Supplements to Provide Support When You Have Leaky Gut Part 1

A leaky gut can be an issue for so many people who already have poor digestive health.

When your gut is perforated, food and other proteins can escape your digestive tract, leaving behind a trail of inflammation with various digestive symptoms associated with a leaky gut.

What Intestinal Diseases are Associated with a Leaky Gut?

Intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, is a recognized feature of several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as Celiac disease, which affect the digestive system. Suppose you already have an underlying digestive disorder or digestive disease that affects your gut health. In that case, a leaky gut is considered a symptom, not a cause. These diseases cause chronic inflammation in the intestines, leading to the gradual erosion of the intestinal barrier.

Studies have shown that people who have certain chronic gastrointestinal diseases have leaky guts that let larger molecules through that are potentially toxic chemicals to your body. Part of the job of your intestinal lining is to act as a barrier to bacteria and other infectious agents inside the gut. This barrier is an essential agent in keeping your immune system functionally normal.

How Can I Repair a Leaky Gut?

Before you start taking supplements or changing your diet, the first part of your diet and lifestyle you want to take into account is your medications. Always consult your healthcare provider; however, in general, if you don't need medication and you have a leaky gut, you'll need to stop taking any medications which are not necessary to your overall health. 

Secondly, you'll want to start using a low FODMAP diet. This diet is designed to reduce the inflammation in your digestive system by eating foods that do not create more inflammation. Remember, the more inflammation you cause in your digestive tract, the worse your leaky gut can become. You'll want to eliminate foods in your diet that can potentially create more inflammation and more perforations in the lining of your intestines.

In addition to modifying your diet and taking out unnecessary medications, there are several supplements you can take to help mend your inflamed and perforated intestinal tract. Take these supplements, but check with your healthcare providers before consuming any supplements for better health.

Supplements that Can Reduce Inflammation Caused by Leaky Gut Syndrome

While taking supplements is a good step on your way to better gut health, remember that taking supplements alone won't heal your gut. Diet, exercise, drinking plenty of water, and eating non-inflammatory foods are all components of a wellness plan to get your gut health back to normal.

Probiotics

Using a probiotic supplement with 50 to 100 billion units daily is essential to take when you have a leaky gut because it helps replenish good bacteria and crowds out harmful bacteria. I recommend getting probiotics in both food and supplement forms. By only following part of the protocol in treating leaky gut syndrome by removing the damaging irritants, you may fail to re-inoculate the gut with beneficial bacteria that will keep harmful bacteria at bay. Based on available research, look for strains like Bacillus clausii, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Bacillus coagulans.

Fiber 

Fiber ranks number two on my list of essential supplements for leaky gut. Most people don't realize this, but probiotics cannot survive and thrive without fiber. Indigestible fibers such as prebiotics are food that helps probiotic bacteria thrive in our gut. This is why a diet rich in high-fiber foods like sprouted chia seeds, sprouted flaxseeds, and sprouted hemp seeds is crucial to gut health. Aim for 30 to 40 grams of fiber daily if your gut isn't overly sensitive.

Digestive Enzymes

Taking one to two capsules of enzymes at the beginning of each meal ensures that foods you eat are fully digested, decreasing the chance that partially digested foods particles and proteins are damaging your gut wall.

L-glutamine

Critical for any program designed to heal leaky gut, glutamine powder is an essential amino acid supplement with anti-inflammatory properties necessary for the growth and repair of your intestinal lining. In addition, L-glutamine benefits include acting as a protector, coating your cell walls, and being repellent to irritants.

While supplementation is an excellent way to help heal your gut, remember that diet, exercise, and drinking quality water are the first steps to a healthier you! Taking supplements without a proper diet and exercise won't make much of a difference for your gut health. If you're looking for assistance in a lifestyle change to create a better life with more energy and pep, reach out to me. I'd be glad to work together to positively change your life!