Let’s be clear on one thing – your intestines are perhaps the most powerful healing organ inside your body, second only to your brain!
Yes, that 4,000 square feet of intestinal tubing you have inside your “stomach” (I use quotes because most people refer to their belly as their stomach, when in fact your stomach is tucked tightly up under your left rib cage) is powerful. When properly working your intestines form a very tight barrier that controls what is absorbed into your blood stream (nutrients, enzymes, co-factors, minerals, fluids etc) and what is protected from entering (toxins, etc) – ultimately keeping the good and putting the bad in your fecal matter. An unhealthy gut can have cracks, holes or crevices in it which allows for various toxins, bacteria/viruses/parasites and partially digested proteins to enter into your blood stream. This process, known scientifically as “increased intestinal permeability” aka“leaky gut” results in a massive inflammatory response that not only alters your gut bacteria (microbiome) but weakens your immune system and thus your overall ability to heal yourself.
The research world is booming with studies showing that modifications in the intestinal bacteria along with the presence of a leaky gut and inflammation plays a significant role in the development, and therefore correction, of a multitude of common chronic diseases.
Before you think the goal is a fully “sealed” gut-know that we all have and need a small degree of leaky gut, as this barrier is not completely impenetrable. Modern life is the main driver of gut inflammation. There is emerging evidence that the standard American diet (low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fats) contributes to initiating the process of increased intestinal permeability.
What we already know is that a leaky gut has been connected to the development of gastrointestinal disorders (celiac, Crohn’s, IBS/IBD, acid reflux, gastritis etc) but we also know that it has been associated with the development of Lupus, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Obesity, Asthma, Acne/Rosacea, Thyroid Conditions and metal health issues (anxiety, depression etc).
When your gut is “sealed” and properly protecting you from the inflammatory cascade and immuno-suppression that leaky gut ignites, you are in a state of healing – thus your gut does want to heal you, the question now is will you fix it?
It’s estimated that upwards to 90% of Americans have a leaky gut condition. One easy way of discovering if you do is to ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do you have a good amount of fat around your belly? (aka Spare Tire) YES/NO
2. Do you find that your nose begins to run while/after eating food? YES/NO
3. Do you wake up with join pain that gets better once you start moving? YES/NO
4. Do you have any form of skin problems (psoriasis, acne, skin rash)? YES/NO
5. Do you have strong cravings for sugar/carbs? YES/NO
6. Do you often feel tired/sleepy between 2pm and 4pm daily? YES/NO
7. Do you experience “excessive” fatigue? YES/NO
8. Do you experience diarrhea, constipation, gas/bloating often? YES/NO
9. Do you have 5+ lbs of weight that won’t come off, despite all efforts? YES/NO
10. Do you take prescriptive medications? YES/NO
If you answered YES for any of the above (especially #10) then you have a high likelihood of having a leaky gut!
What Does The Research Say? Thousands of studies have been done confirming a leaky gut is not only causing various health conditions but it also could be the answer as to why you haven’t healed from that condition. IE, if a leaky gut creates the disease, reversal of the leaky gut can reverse the disease. Don’t believe me? Try clicking on these conditions to see what the research says:
Type 1 Diabetes | Autoimmune Conditions | Obesity/Weight Loss Resistance |High Blood Pressure|Cancer | Immunotherapy | Heart Disease/Attack |Mental Health | Thyroid Function | Overall Immune System Strength| Psychiatric Disorders | Premature Birth | Neurodevelopment Disorders
This just a small sample of over 121,000 published articles on the implications of a leaky gut/damaged microbiome.
Now the ultimate question – how to heal your microbiome. It’s quite simple really-understand that it wants to heal itself. In order for that to happen you must stop irritating/damaging it!
Step 1 : Remove gut damaging foods: All processed foods and oils (vegetable oils). All grains (wheat,rice, oats). All diary (milk, yogurt, cheese that is not raw/grass-fed).
Step 2 : Heal the gut lining with intermittent and/or 24-72 hr fasting with broths. Use glycine/glutamine, high potency probiotics and ION (the only inessential barrier support that tighten the gap junctions between your gut cells) regularly.
Step 3 : Consume grass fed proteins, organic fruits/vegetables and fermented pre/probiotic foods (raw fermented kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha).
Step 4 : Repair/renew your gut – brain neurological connection with chiropractic care to ensure there is no interference in your vagus and lumbar nerves, aka the enteric nerve system.