In the next 6 blogs we will try to communicate the impact of Leaky Gut on inflammation, illness and with winter on the way, understanding how the immune system works.
As a Functional Nutritionist I read scores of publications every week, YouTube videos, and newly published research papers.
Wow ! do they conflict. There isn't a diet plan or dieting theory that doesn't contradict another. There isn't a researched diet plan that doesn't contradict another.
There doesn't seem to be an article on gut health that isn't selling a magic tablet or powder.
So how can we choose what's best for you ?
This series of articles is written by me, in a step by step series to understand the basics, the dangers and some of the natural solutions that evolution and nature provide.
LEAKY GUT
Whether we call it, diverticulitis, irritable bowl, leaky gut, what are the consequences? For example; celiac, gluten, bloating, depression, anxiety, obesity, type 2 diabetes etc., they are all thought to originate from a weak microbiome (poor gut health).
Look at the skin in your hands. We all get little chinks and grazes every day, but in no time they repair. Firstly the immune system surrounds the injury to protect the body, before the damage is repaired. The outer layer, the epidermis is 5 layers thick followed by the Dermis and Subcutaneous tissue. So pretty good armour.
However, the gut lining is one cell thick and permeable. This is to enable the migration of beneficial nutrients and the opposite transfer of water and toxins from the body.
We all have a degree of leaky gut, as this barrier is not completely impenetrable.... it isn't supposed to be. Some of us may have a genetic predisposition and may be more sensitive to changes in the digestive system, but our DNA is not the only one to blame. Modern life may actually be the main driver of gut inflammation.
There is an emerging evidence that the standard diet which is low in fibre and high in sugar, and saturated fats, initiates this process. Heavy alcohol use and stress also seem to disrupt this balance.
So what happens when the endotoxins from bad bacteria and viruses come out of the trenches, cross the gut lining and infiltrate the blood system? (Episode 4).
How often does the male population with a bloated tummy say;
"its my beer belly, bought and paid for".
Its not, its chronic inflammation.
Next Episode 2: SO HOW DO THE ONE HUNDRED TRILLION BACTERIA COMMUNICATE AND WORK TOGETHER TO REPAIR THE GUT LINING AND SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?