Leaky Gut – What is It and How Should You Treat It?

What is it?

Many health practitioners believe leaky gut syndrome – or intestinal permeability – can happen when undigested particles pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream1.

Leaky gut can be caused by:

  • Candida overgrowth and dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance in the gut)1
  • Chronic stress1
  • Poor diet1
  • Toxin overload1.

What happens?

These undigested objects – toxins and germs – cause inflammation and affect the gut wall’s permeability (‘leaky gut’), initiating an immune response1. Leaky gut has been closely associated with the following conditions:

  • Adrenal fatigue2
  • Arthritis2
  • Autoimmune disease2
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome3
  • Depression and anxiety2
  • Eczema (and other skin issues)2
  • Hypothyroidism2
  • Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)2
  • Nutrient malabsorption2.

What can you do?

Diet

First of all, you’re advised to reduce or – better – avoid sugary foods and gluten. Instead, consider introducing into your diet:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods – beets, blueberries, bok choy, broccoli, celery, chia seeds, coconut oil, flaxseeds, ginger, green leafy vegetables, pineapples, turmeric and walnuts4
  • Fermented vegetables – kimchi, kvass and sauerkraut2
  • Omega oils – linseed oil and Omega 3:6:9 Balance oil
  • Raw cultured dairy – amasai, kefir, yogurt and some butters and cheeses2.

Supplementation

And why not consider supplements?

The Finchley Clinic provides the following food supplements which can help ease leaky gut and reduce food intolerance:

  • Aloe Gold Natural (1,000ml and 485ml) – may help healthy digestion, immunity and skin
  • Colostrum Plus (120 capsules) – also for gastritis, intestinal candida and food allergies
  • Glutamine (100g, 200g and 90 capsules) – ideal for healing troubled guts
  • Mindlinx (60 capsules) – supports healthy function of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Permatrol (90 capsules) – includes intestinal-supportive nutrients like L-glutamine, N-acetyl glucosamine and probiotic bacteria
  • Restore (32floz, 16floz and 8floz) – works to restore the tight junctions of the gut
  • Slippery Elm Intensive (75g) – also contains gamma oryzanol, licorice, marshmallow and aloe vera extracts, combining to support gut permeability.