The Health Diva

A healthy gut lining acts as a barrier, to keep bacterial products, large undigested food particles, and potential allergens from invading the blood stream, only allowing properly digested fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to pass through so that they can be assimilated. This is called the ‘barrier function’ of the gut lining.

Sometimes, as in the case of some irritable bowel sufferers the gut lining becomes more porous, allowing incompletely digested particles to enter the bloodstream. These particles are then recognised as foreign substances and attacked by the immune system, it is this action of the immune system, which is thought to be a causal factor in the development of food allergies and intolerances. This situation is called “leaky gut”, or “Increased Intestinal Permeability”.

There is no single cause of leaky gut syndrome, but some of the most common contributing factors are chronic stress, poor gut ecology, gut viruses, parasites, alcohol and medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid drugs, and aspirins.

Poor diet can also affect the permeability of the gut lining, diets low in fibre cause constipation and increased transit time, allowing toxic bi-products of digestion to concentrate and irritate the gut lining.

Diets high in refined sugars, saturated fats, and excessive alcohol consumption all promote inflammation of the gut lining.

There are many nutrients, amino acids, and herbs that can be recommended by your practitioner to help to heal your gut.

The digestive tract uses the amino acid glutamine as a fuel source and for healing the intestinal wall. In studies this amino acid has been shown to prevent and reverse intestinal damage.

Liquorice helps heal the mucus lining of the gut by increasing healing prostaglandins that promote mucus secretion and cell proliferation. Liquorice enhances blood flow and health of intestinal tract cells.

It is important to use deglycyrrhized liquorice extract to avoid side effects caused by using the whole extract.

Aloe Vera is a traditional folk remedy for the treatment of gut disorders. It is soothing and healing to mucus membranes.

Golden seal is very soothing to mucous membranes, enhancing the immune function and has natural antibiotic, and anti fungal properties. Important: do not use goldenseal while pregnant. Continuous use of golden seal should not exceed three weeks, with a break of at least two weeks between courses.

The mucilage content of Slippery Elm gives it the soothing effect for which it is known, making it a popular folk remedy for the treatment of gut disorders.

Not all fats are bad for digestion; essential fatty acids are very beneficial for digestive health reducing inflammation, promoting healing and repair. Hemp seed oil contains 19 percent alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3), 57 percent linolenic acid and 2 percent GLA (both omega 6). It is the only common seed oil that meets all known essential fatty acid needs.

Linseeds are an excellent source of omega 3 essential fats, which also help, promote healing. Linseeds help buffer excess acid in the gut, which makes it ideal for reducing inflammation throughout the digestive tract.

Antioxidant nutrients including zinc and vitamin A increases the rate of healing and can prevent damage to the gut lining.