What to do About a Leaky Gut

Leaky gut is also known as increased intestinal permeability. It’s when the cells lining our intestines (gut) separate a bit from each other. They’re supposed to be nice and tightly joined to the cell beside it; this is to allow certain things into our bodies (like nutrients), and keep other things out.

When the tight junctions between intestinal cells weaken it can cause the gut to be more permeable – leakier – than normal. When this happens, it allows things into our bodies that should not get in; things like large pieces of protein, toxins, or even bacteria and waste.

When substances that shouldn’t be there get into our bloodstream through the “leaks” in our gut, our immune system kicks in. These leaked bits mimic a food allergy, and our body reacts accordingly. It mounts a response to try to attack the invaders, and this causes inflammation.

Leaky gut is associated with a number of issues including food allergies, celiac disease, autoimmune diseases (e.g., Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Hashimoto’s, asthma, type 1 diabetes, acne, eczema), joint pain, and neurological problems (e.g., multiple sclerosis). Some research shows that leaky gut might contribute to or worsen these conditions.

While some of our gut permeability may have a genetic factor, there are lifestyle habits that contribute as well. Too much sugar or alcohol, and not enough fiber can make things worse. Even certain compounds in foods (e.g., gluten, lectins, casein, fructose) and food additives (e.g., MSG) can weaken tight junctions.

So, what should we eat, and ditch, for optimal gut health

Avoid or reduce these

There are certain foods that irritate the gut or can cause those loosened junctions to get even looser.

Some of these include:

• Foods that you’re allergic to
• Foods with added sugar
• Foods containing MSG
• Foods with sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol)
• Gluten-containing grains (e.g., wheat, rye)
• High-lectin foods (e.g., grains, legumes)
• Nightshades (e.g., eggplant, peppers, tomato)
• Dairy (which contains casein & lactose)
• Excessive alcohol

It’s a good idea to reduce these foods and if leaky gut is a confirmed issue for you, avoid them until the leaky gut has been addressed.

Eat more of these

There are also a bunch of foods that support gut health, including the intestinal cells themselves, as well as our friendly gut microbes. Many of these also reduce inflammation.

Things like:

• Probiotic-rich fermented foods (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi)
• Prebiotic fiber-rich foods which help our gut microbes produce butyrate (e.g., leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds)
• Glutamine-rich foods (e.g., bone broth, meat)
• Zinc-rich foods (e.g., shellfish, organ meats, and pumpkin seeds)
• Quercetin-rich foods (e.g., citrus, apples)
• Curcumin-rich turmeric
• Indole-rich foods (e.g., cauliflower, mustard greens)

These are all nutritious foods that can help with gut health and overall health.

It’s not just what you eat that can affect your gut. Other lifestyle habits can help too.

Try:

• Eating slower and chewing better to help break down food better
• Eating when hungry, and stopping when satisfied
• Going to the bathroom when you need to (don’t hold it for longer than necessary)
• Getting more high-quality sleep
• Better stress management

All of these are great healthy habits to get into, gut problems or not.

Conclusion

To help keep our guts (and our bodies) in optimal condition, there are a lot of foods we should eat (and lots we should reduce).

Sticking with nutrient-dense unprocessed foods is always a good plan, whether you have gut issues, other concerns, or feel completely healthy.

And, don’t forget the importance of a healthy lifestyle like good eating habits, sleep, and stress management.

Which of these foods have you added or reduced? Let me know in the comments below.

 Braised Greens with Turmeric

Serves 4

• 2 bunches leafy greens (kale, chard, collards), washed and chopped
• 2 tbsp avocado or sesame oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 2 dashes salt and pepper

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the greens and a splash of water.

Sauté until the greens start to wilt.

Remove from heat and sprinkle with lemon juice, turmeric, salt and pepper.

Serve & enjoy!

Tip: Serve this as a side dish (hot or cold), or add to soup.

References:

https://www.thepaleomom.com/8-nutrients-for-leaky-gut/

https://www.dietvsdisease.org/leaky-gut-syndrome/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/leaky-gut-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-mean-for-you-2017092212451

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-nutrition-gut-health

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Facebook teaser #1:

If you have gut issues, you probably already know to ditch the foods you’re sensitive to and those with added sugar or MSG. You may also be on a gluten-, lectin-, or nightshade-free diet. But, there are a few other things that you can try if your gut’s not happy.

Find these out, plus all the important foods and nutrients you NEED to eat in my latest post.

Facebook teaser #2:

Gut issues aren’t just about food, or even just about the gut! There are a lot of interconnected things that can be going on in your body.

What to do?

Other than ditching what’s not serving you, how about adding in gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory foods? Even some healthy habits can go a long way toward improving gut health.

Check out my list of what to reduce./avoid, what to eat, and what else to do to have a happy gut.

Facebook teaser #3:

Try my gut-loving’ side dish. It’s got greens for nutrition, fibre to feed your friendly gut microbes, and turmeric for an anti-inflammatory kick.

And it’s super-simple (just the way I like it).

Check it out in the link below.