Leaky Gut: Is is Becoming an Epidemic?

Leaky Gut: Is it Becoming an Epidemic?

 

Leaky gut is a condition that causes many health problems, yet it’s rarely talked about in the media or in doctors’ offices. As a matter of fact, many people have this condition but have no clue! Here’s a look at what leaky gut is, how it occurs and what you can do to create a healthy gut without the use of pharmaceuticals. Many of the doctors and health practitioners that are talking about and diagnosing leaky gut are saying that almost 80% of the U.S. population has some degree of leaky gut.
The leaky gut issue starts in a very important organ, your small intestine. The small intestine is so important because most of the vitamins and minerals in the foods you eat are absorbed there. In order for the vitamins and minerals to be absorbed, the small intestine contains microscopic pores so the nutrients can be transferred into the bloodstream. Once transferred, the nutrients are then shuttled and deposited all around the body by the blood.
The wall of the intestine is considered semi-permeable. This means it only allows certain things to enter the bloodstream and block other things from entering the bloodstream. For instance, specific molecules and nutrients are allowed to pass through but toxins and large undigested food particles are blocked. When you have leaky gut, the pores in your small intestine widen and this allows undigested food particles and toxins, that would normally be blocked, to enter your bloodstream. These particles and toxins aren’t recognized and the immune system goes into attack mode because they are not supposed to be in the blood. In essence, the immune system literally recognizes these undigested particles as dangerous. This can lead to allergies and much worse conditions. These particles that shouldn’t be there cause an immune response and build up antibodies to protect–it is just basically doing its job. The problem is the immune system doesn’t just build up antibodies to the food particles; it attacks your healthy cells, too. This is one of the ways food allergies and autoimmune disorders develop.
Keeping in mind that 70% of our immune system is in our gut, doesn’t it seem important to have a healthy one?
Let’s back up a bit and discuss some of the reasons why we are having a leaky gut epidemic? Why now? What has changed?
What has changed in the American diet over the last 25 years? We are a country that consumes much processed and fast food. The typical American diet consists of high amounts of sugar (an average of 22 teaspoons per day[i]) and many nutrient deficient foods or foods that are just void of any nutrients. We have become a society of convenience and a society of wanting it right now–and our health is paying a big price for this!  Our food is processed and filled with harmful chemicals and preservatives. Is it any wonder why Diabetes is so rampant in this country? In 2012, 29.1 Million people had Diabetes which is 9.3 percent of the population[ii]. That figure has increased since then and continues to grow daily!
There are a few different ways you can develop leaky gut. For example, if you are chronically constipated, over time the toxins in your stool will irritate the lining of your intestines. This irritation leads to inflammation which will cause the pores in the small intestine to expand. If the irritation and inflammation are allowed to continue for an extended period of time it can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or colitis, as well as other auto-immune diseases. So why are so many people constipated? Could it be a lack of proper nutrition, clean water and stress?
The other common cause of leaky gut is an imbalance of the flora inside our gut. We all have good and bad bacteria in our digestive system. When our gut flora is in balance the bad bacteria poses no threat. But when the bad bacteria outweighs the good, irritation and inflammation occur, again, causing the pores of the intestine to open up.  This creates something called dysbiosis which means that the billions of bacteria in our gut, which consists of good and bad bacteria, is out of balance. When we  have too much of the bad bacteria, it literally creates holes in the lining of the walls of the small intestine and creates a leaky gut. What causes dysbiosis? Could it be stress and poor nutrition?
Something else that has changed in our diet over the last 20 years is the introduction of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Currently, 90% of the foods in our mainstream grocery stores are genetically modified. Eighty percent (80%) of these genetically modified foods contain Glyphosate. Also, many conventional crops are sprayed with Glyphosate–over 160. Glyphosate (RoundUp) is the most widely used herbicide in the world. It is a patented antibiotic[iii] and also a mineral chelator. When Glyphosate gets into our gut, it can bind the beneficial minerals that are needed to maintain that healthy gut flora and makes these minerals unavailable. This creates dysbiosis. Through dysbiosis, the bad bacteria creates holes in the lining of the walls of the small intestine and creates a leaky gut.
Stress can be a factor in creating leaky gut. Severe emotional stress or trauma, drug use, especially antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be a contributing factor. Sometimes they are necessary, for a period of time, but overuse or extended use of antacids (for reflux or heartburn), anti-inflammatory drugs (for pain) and/or antibiotics (for infections) is known to cause leaky gut. Antacids cause leaky gut by suppressing digestion of your food, making it more likely that your immune system will be triggered by the food you eat. Once the immune system starts to react, leaky gut is aggravated each time you eat, even if it is food that you would think is good for you.
Gluten causes leaky gut by increasing levels of a protein called zonulin, which opens up the spaces between the intestinal cells, even if you don’t have gluten sensitivity.
What are some of the symptoms of leaky gut? Brain fog, anxiety, depression, emotional ups and downs, food allergies, hives, rashes, sinus issues, joint pain, food cravings for artificial fats and sugars (alcohol), autoimmune disease, weight gain, bloating, diarrhea, digestion issues, irritability, cramping, fatigue, headaches or thyroid conditions are some of the issues associated with leaky gut.
What can you do for leaky gut? It is recommended by many health practitioners that those with leaky gut eliminate all dairy, grains, sugar, legumes, GMOs, and seeds from your diet for a period of between 2 weeks to 12 weeks, depending upon the severity. There are leaky gut formulas available online or in your health food stores. It’s best to abstain from alcohol which contains sugar. Also, adding a good probiotic to your daily routine can be beneficial. Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi are wonderful probiotic foods that contain live cultures and they can assist in creating a healthy gut. Bone broth is also very healing for the gut. You can find recipes for bone broth online.
Another issue is that our gut or microbiome, as it is now called, is very much connected to our brain. When we have an unhealthy gut, we cannot get adequate amounts of tryptophan.  Tryptophan is an amino acid that is used by the brain and is converted into serotonin.  Serotonin is important because it controls feelings of hunger, depression, anxiety, thirst and sleep. Tryptophan has also been found to be an important nutrient when it comes to immune system functioning.  Serotonin is one of the four main neurotransmitters that are responsible for our mood. If our serotonin levels fall off we may experience anxiety and depression. Doesn’t this make sense that a leaky gut can cause brain fog, mood swings, depression, apathy and many more brain issues? Could it be the key to having a healthy brain is having a healthy gut?
In summary, leaky gut is the root of many health issues. Now that you are familiar with some of the health issues associated with leaky gut, including common syndromes like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, IBS, and multiple food and chemical sensitivities, as well as asthma, anxiety, autoimmunity, diabetes, and arthritis, you can take steps to create a healthier gut which is so important to your well being and your immune system. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor if you have a doctor who is knowledgeable about leaky gut. Most functional medicine doctors fully understand leaky gut syndrome and can assist you if you have a severe case of leaky gut. I always encourage people to be their own health advocate because only you can heal you!  Be well!

Cutting These 8 Habits Will Help You Lose Weight

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Here’s the truth. If you are unsatisfied with the way you look there could be other reasons as to why you haven’t been able to maintain the perfect physique. Now that is not to say that some people can eat like garbage their entire lives and still look and feel great.

However, there are people out there who have to fight a constant battle between being overweight and being in shape. This could be a result of the bad habits you have developed over the years.
Here is a list of the 5 worst habits you may or may not have, however, take them into consideration and see if they apply to you directly.

1. You’re too stressed

Stress affects your metabolism. This then provokes your body and your mind to crave more food, which leads to you eating more. You try and deal with your problems in other ways, one happens to be eating. This can be very bad for certain people. Relieve stress and you will see that your cravings will stop.

2. You’re skipping meals!

People tend to believe that if they eat less during the day they will lose weight. However, if you are eating one major meal a day your body will try to salvage all the nutrients and fats from that one meal. This could be bad for your health. Many people also skip breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day, and this causes you to eat more throughout the rest of the day. For the best results you should be eating 5 smaller portion meals a day, and be sure to never eat after 8 o’clock. That could be another reason why you haven’t been able to get shredded.

3. You eat too fast

Eating too fast can cause problems for many people for a long time. You’ve heard the old saying that you must chew your food 30 to 40 times before swallowing. Many people have questioned this process for many years, but it is in fact the best way to eat your food. It takes roughly 30 minutes for your body to digest food so that you know you are full. So, take your time eating, this will result in you consuming less food, which in turn would result in weight loss.

4. You stay up too late

Staying up late causes a hormone imbalance in your body, in specific leptin and ghrelin. Leptin is responsible for sending signals to the brain to remind your body that you are full, and ghrelin stimulates hunger. When you sleep you deprive these hormones of what they need to keep you healthy. This could be the reason why you eat so late, so avoid this by getting at least 7 hours of sleep each day.

5. Too much caffeine

Consuming too much caffeine could increase the stress hormone in your body, otherwise known as cortisol. This hormone can make you crave foods that are high in sugar and fat. Can you guess what this might cause? If you were thinking that this might cause you to gain weight then you were right. Be careful when consuming caffeine, it does more than keep you up.
Kick these bad habits and you will be sure to see excellent results. If you throw some exercise in the mix you could be looking as good as you imagined in less time.

6. You Eat To Many Processed Foods

Those extra pounds could be a result of you eating to many processed foods. These foods have high contents of fat and sugar, which do not help weight loss. Things like cookies chips frozen foods, and cakes are all contributing to your increase in weight. Ditch the processed foods and I guarantee you’ll see a difference on the scale and in the mirror.

7. You’re Ignoring Your Need For Water

The bottom line is you may not be getting enough water. Many people do not pay attention to their bodies most basic needs. They tend to fill themselves up with beverages that are not healthy for them, or beverages that will help them put the pounds on. Drinking 2 liters of water a day will not only speed up your metabolism, but also leaves less room in your stomach. Water also reduces the risk of heart attack, headaches, and helps detoxify your body. Keep this is mind.

8. Shopping In the Centre Isle of the Grocery Store

The center isle of your grocery store most likely contains all the processed foods and drinks you have come to enjoy over the years. Here’s a tip for weight loss; don’t shop in the center isles anymore. By simply avoiding the fatty isles at the grocery store you will notice the pounds fall off. This happens because you are simply not eating the bad foods or drinking the bad drinks.
 

Many Health Benefits of Tumeric

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.
The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.
Here are 20 health benefits of turmeric:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.
Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.
 

Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne, also known as capsicum, is an extraordinary spice with remarkable health benefits. From hypertension and cancer to arthritis and infections, cayenne treats a slew of your health woes, and all it takes is a dash to reap the benefits of cayenne.
Cayenne derives from a hot chili pepper and is also known as Guinea spice, cow-horn pepper, aleva, bird pepper, and red pepper. It is named after the city Cayenne, in French Guiana. Cayenne is a rich source of potassium, calcium, beta-carotene, B-complexes, and vitamins A, C, and E. The capsaicin in cayenne is what brings the heat to the table. Whether for culinary or therapeutic purposes, cayenne is a valuable part of your diet. As a health booster, cayenne can be applied to your skin topically or ingested, depending on the ailment you are trying to treat.
Beneficial to the heart and the flow of blood throughout the body, cayenne raises body temperature, which dilates blood vessels and improves circulation. It thins the blood, remove its toxins and rebuilds cells. Because of its ability to increase blood flow, it is popularly categorized as an aphrodisiac. The spice is also able to normalize blood pressure, reduce hypertension, and get rid of blockages in arteries and veins.
The benefits of cayenne also include an ability to fight cancer. The capsaicin actually induces cancer cells to kill themselves in a process called “apoptosis.” It also has the ability to disrupt the integrity of fungal cells, which means the spice can be used to treat fungal infections.
Cayenne pepper can also activate sensory nerves and relieve rheumatism and arthritis pain. This is due to the fact that capsaicin holds anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its stimulating effects, cayenne pepper can actually be sprinkled into shoes and socks in the winter to protect the feet from frostbite on account of its thermogenic properties.
Also helpful for weight loss, to stop bleeding, to prevent scar formation, and for digestion, it is clear the effects of cayenne pepper on the body are many. The best way to get started is by adding a dash or two to lemon tea water in the morning, a salad at lunch, or cooked vegetables and meats at night. How ever you can sneak the spice into you daily diet, do it — a little goes a long way.