Have you ever heard of a certain disorder named leaky gut? Well traditional physicians may not usually recognize this dysfunction. But proofs should that this really exists. This is a dysfunctional intestinal lining. This may also be termed as increase intestinal permeability. Some of the cause of having such disorder are using to many drugs such as antibiotics, cytotoxic drugs and NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), too much alcohol and being immunosuppressed. Sensitivity to food, persistent inflammation and radiation may also contribute to having a leaky gut
What happens to the digestive tract of a person? The lining of the tract become inflame thus damaging it and reducing its ability to defend the body. The lining then becomes porous and permeable to substances such as macro molecules, bacteria, parasites and even other toxic material for the body, allowing these to enter the bloodstream.
What happens if these substances enter the bloodstream? These substances which are not usually absorbed to the bloodstreams may trigger the immune system thus, resulting to some gastrointestinal problem. Not only that. This may trigger inflammatory bowel disorder such as Celiac and Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
So how can we treat such disorder? As recommended by physicians and other experts by stay away from alcohol, NSAIDs and other drugs as well as foods that my trigger an allergic reaction. Foods rich in fiber are also beneficial. Probiotic supplements such as Culturelle which contains a Lactobacillus GG is also recommended. Supplements are also available to help the intestine in its metabolic function and one of it is the supplement with glutamine (amino acid). This glutamine is very helpful especially to those with damaged intestine because of chemotherapy or radation.
What kind of leaky gut diet is recommended? A anti-inflammatory diet is recommended. An example of a good anti-inflammatory food is GLA and fish oil.
