This is what our intestinal lining looks like (apart from the purple colour - this is the stain used so we are able to see!)
This is where we absorb majority of our nutrients, where we gain the energy and fuel our body needs to perform and also where leaky gut can occur.
What is Leaky gut?
Leaky gut is a naturopathic term to describe your intestinal cells separating and allowing food particles that do not normally pass into your bloodstream to pass through. This is generally caused by inflammation due to a food intolerance, or infection.
What are the symptoms of Leaky Gut?
You could experience a change in bowel habits, bloating, abdominal pain, excessive flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, mucous in your stools.
If left untreated, leaky gut can go on to cause a wide range of symptoms, not just in your digestive system but throughout your body such as: autoimmune disease, allergies, brain fog, mood disorders, a lack of concentration, skin conditions and immune dysfunction.
How do you fix leaky gut?
Feed your gut nourishing foods full of nutrients
Reduce foods that cause irritation
Consume foods that are partially digested - cooked foods and less raw foods
Incorporate more whole foods as your body knows how to breakdown these foods easily
Increase prebiotic rich foods
Consume probiotic rich food sources (start with 1 serve a day)
Try consuming some bone broth to support intestinal lining
See a naturopath or nutritionist for particular nutrients and herbs that can restore intestinal integrity