What is a leaky gut?
A leaky gut is exactly what it sounds likeā¦. A leak in the gut lining. To get a bit more technical leaky gut is classified by little breaks and tears in the intestinal lining. Which allows harmful bacteria, undigested food particles, and toxins to leak out into the bloodstream. A leaky gut is also referred to as intestinal permeability.
The leaks in the gut lining cause inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome. The changes in both can cause serious health issues if not treated.
The ongoing inflammation and damage to carrier proteins in the gut can contribute to a long list of nutritional deficiencies. But don’t worry implementing supplements into your daily routine can bring you relief, and help you begin the long process of healing your gut.
Symptoms of leaky gut?
A leaky gut can manifest in a variety of symptoms and health conditions. Your digestive tract is not the only organ that can be affected. Symptoms of leaky gut can show up anywhere around your body.
- Widespread inflammation
- nutritional deficiencies
- Chronic diarrhea
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic bloating
- Hormonal imbalances
- Joint pain
- Excessive fatigue
- Memory loss/ brain fog
- Headaches
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Food sensitivity
- Skin conditions (acne, rashes)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Mood imbalances
Autoimmune conditions possibly caused by leaky gut
Studies are showing that a leaky gut may contribute to or exacerbate some autoimmune conditions:
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Psoriasis
- Thyroid conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Causes of leaky Gut
The microbiome of the gut dictates the state (health) of the gut. Many lifestyle factors can contribute to a damaged microbiome are:
- Westernized diet of high sugar low fiber
- Stress
- Frequent use NSAIDs
- steroids
- Antibiotic usage
- Unregulated sleep schedule
- Alcohol consumption
- Toxin exposure/ overload (everyday items in our homes: ex. scented candles, and some self-care products)
Check out our post on āhow to heal a leaky gutā to get a better understanding of how you can naturally heal your gut. Today we are going to focus on the best supplements for a leaky gut. Remember to always speak with your primary doctor first!
DISCLAIMER– We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com. We will receive a commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link at no extra cost to you.
Supplements to heal leaky gut
1. L-glutamine powder
L-glutamine is an amino acid naturally produced in the body. It can be found in a variety of foods like; bone broth, grass-fed meats, seafood, etc. However, if these foods aren’t regularly incorporated into your diet taking a supplement of L-glutamine will ensure you don’t miss out on its superpowers of; strengthening the gut cell membrane, reducing inflammation, and improving absorption of nutrients. To see the healing effects L-glutamine can have on the gut you must stay consistent.
2. Digestive enzymes
Your gut already naturally produces its own digestive enzymes. However, if you are suffering from a leaky gut your ability to produce digestive enzymes is reduced. In the meantime while healing your gut take a supplement to replace the digestive enzymes that should be there. Until you can produce them yourself will aid in helping you absorb more nutrients, reduce irritation/ inflammation, support the lining of the gut, and help protect against pathogens.
3. Vitamin D with K
Vitamin d can aid in reducing and regulating inflammation in the gut. Which will overall improve the health of your gut. Vitamin d with k also works to reduce toxins, and heal the lining of your gut. Leading to a healthier microbiota (habitat of bacteria in your gut). I have tried many different brands of vitamin D supplements, but these by far have given the best results. I can feel the difference of a little pep in my step when I take these. When starting any new supplement I make sure to only incorporate one new one at a time, and track how I’m feeling with a symptom tracker. Click here to check out our free resource library to get a copy of ours. I only take supplements that make a notable difference, and I can defiantly say these do.
4. Omega-3
Omega -3 supplies benefits all over the body. For the gut, it’s been known to diversify the gut microbiome, relieve intestinal inflammation, promote healing of gastric lesions, and overall revert the gut microbiota to a healthier composition. The positive effects for the rest of the body sweeten the deal with effects like; lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and improved hypertension. There are many foods rich in omega-3 like tofu, walnuts, fish, and spinach. But if you don’t regularly implement them into your diet an omega-3 supplement would be a good option.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in cooking. It contains a chemical called curcumin that reduces inflammation, favors the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aids with gut permeability, prevents enzymes that compromise gut health, and boosts the secretion of stomach mucus. There are many ways you can incorporate turmeric into your diet like incorporating the spice into your meals, teas, or supplements. I enjoy drinking turmeric tea. It took a minute to get used to the taste, but now I crave it for the benefit and the earthy taste. Make sure to stay consistent it can take anywhere between 4-8 weeks to fully see the benefits of turmeric.
Healing your leaky gut is possible through the right lifestyle changes. Stay consistent and track your progress! Click here to check out our free resource library. There you will be able to find a medication/ supplement tracker, a leaky gut mini-guide, a symptoms tracker, and 15+ other printables to choose from. To track the healing journey of your gut I recommend grabbing a copy of the medication/ supplement tracker, and a symptom tracker. So you can clearly see if what your doing is improving your symptoms or not! Let us know if you end up using one, and how it helped!
