Steps to Fix Leaky Gut and Heal Autoimmune Problems
Leaky gut syndrome is a term you’ve probably heard more and more lately, and it’s no wonder today’s society consumes so many carbs and sugars. We’ll tell you what it is and give you 5 steps to cure your leaky gut and heal your autoimmune issues.
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, one in five Americans has an autoimmune disease. Although autoimmune problems may arise from specific parts of the body or events that affect certain organs, researchers think that these diseases begin in the intestine.
What is a leaky gut?
To understand why this happens, it is important to understand what leaky gut syndrome is. Your intestines are a mucosal space that acts as a barrier between the environment and your body. Some nutrients or antigens entering the intestine are absorbed. Some are released, some remain in the intestines. Molecules in the healthy intestinal wall have tight junctions that prevent some substances from being absorbed. Researchers have found that these tight connections are altered in people with autoimmune diseases.
These changes create permeability, allowing the environment to enter the body. In people who are genetically predisposed to autoimmune diseases, the body may become confused and attack healthy molecules similar to the trigger. For example, those suffering from celiac disease, the body attacks an enzyme called tissue transglutaminase, which is found in many organs of the body. But the result is gliadin, a substance found in gluten.
The intestinal mucosa interacts with substances that increase the permeability of the lining in the intestine. If the trigger is removed, the intestinal wall can heal and even reverse the autoimmune process.
You may have a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity. You may also have an autoimmune disease because toxins entering your body from the environment, cosmetics, and diet damage your DNA. Your body does not recognize the DNA change and fights it. This is more likely to happen if you have a stomach ulcer.
Who has Leaky Gut?
Most people with autoimmune diseases appear to have a leaky gut. But not everyone with a leaky gut has an autoimmune disease. However, you can prevent it from affecting your health by treating it. If you have a leaky gut, your risk of developing autoimmune disease is generally higher. You may also experience weight loss problems or emotional problems. You may feel depressed or weak.
Depending on how you take care of your body, a leaky gut may be temporary and caused by an infection or stress. But if you have chronic health problems, chronic stress, excessive pollution, or a lack of gut bacteria, chronic leaky gut can develop, causing inflammation and other health problems.
5 Steps to Treat Leaky Gut Syndrome
There are many leaky gut tests you can do. However, you can skip this test if you have some of the following symptoms of a leaky gut:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Constant fatigue
- Food sensitivity or intolerance
- Digestive problems
- Mood fluctuations
- Weight loss problems
- Asthma or allergy
- Hormonal imbalance
- Skin problems, itching or rash
Even if your gut health is good or bad, it never hurts to keep your gut healthy. Everyone can benefit from taking these steps to heal their leaky gut.
1. Eliminate inflammatory foods
Sugary foods are high in calories.
Foods that cause inflammation can cause leaky gut to become worse (while causing weight gain, skin problems and other problems). Sugar is the culprit. Scientists have found that sugar causes inflammation, which can lead to many health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.
Other foods that can cause inflammation include:
- Dairy products
- Gluten
- Nuts and seeds (they contain an enzyme that prevents your body from digesting them properly)
- Nightshades (eggplant, tomato and potatoes belong in this group)
- Alcohol
- Soy
- Artificial substances
- Eggs
- Legumes
- NSAIDs (these pain reducing antibiotics can cause intestinal lining damage)
- Acid reducers (may cause reduced stomach acid, bad for digestion)
It also does well to listen to your body. If a certain food does not make you feel well, or makes you gain weight, it most likely causes inflammation.
2. Stop the toxic cycle
Toxins from food, water, and the environment can cause inflammation in the body and cause leaky gut to get worse.
Eating minimal and unadulterated foods may prevent additional toxins from entering your body. Switching to natural beauty products can also help with detoxification.
It’s impossible to eliminate all toxins in the environment, but remember that many of the toxins you put into your skin, body, and air will help you consume fewer toxins each day.
3. Reduce Stress
When you get sick or stressed due to stress, it is not just an accident. The hormones released when you are stressed stimulate your digestive system so your body can focus on dealing with stress.
If you are under constant stress, your digestive system will be in shutdown mode. This means you won’t be able to absorb nutrients properly, the bacteria in your gut will become unhealthy, and your intestinal lining will become damaged.
4. Moderate Exercise
Research shows that excessive exercise increases intestinal lining permeability. The gut can become worse if you exercise too much or for too long.
Sitting on the couch is no better either. Moving your body slowly can help your blood flow and stimulate your digestive system, helping it work better. Basic lunge yoga pose for beginners can reduce stress. If you’re suffering from a leaky gut, try replacing HIIT workouts or long runs with yoga, walking or dancing to aid recovery.
5. Add healthy foods to your diet
If you start thinking of food as medicine, you can start to treat your leaky gut. Some of the best healing foods include:
- Bone Broth – The collagen and amino acids in bone broth heal and close the intestinal wall.
- Fermented Products – Probiotics found in fermented products such as kefir and sauerkraut support the intestinal ecosystem.
- Omega-3 – Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Some fish are rich in omega-3 but can introduce toxins into the body.
- Coconut oil – contains healthy fats and antibacterial properties that kill bad bacteria in your gut and help you lose weight.
- Supplements – Certain supplements, such as probiotics, can help your body properly digest food and improve the bacteria in your gut.
- These can all help you improve your gut health, but changing your diet by taking a good probiotic supplement will be the quickest and easiest way to lose weight and heal your gut.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics are a great solution to heal your gut, help you lose weight faster, and ensure a healthy gut every day! You should then eat a healthy diet that contains all the nutrients! Probiotics will help regenerate your gut, but it won’t have a big impact if your diet still includes the wrong foods that damage your gut.
It’s important to pay more attention to your body and mind when trying to heal your leaky gut. You may not notice that you feel better when you start eliminating foods, but reintroducing foods can make you feel worse.
It can take a few months of eating too much of certain foods before you notice a difference (and start being honest with yourself).
If you really can’t do all of these steps, don’t lose hope. Try to improve your lifestyle to help your gut feel better in the long run.