What Is It?
The normal gut has a mucous lining that serves as a barrier between the food we eat and the blood stream. Nutrients from digested food normally and properly cross this border to enter the blood stream. When this lining is irritated, by foods you are allergic to, or asprin and similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, then undigested food particles and other large molecules escape from the gut into the blood stream. The immune system reacts, sending white blood cells to attack them. This overactivity of the immune system can contribute to ailments like joint pain, head-aches, fibromyalgia, Autism, Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis. More Information on Leaky Gut.
What Can Be Done?
Testing is in order. A simple urine test can measure the permeability of your intestinal lining. In addition, chew your food at least 25-50 times per bite.
Impurities in the blood stream
This makes it easier for the digestive enzymes to do their job. Take digestive enzymes 1-2 hours after meals. Get tested for food allergies or do an allergy elimination diet, and take these food allergies seriously. Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines like Motrin. Use instead, natural ones like MSM, curcumin, boswellia and bromelain. For arthritis try glucosamine, chondroitin, and niacinamide. Take friendly bacteria and treat any infections in the gut, like candida or bacterial overgrowth. Try L-glutamine, an amino acid that is fuel for the intestinal cells. L-glutamine may help repair these cells and relieve leaky gut. But if you are sensitive to MSG, then avoid this, as glutamine converts to MSG.
Further Reading
No More Heartburn, Sherry Rogers MD
The Second Brain, Michael Gershon MD
Eat, Drink, Be Healthy, Walter Willett MD DrPH
Breaking the Vicious Cycle, Elaine Gottschall