Leaky Gut Solutions: Nutrients To Help Heal Your Body At Home
Leaky gut can be reversed by removing irritants and adding healing foods like quercetin, glutamine, and fermented foods. Learn what to eat and avoid.
Leaky gut solutions and the healing thereof start at home, with what we eat and our lifestyle choices. The gut heals quickly when the damage stops and the necessary nutrients are readily available to restore and repair. Healing a leaky gut always starts with stopping the damage. This means that identifying the cause and planning future care is your top priority.
Leaky Gut Causes
Other than an infection of the gut, the most common causes of gut damage are antibiotics, chronic medications, excessive alcohol, and food allergies and intolerances. Most people don’t realise that a reaction to food is an indication that the body is not well, and that it is, in fact, damaging the lining of the gut. Repeated and ongoing consumption of these foods can lead to a flare-up elsewhere in the body. Some examples are Rosacea and Fibromyalgia. The best foods for the gut are those rich in nutrients that promote healing and foods that either inhibit toxic bacteria in the gut or promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Friendly Foods for the Pantry
Foods Rich in Glutamine
What does it do? It promotes gut healing, and glutamine is a nonessential amino acid. It is essential to note that glutamine is highly heat-sensitive and breaks down easily when food is cooked. Where can I find it? It can be difficult to consume enough broccoli and Brussels sprouts, so it is better to ask your healthcare practitioner for a supplement recommendation.
Foods Rich in Quercetin
What does it do? The bioflavonoid quercetin is very helpful for protecting and healing the gut. It is known to decrease inflammation, which is the primary mechanism by which the cells of the intestinal lining are damaged. Where can I find it? Foods rich in quercetin include onions (especially purple, not white) and apples.
Fermented Foods
What does it do? Fermented foods are excellent for promoting gut health, restoring a healthy microbiome, and building a stronger immune system. Where can I find it? Pickles, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi are but a few. These foods not only provide healthy lactobacillus bacteria but are also rich in glutamine.
Traditional Spices
What does it do? Several traditionally used spices have been shown to improve gut function and decrease gut permeability. Where can I find it? The most commonly known turmeric is rich in curcumin. This yellow root has been used in food for thousands of years. It greatly decreases inflammation in the gut, the primary cause of excess gut permeability. This decrease in inflammation occurs not just in the gut but throughout the body.
This may explain its remarkable anti-cancer benefit, which has been documented in over a hundred research studies. It is worth mentioning, however, that consuming it in the correct quantities and concentration can be challenging; therefore, consider supplementing your diet. As you can see, there are several ways to help prevent and mitigate the onset of leaky gut. It will, however, require a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
