Gastrointestinal issues are quite common and can range from minor inconveniences to severe chronic conditions. Many people may not realize that gut health is not only important for our digestion but also for our overall well-being. In fact, 70% of our immune system is located in our gut. Therefore, keeping our gut healthy is essential for maintaining a strong immune system and preventing all kinds of illnesses.
Leaky Gut
Have you ever noticed that you feel unwell almost every time you eat, but not sure why? There’s a big chance you have a leaky gut that you aren’t aware of.
Leaky gut, also known as “increased intestinal permeability”, is a condition where the gut’s protective barrier becomes damaged, and there are tiny holes, cracks, or tears in the mucosal layer of your digestive tract.[1] This damage allows undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to “leak” through into the bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation in the body and can cause indigestion accompanied by a range of symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nutritional deficiencies, fatigue, headaches, confusion/brain fog, eczema, joint pain, acne and rashes.
The most direct causes of leaky gut include:[2]
- Autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease and IBD
- Radiation and chemotherapy treatments
- Excessive use of NSAIDs and alcohol
- Undiagnosed food allergies/sensitivities that trigger an immunological response
- Other diseases that cause intestinal injury, such as HIV/AIDS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Did you know that approximately 20% of adults in the United States suffer from IBS, but many just live with it without seeking medical support? It’s more common in women (more than 70% of all IBS cases are women) and it’s one of the leading causes of missed work days. Additionally, IBS accounts for 12% of all primary care visits and 20% of all GI visits. Crazy, right?!
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and altered bowel habits, such as constipation and diarrhea.
IBS can be divided into 3 sub-types depending on the patient’s symptoms:
- IBS-D → abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea
- IBS-C → infrequent bowel movements/constipation
- IBS-M → mix of both IBS-D and C
The exact causes of IBS are not fully understood, but the main triggers include food sensitivities or intolerances, high stress levels, chemicals, and the most common trigger, a diet high in FODMAPs.
There is a standard criteria for diagnosis, however, it’s often diagnosed by process of elimination with blood tests (CBC, TSH, CRP, Celiac Panel), stool studies, and by a colonoscopy and endoscopy.
Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Acid reflux affects more than 60 million Americans at least once a month, and some of them (approximately 15 million) EVERYDAY!
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. It is mainly caused by a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES), pregnancy, or certain foods.
Here are the most common triggers:
- Low stomach acidity
- High stress levels
- Diet high in protein
- Chemical and food sensitivities
Some medications are prescribed (antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors) along with lifestyle changes, but they only help alleviate the symptoms. Unfortunately, medications often don’t address the root cause of the symptoms. If it isn’t treated properly, it can lead to ulcers and might require surgery.
How can you improve your gut health?
These are the main food and supplements I personally recommend that can help you strengthen your gut:
Food:
Low fructose fruits, Fermented veggies, Cultured dairy or dairy-free products
Herbs and spices:
Ginger, Cinnamon, Apple cider vinegar and Digestive bitters
Supplements:
Pre/Probiotics, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, Glutamine, Betaine HCL & Digestive enzymes
Taking care of our gut health is vital for maintaining overall well-being and should not be overlooked. We all have a unique gut with unique needs, therefore, a personalized approach is necessary to achieve optimal gut health. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment!
Your symptoms are not “in your head”, so if you’re experiencing GI issues, it’s crucial to understand the underlying cause in order to effectively address them. That’s what I’m here for! Schedule a free discovery call with me here to see if you’re a good fit for The Restore Program.
References:
- Leaky gut and food sensitivity. (2016, August 19). Oxford Biomedical Technologies, Inc; Oxford Biomedical Technologies.
- Lipski, E. (1998). Leaky Gut Syndrome. McGraw-Hill Education.
