If you have ever visited a naturopath you would have probably been asked a lot of questions relating to your bowel movements, digestion, gut symptoms and so on.
This is for good reason, because our gastrointestinal tract (or gut or GIT) performs important work that helps us maintain good general health.
The gut consists of the small and large intestine that runs from the stomach to the anus.
The primary function of the gut is the digestion and absorption of nutrients and water. It also serves as a barrier against large harmful molecules, toxins and pathogens.
The gut is a busy environment that houses food remnants and microbial organisms (called the intestinal flora). Bacteria form the largest segment of the intestinal flora, some 500 species, a mixture of good and bad bugs.
The good gut bacteria plays an important role by -
- Manufacturing certain vitamins
- Converting undigested fibre into fatty acids that feed the cells of the large intestine.
- Degrading certain dietary toxins and fight dangerous bacteria like Salmonella to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
- Helping the immune system. (Most of the body's immune system is located in the lining of the small intestine).
Bad gut bacteria can -
- Destroy vitamins
- Make toxins
- Produce by-products that promote cancer and hinder brain function
When the gut is healthy these bacteria live in harmony. When the balance is disrupted dysbiosis results and adverse health consequences arise.
The gut ecology consisting of beneficial and harmful microbes is often referred to as the gut microbiome.
The causes of poor gut health
Chronic stress, a diet high in processed foods, animal products and low in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains & fibre, allergic reactions to foods, surgery, infections, parasites, alcohol, drug, NSAIDs and antibiotic treatment can upset the delicate microbial balance that results in poor gut health (dysbiosis).
This is where the bad bugs overpower the good bugs which can lead to symptoms like bloatedness, diarrhoea and eventually inflammation which can lead to erosion of the gut lining.
Intestinal permeability or 'leaky gut'
Bacterial debris can circulate around the body and eventually get deposited into tissues such as joints. The immune system responds by attacking the affected tissues in order to remove the foreign material. This is where things get ugly.
Diseases associated with intestinal permeability include -
Acne, hives, eczema, psoriasis, migraines, chronic fatigue, chronic arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease, pancreatic dysfunction, autism and ADHD.
Intestinal permeability may not be the sole cause of these diseases but can be part of the chain of events that causes disease and aggravates existing symptoms and produce new ones.
Effective long term healing will not take place unless gut health is restored.
Heal the gut
Various functional tests can confirm if the gut lining has been compromised. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms or conditions mentioned above then this is what a typical treatment regime should look like.
Remove / Avoid
Infective organisms and parasites.
Junk foods, highly processed and highly sweetened foods, soft drinks, fried foods, hydrogenated vegetable oils, foods containing yeast, coffee.
Foods you may be intolerant or allergic to.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and alcohol.
Replace / Increase
High fibre diet, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Soluble fibre feeds the good intestinal bacteria and heals the gut wall. Oatbran, apple pectin and guar gum are good sources of soluble fibre.
Omega 3 fatty acids from fish and flax seed oil.
Antioxidants and nutrients such as zinc, vitamin C, E and quality proteins.
Water 2 litres per day.
Reinocculate
With high quality high strength probiotics to restore the beneficial gut bacterial balance.
There are many formulations available, a desirable formula should contain at least Lactobacillus rhamnosus, casei, acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum and longum in meaningful quantities.
Repair
The damaged intestinal lining with nutritional agents. Specific formulations have been designed for this purpose and are available through practitioners.
This protocol is quite involved and treatment should be tailored to the individual.
There are complementary healthcare practitioners who are well experienced in this area and should be consulted.
The take home message is to at least be aware of the importance of a healthy gut and do what you can to promote and maintain its health.
If you're not suffering from the chronic diseases listed above and want to promote good gut health then follow the dietary suggestions outlined in the remove and replace paragraphs and take several courses of probiotics during the year.