Leaky gut syndrome has been gaining more attention in recent years, though mainstream medical providers are sometimes still unaware of its implications. As we become more and more affected by poor dietary choices, bacterial imbalances in the GI tract, stress, and overall toxic overload, the prevalence of leaky gut syndrome is on the rise. A growing body of research suggests that leaky gut syndrome can be a precursor to some serious health conditions. Glutamine (or L-Glutamine, as it is also known), can be a key in healing this disorder.
Leaky gut syndrome is also called intestinal permeability, and it refers to a breakdown of the protective mechanisms in place between the GI tract and the bloodstream. The intestinal wall is the largest barrier between your internal bodily systems and the outside world. The intestinal wall lines the entire digestive tube and is in constant contact with incoming outside substances such as food, beverages, chemicals, drugs, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
Intestinal permeability occurs when immune cells in the intestinal lining begin producing inflammatory molecules, and the protective intestinal tight junctions are disturbed. These tight junctions are the gateway between the intestinal tract, and the bloodstream and internal organs. When the function of these tight junctions is compromised, toxins, undigested food particles, and microbes are able to pass into the bloodstream, wreaking havoc on our health. Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability syndrome, has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory bowel disorders, autism, celiac disease, allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, systemic inflammation, and Type 1 diabetes.
Causes of Gut Dysfunction
The stressors of modern life are often counterintuitive to gut health: most of us are living with some level of gut dysfunction, and we often know little about how to correct it. What is contributing to all this mess? Let’s take a look:
- Food sensitivity triggers
- Pathogens and opportunistic organisms (dysbiosis)
- Chlorinated water
- Poor sleep
- Cesarean sections
- Diets high in processed foods and refined sugars
Each of us has a personal threshold as to how much damage our bodies can endure before we hit a crisis point. This crisis point typically looks like symptoms, and an illness develops. The good news is, once we have the right knowledge and tools at our disposal, we can heal our GI tracts and reverse a lot of this damage.
Healing the Gut System
Healing the GI tract requires the removal of offensive foods and substances, the right nourishment, and support from a few key supplements that help heal and rebalance the inner ecosystem.
- Remove toxic triggers and foods which damage the gut
- Add healing foods to the diet:
– Bone broth – rich in gelatin and glutamine which support the gut lining.
– Cultured vegetables – contain loads of active enzymes and probiotics.
– Prebiotic foods – mushrooms, oats, raw garlic, onions, and asparagus, help nurture beneficial bacteria.
– Healthy fats and omega-3-rich foods – avocado, wild salmon, coconut oil, and cold-pressed olive oil.
– Aloe Vera Juice – helps calm inflammation.
- Reduce stress
- Improve sleep
- Introduce healing supplements:
- Probiotics – replenish beneficial bacteria.
- Digestive enzymes – aid in digestion.
- L-Glutamine – helps heal and restore the intestinal lining.
Several studies have shown glutamine’s effectiveness in healing intestinal permeability. Glutamine is an essential amino acid that is anti-inflammatory and helps restore and repair the integrity of the GI tract. Our Integrity product is a glutamine supplement that has been developed to support a healthy intestinal lining, which rehabilitates the digestive process and proper immune function. Combined with a whole foods diet and targeted cleansing, healing aids can help restore proper gut function and have you feeling better than ever.
Written by Carolyn de Lorenzo
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