Leaky gut is a condition common in the American culture because of the food choices we make. Digestive issues, food sensitivities, sugar cravings, weight gain, brain fog, mood savings, fatigue, headaches, skin issues, yeast infections, bloating, constipation and urinary tract infections can all result from a leaky gut. Typically, it is characterized by a damaged intestinal mucosa lining, such that the tight junctions (small spaces between cells) become “open” and allow toxins to cross the intestinal barrier. These toxins then enter the bloodstream with bacteria and bile.
An elimination diet of inflammatory foods is required to heal, as well as a few nutritional supplements such as:
- Glutamine
- Licrorice Root
- Marshamallow Root
- Acacia Fiber Gum
- Bimuna Prebiotics
- Spore Probiotics
If the leaky gut has been persistent and difficult to treat, you may need to check for SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
Supplements that are helpful with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth are:
- Neem
- Pau D’arco
- Gluathione
- Low FODMAP diet
- Prebiotics
- Spore Probiotics
- Allicin/Garlic
- Berberine
- Oregano
Occasionally, the Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth condition is resistant to herbs, and you need antibiotics such as:
- Xifaxan (Rifamixin)
- Flagyl (Metronidazole)
Generally, it takes at least 6 months to heal from a leaky gut and about 12 months from Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.