Leaky gut is something we all have to be aware of and keep at bay. Genetically modified plants, sugar, grains, dairy, Candida, and many other things contribute to creating leaky gut. Some signs you have leaky gut would be chronic diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nutritional deficiencies, fatigue, headaches, confusion, difficulty concentrating, skin problems, joint pain, etc.
We probably all have an aliment that would be improved by addressing leaky gut even if we are not chronically ill. However, all disease starts in the gut. So if you have any kind of chronic illness addressing leaky gut will aid in healing it. Also, leaky gut and fatty liver are both associated with autoimmune diseases. So if you have an autoimmune disease of any kind addressing leaky gut will not only help, but is necessary in healing.
They say the gut is the second brain. But I believe the gut to be the boss of your brain, because it tells your brain what to do and feel. When you take care of your gut, everything improves in my experience. How well you digest your food plays into so many things. Food is energy and fuel.
The healing process depends on how badly you have damaged your gut. Some people may be able to do a few diet changes and take some probiotics and be better than they ever remember. But for the other end of the spectrum like me and people with autoimmune disease, it will take major life changes to see the desired improvements. However, small changes will always make a difference over time.
Again, I encourage you to research because there are many ways to improve leaky gut. And it is not a one size fits all process. But here are some ideas on large and small changes that can make a difference. And remember the self destruct button that my family cult outfits us all with starts with leaky gut, because it leads to larger dis-ease and malnutrition.
- Avoid grains, but especially gluten grains
- Avoid processed foods
- Avoid sugar
- Avoid dairy
- Avoid GMO foods
- Avoid coffee
- Avoid over the counter pain relievers
- Reduce stress
- Reduce/avoid alcohol
- Sleep more
- Avoid antibiotics
- Address Sibo
- Address Candida
- Try a Low FODMAP diet
- Start fasting and/or intermittent fasting
- Drink more bone broth(be careful if histamine problems)
- Exercise more/regularly
- Chew your food better
- Avoid birth control pills
- Take digestive enzymes
- Take collagen(beware with histamine issues)
- Take a mutlivitamin
- Take vitamin D and get more sunshine
- Take aloe vera
- Take b12 and K2
- Avoid smoking
- Eat more ferment foods(beware with histamine issues)
- Heavy metal cleanse
- Parasite cleanse
Basically anything you can do to live a healthier life will help you improve your leaky gut in the long run. Life and epigenetics are all about the small things we do everyday. These are the things that define us. These are the things that make us who we are, down to the genetic level.
Addressing leaky gut is how everyone can protect themselves from disease. Even if you are just trying to improve your immune system so you do not get a cold or the flu addressing your gut will help. Your gut is where disease starts, but it also can be where health starts.
Remember life not an all or nothing journey, it is about progress not perfection. So if you want to have those couple drinks this weekend, be really good on your diet during the week and balance it out so you can enjoy yourself without harming yourself too much. Same goes for if you want that piece of gluten filled birthday cake when you go to a birthday party. Be good the rest of the week and even it out. Life is about balance and so is health.
Take care of your gut and your gut will take care of you.
Love Always
Nicole Graves