HOW TO STOP LEAKY GUT AND REVERSE AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES
It all starts with correcting and restoring gut health. Yes, you heard it right! Did you know that a leaky gut gives rise to autoimmune disease occurrence and progression?
Autoimmune illnesses occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body. The old concept of autoimmune origin, which involved a specific genetic constitution and interaction with environmental stimuli, has recently been challenged by a third factor: poor GI function.
Usually, the gut mucosa (outer layer) works as a barrier against gut luminal material, restricting the passage of components that might affect the host system.
The Western diet, antibiotic use, and excessive cleanliness all contribute to microbial dysbiosis and leaky gut.
A leaky gut arises from the weakened barrier function of the gut mucosa, which increases large holes in the lining. Things previously unable to pass through (for example, proteins, gluten, bacteria, and dietary allergens) can now travel through tissue and the bloodstream.
This results in a slew of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and others.
Leaky gut connection with autoimmune diseases
In persons vulnerable to Auto Immune Diseases, immune system activation occurs. Barrier breakers enter the bloodstream and give rise to autoantibodies (antibodies that target the body's tissue).
Autoantibodies can target local gastrointestinal tissue, causing illnesses such as IBD and Celiac disease. They can also move across blood vessels and harm joints, organs, and tissues.
Reverse your autoimmune disease by healing your leaky gut!
Healing the gut
Healing the leaky gut reduces the symptoms of various diseases; hence, reducing its incidence is essential to prevent autoimmune disease.
The process of healing includes both short-term and long-term methods.
Short-term methods improve gut function by removing gluten, dairy, and sugar from the diet. A healthy diet of raw vegetables, tea, and bone broth is essential for recovery.
In the long term, maintaining excellent gut health is crucial.
How do you fix a leaky gut with simple lifestyle modifications?
Mending a leaky gut regulates the immune system and reduces bodily inflammation.
The use of probiotics and prebiotics Rich Foods: Consuming fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha might contain beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that maintain a healthy gut microbiome.to treat the leaky gut syndrome
By boosting TJ protein production (strengthens the intestinal barrier), probiotics can help to reverse the leaky gut. The fermentation activity of gut bacteria has healing effects on the permeability of the intestinal wall. Fermentation products influence anti-inflammatory signals, resulting in an effective active immune response.
Inulin is the most common plant-based prebiotic supplement. Inulin supplementation improves glucose metabolism while also increasing the number of Bifidobacterium species which,
Regulates the digestive system
Improves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Boosts the immune system
Promotes weight loss
Improves some food intolerances
To promote healthy gut flora, include foods such as
Whole Grains: Consuming whole grains such as oats, quinoa, millets, and brown rice can deliver fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy digestion and intestinal health.
Plant-Based Foods: A diet rich in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and essential fatty acid-rich foods like olives, and salmon can provide a varied range of nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that contribute to a healthy gut.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Consuming a fiber-rich diet, which includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, can encourage regular bowel movements, support digestion, and provide prebiotic fiber, which feeds the healthy gut bacteria.
Bone Broth: A broth from cooking animal bones and connective tissue is high in minerals and collagen, which can soothe and mend the intestinal lining.
How foods should be consumed for leaky gut according to Ayurveda/Siddha
Warm, prepared foods that are simple to digest are recommended. Warm foods enhance efficient digestion and nutrient absorption by stimulating the digestive fire or agni.
Cooked foods are preferred over raw ones because they are easier to digest.
Eating fresh and seasonal produce provides the body with more anti-oxidants, minerals, and life energy to stimulate the system than cold-storage vegetables.
Eat regularly enough to prevent the energy dumps caused by low blood sugar, and remain hydrated.
Ayurvedic experts advise eating three evenly-spaced meals every day.
A small breakfast should be followed by your main course at midday when the digestive fire (Agni) is at its peak. A light dinner should be consumed a few hours before going to bed. This permits the body to effectively digest and break down food, eliminate waste efficiently, and maintain a healthy stomach.
Avoid food that causes allergy or gut discomfort in any form, as even a tiny bite of these foods can cause an immune response, inflammation, and symptoms to flare up.
Nutrient absorption requires healthy gut microbes. As a result, you should avoid processed foods because they are high in carbohydrates and chemicals that kill these good bacteria.
Mindful eating and suitable food combinations, such as eating in a peaceful place, paying attention to one's hunger, and feeling satisfied, can aid in the healing of a leaky gut.
Herbal Treatments:
Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer qualities, turmeric has been discovered to be quite beneficial for inflammatory bowel illnesses such as ulcerative colitis.
Teas with herbs: Make herbal teas with ginger, turmeric, and honey, which have anti-inflammatory and digestive qualities.
Specific herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory characteristics, spices such as black cumin, coriander, fennel, ginger, cardamom, garlic, and others, not only give taste to your food but also boost enzyme secretion for better digestion.
Infusion of cumin seeds: Make cumin seed tea by steeping cumin seeds in boiling water. It is thought to have digestive properties.
Infusion of pomegranate zest: Boil pomegranate zest in water and drink the infusion. Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that can help with intestinal health.
Dietary supplements: Some herbs that can help alleviate digestive discomfort, reduce inflammation, and support healthy digestion include peppermint, chamomile, fennel, and licorice root.
Yoga and Leaky Gut
Did you know that yoga, when combined with a healthy Ayurveda diet, can be a great tool for mending leaky gut and boosting gut health?
Let's have a look at some Yoga poses that can aid with leaky gut healing:
Child's Pose (Balasana): This pose promotes relaxation and relieves abdominal strain. It massages the digestive organs, promoting greater nutrient absorption and intestinal function.
Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana): This reclining twisting position stimulates the digestive system and aids in detoxifying. It aids in the removal of impurities and sluggish energy from the stomach region, promoting digestion and reducing bloating or discomfort.
Bridge position (Setu Bandhasana): The Bridge position stimulates the abdominal organs and supports healthy digestion by improving circulation in the gastrointestinal area. It also stretches the front of the body, which helps to relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Other lifestyle modifications
Exercise regularly (at least three times a week):
Engage in regular physical activity, such as aerobic workouts, to promote good digestion, reduce stress, and boost general well-being.
Establish a routine:
Maintain regular mealtimes and provide enough time for digesting.
Adequate Sleep:
Getting enough good-quality sleep is essential for general health, including gut health. Aim for seven to eight hours of unbroken sleep per night to assist the body's natural healing and repair processes.
Stress Management:
Engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can help you regulate your stress levels.
Prioritize self-care:
Schedule time for things that help you relax and unwind, such as reading, bathing, or participating in hobbies that you like.
How Fasting Can Benefit You
Ancient science practitioners sometimes prescribe fasting to cleanse and detoxify the gut and rest the digestive system.
It can take several forms depending on the intensity of the digestive fire (Agni) in the body. It might be either eliminating any solid food for some time and drinking only warm water, or eating just rice and lentil porridge (khichadi) for all three meals of the day.
Most meals we eat nowadays are sweet, sour, or salty. It upsets the digestive system. Ayurvedic doctors recommend eating a balanced diet that includes all six tastes-
Sweet (root vegetables/grains)
Sour (tamarind chutney)
(Seaweed) salty
Spicy (digestive spices)
Astringent (lentils/beans)
Bitter (leafy greens)
Naturally, such food will have all of the needed ingredients & nutrients for the body while not causing unnecessary food desires.
Gut Health Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic/Siddha health practitioners recommend various herbal formulations for gut health in addition to dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
Triphala, which consists of the three fruits Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki, is a regularly prescribed herbal treatment.
This formulation aids in the stimulation of hunger, the reduction of constipation, the removal of waste, and the strengthening of the gut.
It promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria while inhibiting the growth of dangerous bacteria.
This shields the gut from potentially dangerous external influences such as germs, viruses, and chemicals derived from conventional medications.
Bilwadi churna aids in the elimination of unwanted microbes from the gut, stimulates digestive enzymes and improves digestion and nutritional absorption.
Other strategies to restore gut health
Under the healthcare professional guidance and care,
Try supplements with digestive enzymes have been found in studies to aid in regulating the body during or after high-stress levels.
Try Helminth/Hookworm Treatment as leaky gut imbalances the natural detoxification process.
Book a consultation with me and get the best medical consultation for yourself to learn more about gut health and how Siddha/Ayurveda may help you improve it.
References
Paray, B. A., Albeshr, M. F., Jan, A. T., & Rather, I. A. (2020). Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity: An Intricate Balance in Individuals Health and the Diseased State. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21249770
Sanua, Alain. “Autoimmune Disease and Leaky Gut Create a Vicious Cycle - Dr. Alain Sanua.” Dr. Alain Sanua - Dr. Alain Sanua, 1 Nov. 2023, homeopathjohannesburg.co.za/autoimmune-disease-and-leaky-gut-create-a-vicious-cycle/.
Ellenport, Vicky. “Healing Your Gut Is the 1st Step to Reversing Autoimmune Disease: The Nutrition Factor – Vicky Ellenport: Clinical Nutritionist Melbourne.” The Nutrition Factor – Vicky Ellenport, 28 Sept. 2021, thenutritionfactor.com.au/healing-your-gut-is-the-first-step-to-reversing-autoimmune-disease/.
Christovich, A., & Luo, X. M. (2022). Gut Microbiota, Leaky Gut, and Autoimmune Diseases. Frontiers in Immunology, 13, 946248. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.946248
“How to Improve Your Gut Health Naturally - an Ayurvedic Guide.” How to Improve Your Gut Health Naturally - An Ayurvedic Guide, www.nirvahealth.com/blog/heal-your-gut-naturally#natures-healing-touch-harnessing-the-power-of-natural-remedies-for-gut-health. Accessed 19 Dec. 2023.
HEMPSTREET MEDICARE PRIVATE LIMITED. Hempstreet is India’s first and largest research to retail player in the medicinal cannabis space with a network of 60, et al. “Gut Health and How Ayurveda Can Help.” Hempstreet, 8 July 2022, hempstreet.in/blog/gut-health-and-how-ayurveda-can-help/.
