Healing Leaky Gut

Leaky Gut isn't actually a disease, but rather a condition called "increased intestinal permeability," and you may have done nothing to develop it, well nothing more than living in the modern world.

One thing that can lead to leaky gut is poor diet. Diets low in fiber slow the transit time of food in the digestive tract and allow the toxic by-products of digestion longer to irritate the mucosa of the gut. The mucosal lining of the digestive tract performs a "barrier function" that helps prevent toxins from entering the blood stream. Highly processed foods are not only low in fiber but also the nutrients the body needs to repair itself. These foods are also contain high levels of additives, fats, and sugar which can promote inflammation in the gut.

Even the medicine you may be taking for some of your conditions may be contributing to the problem. NSAIDs contribute to the damage of the digestive tract's mucosal lining. Steroids and birth control drugs can enable the growth of the fungi that can damage the intestinal lining. And cancer treatments such as chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy can seriously disrupt the digestive system.

There are ways you can help heal and support your gut. In particular, there are several nutrients that can help maintain and fortify the intestinal lining. These include vitamins A and B5, folic acid, aloe vera, as well as . . .

• Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, lipoic acid, zinc and ginkgo biloba
  These antioxidants protect the lining from free radical damage. Vitamin C and lipoic acid also bind heavy metals which can cause disease, and Ginkgo biloba increases circulation in vessels and capillaries increasing nutrient delivery and tissue healing. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, zinc provides a number of benefits including increasing the levels of certain enzymes, assisting the regeneration of epithelial tissues, and improving the absorption of water and electrolytes.
  
• Glutamine
  Glutamine does a number of crucial things for the intestine: it helps in the maintenance and repair of cells; strengthens the immune system; reduces injury and infection to the cells; and some researchers believe it can enhance the intestinal walls' barrier function.
  
• Lactobacillus bifidus
  These friendly bacteria boost the immune system and counteract candida, which can perforate the intestinal lining and permit microorganisms and toxins to enter.
  
• NAG (N-acetyl glucosamine)
  NAG heals the tissue surrounding intestinal cells and helps prevent inflammation. It can also help prevent autoimmunity in susceptible people.
  
• Slippery elm
  Slippery elm soothes the gastrointestinal lining and stimulates mucus secretion, which is especially beneficial against ulcers.
  
  For a comprehensive approach to treating this illness, visit the Leaky Gut Cure.

This lens is for informational purposes only. It is in no way intended to be a substitute for medical advice. If you suffer from any unusual symptoms or feel you may have Leaky Gut Disease, consult with your doctor.