Leaky gut repair is the healing of the lining of the intestines through several different processes. Believers of alternative medicine theorize that a person can experience several health problems due to what is called leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome is when the lining of the bowels become irritated and inflamed from a variety of antagonists, allowing toxins, microbes, and other gut flora to travel into the body. These and other contaminants are native to the gut, but can wreak havoc in the body if found elsewhere. A plethora of health issues arise when this occurs. Leaky gut repair is a simple process, and can be done with or without medical intervention.
Leaky Gut Repair
An immediate leaky gut repair is to take prescription medication to treat the inflammation of the bowels. Corticosteroids, broad spectrum antibiotics, and immunosuppressive drugs can be obtained through a medical practitioner. These medications help relieve some of the symptoms, such as inflammation, bleeding, and pain of the intestines. This is only a quick fix and further action is needed to be taken by the patient. Depending on the individual and situation, these medications can also contribute to that causes of leaky gut syndrome.
A person’s diet is the one and only key factor in leaky gut repair. Once an individual is ready to accept new dietary terms, many common food choices must be eliminated from the diet. Gluten, refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol are common antagonists of leaky gut syndrome. Gluten and refined sugar can contribute to a Candida yeast overgrowth which helps perpetuate a leaky gut. Though beneficial in small amounts, caffeine can affect the sleep cycle and thus adversely affect the digestive system. Excessive alcohol consumption can not only cause further damage, but also hinder the regrowth of the cells that line the intestines. Almost all food products that are inundated with preservatives, dyes, and other chemicals must be avoided at all costs. These have no nutritional value and can help cause further damage to the gut lining. Foods that are as close to natural as possible should be chosen. Food that is contaminated with chemicals such as mercury should also be among the patient’s dietary restrictions. Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium also have a high likelihood of stomach irritation.
While eliminating some foods from the diet, there are a few things that must be added for nutritional intake to help aid leaky gut repair. A person must introduce healthy fats into their diet such those from fish, coconut and olive oils, avocados, borage oil, and flax. Adding nuts and other seeds also help contribute to these fat sources as well as contributing to a good source of protein. Raw milk and yogurts should be introduced slowly to the diet, if the patient is not lactose-intolerant. Incorporating a probiotic would be wise to help restore the normal gut flora. This is especially helpful if the patient took antibiotics to help stop some of the symptoms in the beginning of the healing process. Antibiotics are not selective in which bacteria they destroy, so normal gut populations will be sparse and will need to be reintroduced. The yogurt also helps replenish the good bacteria; however, it does not contain all the necessary ones. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, in particular ones loaded with antioxidants and fiber, will help decrease the permeability of the intestines. Some vegetables are natural antibiotics aiding the body in keeping bad bacteria counts low. The fiber also assists in healthy digestion by keeping the flow of food digestion constant. Keeping hydrated by drinking fresh, hand juiced drinks and purified water helps aid a good intestinal tract. Dehydration can prevent food from being digested, and thus interfere with the healing process.
Leaky Gut Repair – The Conclusion
Leaky gut repair starts with a person’s willingness to change his or her diet. Symptoms can be alleviated through the use of prescription drugs, but are only helpful if the patient truly seeks healing. By carefully selecting certain foods and being steadfast to avoid other ones, leaky gut syndrome can be controlled and defeated. The patient, however, must adhere to strict dietary regulations if he or she wants any success in leaky gut repair.
