Our gut is more than just a garbage disposal for our food – it is involved with immunity, mental health, detoxification, & hormone balance.
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When the lining of our gut is impaired from inflammatory conditions we put it under (stress, chemical additives, inflammatory foods, alcohol, etc) then shit hits the fan.
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More specifically, the junction points between the tiny cells that line our gut (enterocytes) are compromised, allowing fragments of protein & bacteria to enter directly into our blood. Our body goes on red alert & then reacts to many things in the environment that it wouldn’t normally.to.
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Signs you Have a Leaky Gut:
Gas, bloating, loose stools
Food intolerances/sensitivities
Autoimmune Condition
Seasonal allergies
Acne, eczema, rashes
Chronic fatigue
Anxious, depressed, moody
SIBO or Candida overgrowth
Achy joints that swell
Brain fog/memory impairment
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How to Heal a Leaky Gut
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1. Remove – makes sense – remove what is causing the problem. Not sure what the deviant is? Do an Elimination diet for 2 weeks that removes all the common offenders like gluten, soy, dairy, vegetable oils, processed foods, alcohol (check out the book “Healthy Gut, Healthy You” by Michael Ruscio for a personalized approach), even remove medications (check with yo doc) & stress as well.
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2. Replace – Add in a digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, etc.) with each meal. If you are feeling nauseous while eating, try Betaine HCl or even 1 T. apple cider vinegar with meals.
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3. Reinoculate – Add in a good quality probiotic to help restore gut flora. Min 15 billion CFUs in each dose with Lactobacillus & Bifidobacter species (I use Hyperbiotics PRO-15). Fermented foods such as miso, sauerkraut & kombucha also help!
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4. Repair – To further help repair the intestinal lining, add in the following supplements: tumeric, aloe vera, marshmallow root, & DGL licorice (reduce inflammation), Zinc, Antioxidants (Vitamin A, C, E, & Selenium to reduce oxidation), Fish oil, & L-Glutamine (to provide adequate amino acids for immune system).
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If you are still having the same issues after completing all these steps, then work with a functional med doc to do a stool test to further diagnose.
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Reference: Paraphrased from Aviva Romm “10 Signs that you have Leaky Gut _+ How to Heal it)