stressors

Remove stresses that harm your gastrointestinal tract’s environment, such as mental stress and foods to which you may be sensitive or allergic.

It is advised to follow an elimination diet. Most inflammatory foods, such as dairy, peanuts, and soy, will be eliminated as a result. An elimination diet allows your gut to heal by reducing the inflammatory burden.

Your symptoms could be the result of dangerous germs, parasites, or yeast. In such circumstances, targeted therapy may be used to assist remove the specific bacterium.

1.Take control of your digestive secretions

Supplements that support proper digestion, such as digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and bile acids, can be used to replace digestive secretions. These secretions help your body break down and absorb nutrients from food while also lowering inflammation in your gut. Aging, drugs, food, and illnesses can all have an impact on them.

2.Reinoculate

Reinoculate your gut with prebiotics and probiotics in this stage to push out harmful bacteria and bring balance.

It is recommended eating fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghourt, and other fermented foods as a source of probiotics whenever feasible. Depending on your situation, you may require probiotic supplements, which are a much more potent form and can help you heal faster. 

Prebiotics are prebiotics that feed your probiotics. Eat foods strong in fibre, such as artichokes, garlic, chicory, tofu, leeks, grains, and so on, to help your beneficial gut flora thrive.

3.Support your gut’s restoration

The framework’s next phase is to aid in the restoration of the gut lining. This is accomplished by providing critical nutrients that are frequently depleted in illness states.

4.Supplement with exercise

Your lifestyle choices might have a significant impact on your gut health. Because of the gut-brain relationship, any changes to your biological clock (circadian rhythm) might upset your gut flora. Pay close attention to your sleeping habits, and your stomach will reward you.

Exercise has an impact on your gut health as well. However, more isn’t necessarily better. Excessive vigorous activity can promote inflammation in the body.

How can I start taking care of my Gut?

Scientists are still looking into the benefits of various therapies for enhancing overall health and the integrity of the gut lining. These therapies may not be able to treat a pathological disease, but they may help reduce the effects of everyday factors like food, stress, and bacterial overgrowth on your gut lining. They may even aid in the relief of your overall gastrointestinal problems.

• Take Probiotics. Separate probiotics are being studied for their capacity to repair gut barrier function. However, probiotics may help preserve the integrity of your gut lining in general by preventing the proliferation of the incorrect bacteria in your gut, particularly in your small intestine.
• Take Prebiotics. Prebiotics feed the healthy bacteria in your stomach, giving them an advantage in the fight. They are often plant fibres – thus another reason to consume your vegetables.
• Reduce your intake of fats and sugars. These promote the growth of harmful gut bacteria and cause the release of harsh dietary emulsifiers, which may inflame your gut.
• Nutrition. A well-balanced diet rich in macronutrients and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) can help build your stomach. Vitamin D and an amino acid known as L-glutamine may specifically aid in the regeneration of your gut lining.
• Diet low in FODMAPs. This diet is frequently recommended for persons with IBS and food sensitivity because it avoids most of the main food triggers. Using it for a short period of time may allow your stomach to mend itself while also alerting you to the dietary triggers you are sensitive to.

Signs That Your Leaky Gut Is Healing

The good news is that with a little care and love, you can recover from a leaky gut and live your life without gastrointestinal discomfort! While the signs of a leaky gut will vary depending on your initial symptoms, if you notice that your bowels have regulated, you no longer have constant incidences of incontinence and/or diarrhoea, your skin is healthy and glowing, and you feel full of energy—this is a good sign that your leaky gut is healing. As always, if you have concerns about your leaky gut reoccurring or how to treat it on an ongoing basis, please contact us.

Conclusion

The greatest method to avoid leaky gut is to spend more on your overall digestive health. This entails being more conscientious about eating a gut-healthy diet that is low in processed foods, high in fat and sugar, and high in fibre. Maintaining a regular workout routine might also help to strengthen your digestive system. Taking a 15-to-20-minute walk after a meal, for example, has been shown in tests to improve digestion. Your digestive system is complicated, but caring for it doesn’t have to be.

The road to repairing leaky gut can be difficult, but knowing you’re making progress can be just what you need to keep going. It’s critical to understand that your intestine did n’t really become leaky overnight. This is most likely the outcome of years of being exposed to inflammatory foods, chemicals, and other stresses. That is why it is critical to be patient with yourself and follow your gut-repairing program. This dedication to your health will be rewarded when your health is regained and you feel your best.