Natural Ways To Heal Your Gut

The concept of food allergies and sensitivities has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. As a naturopathic doctor, I often see food sensitivities in clinical practice. Despite growing awareness in natural and holistic health circles, many people still do not fully understand how food sensitivities impact their health. This article aims to shed light on the mechanisms of food sensitivities and how they can affect our bodies in often unexpected ways, focusing on digestive tract health and the benefits of digestion supplements.

Understanding Food Intolerances vs. Allergies

It's important to distinguish between food intolerances and food allergies when it comes to digestive tract health. Allergies involve an acute immune response to substances like peanuts or bee stings, leading to severe reactions such as rashes, hives, and throat swelling, which require emergency treatment. In contrast, food sensitivities cause low-grade, chronic effects, responsible for a wide range of symptoms including:

• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Frequent colds
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Chronic sinus congestion
• Fatigue
• Acne 

A well-known example of food sensitivity is lactose intolerance, where the body cannot digest lactose due to a missing enzyme, leading to bloating, diarrhea, and cramping.

The Impact of Food Sensitivities on Digestive Tract Health

Eliminating specific foods, particularly gluten, has been shown to help patients with IBD and IBS. Additionally, food sensitivities are linked to other conditions such as autism, acne, and certain mental health disorders. The connection between the digestive tract and the immune system is a key factor, as chronic irritation and inflammation from food sensitivities can overstimulate the immune system (Verywell Health, 2022).

The key to understanding the wide-ranging effects of food intolerance lies in the connection between our digestive tract and immune system. The majority of the immune system is located just outside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, strategically placed to defend against foreign invaders. Food sensitivities cause chronic irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract, overstimulating the immune system and causing it to react to normally harmless food particles.

Identifying Food Intolerances & Problematic Proteins

To identify food intolerances and resolve symptoms, avoiding common food allergens is crucial. Common food allergens include:

• Dairy products
• Soy
• Corn
• Eggs
• Beef
• Pork
• Gluten/Wheat

Elimination diets often start by removing these foods, resolving many symptoms for most people. However, identifying specific intolerances may require a full food elimination diet, which typically takes a month, or a food intolerance blood test, assessing reactions to 96 common foods.

Healing Your Digestive Tract

To heal your digestive tract from the effects of food sensitivities, consider removing refined sugars, food preservatives, and dyes from your diet. Here are some natural ways to heal and repair your digestive tract:

• L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that aids digestive tract health. It is the primary fuel source for the cells lining your intestinal wall (enterocytes). It helps maintain the integrity and function of the gut by decreasing inflammation, enhancing antioxidant protection, and restoring tight junctions between enterocytes. L-glutamine digestion supplements can aid in conditions like Crohn's disease, food sensitivities, infections, dysbiosis, postoperative inflammation, and other gastrointestinal conditions.

• Zinc-Carnosine

Zinc-carnosine is a combination of zinc and the antioxidant carnosine that can benefit digestive tract health. Used as a prescription medication in Japan for stomach disorders, it has shown remarkable improvements in symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, belching, bloating, and anorexia. Zinc-carnosine digestion supplements help stabilize the gut mucosa and stimulate healing and repair in the GI tract, particularly beneficial for "leaky gut syndrome."

• Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are essential for breaking down food into smaller particles for absorption. Enzymes like proteases, lipases, and amylases help break down proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, respectively. Broad-spectrum enzyme supplements that include alpha-galactosidase (for breaking down non-digestible sugars in legumes) and DPP IV protease (for breaking down problematic proteins like gluten and casein) can be particularly beneficial. 

• Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in the gut microbiome. They support digestion, enhance immune function, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, or taking probiotic supplements can promote gut and digestive tract health.

• Soothing Herbs

Herbs such as ginger, fennel, marshmallow, and licorice root have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive tract. These herbs can help reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms like bloating and gas, and support overall digestive health.

• Collagen-Boosters

Collagen-rich foods like bone broth and salmon skin can benefit both overall health and gut health. Collagen supports the gut lining, helps heal a leaky gut, and promotes overall digestive tract health and wellness. To boost collagen production, include foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and broccoli, in your diet.

Importance of the Gut Microbiome on Overall Health

The gut microbiome refers to the microorganisms living in your intestines. A diverse and balanced gut microbiome is crucial for overall health, impacting everything from digestion to immune function and mental health. Factors like diet, stress, sleep, and antibiotic use can affect the gut microbiome's balance.

Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

An unhealthy gut can manifest through various symptoms, including:

• Upset stomach (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn)
• Unintentional weight changes
• Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue
• Skin irritation (conditions like psoriasis)
• Autoimmune conditions
• Food intolerances
   

Improving Gut Health Naturally

You can improve gut health through lifestyle and dietary changes. Here are some tips:

• Lower Stress Levels: Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, and spending time with loved ones.
• Get Enough Sleep: Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Eat Slowly: Chew food thoroughly and eat meals slowly to aid digestion.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support digestion and prevent constipation.
• Take Prebiotics and Probiotics: Consider supplements to promote beneficial gut bacteria.
• Check for Food Intolerances: Identify and avoid foods that cause digestive discomfort.
• Change Your Diet: Reduce processed, sugary, and high-fat foods. Increase intake of fiber-rich and nutrient-dense foods.
   

Healing your digestive tract requires a multifaceted approach that includes identifying and eliminating food intolerances, supplementing with key nutrients, and making lifestyle changes. By following these natural remedies for digestive tract health and incorporating digestion supplements, you can alleviate symptoms, improve your overall well-being, and promote a healthier gut.