Leaky Gut And Associated Symptoms

Digestive issues and GI diseases such as leaky gut are on the rise these days. With most of the immune system located within our gut and GI tract, it is no wonder that auto immune illnesses such as celiac disease are so prevalent. However, you don’t have to be celiac to have this problem.

And, as a colon therapist, I have seen and worked with many different illnesses within the GI tract. A leaky gut is not the cause in itself of fibromyalgia, but it can surely exacerbate symptoms and needs to be addressed if symptoms are present.

When the body becomes intolerant to certain foods such as grain and dairy proteins and other allergen foods these can cause microscopic tears within the gut lining. Think of it like a colander, but with smaller holes. These tiny holes are responsible for bacteria, food particles and other body fluids ‘leaking’ out of the GI tract and INTO the bloodstream.

Thyroid and adrenal health can then be compromised when the GI tract is not properly sorting and absorbing key nutrients. Also this leaking of toxins can cause inflammation in the delicate thyroid tissue and lead to everything from low thyroid function to auto immune thyroid or thyroiditis. 

What are the leaky gut culprits?

Toxins, medications and even ongoing stress can also be common culprits in developing a leaky gut. GMO's, pesticides and herbicides are also suspect in the rise of both leaky gut and bacterial overgrowth in the intestinal tract.

Symptoms of a leaky gut include bloating, fatigue, allergies, skin conditions, liver disease, intolerance to foods and environment, weight gain or loss, and more. These symptoms also correlate with Candidiasis and you can read more here. Candida and Fibromyalgia. 

With fibromyalgia, it is important that we not create more challenges within the fibro body. We want to support and strengthen our immune system.

If you suspect that you might have a leaky gut, your doctor can test you for this, and as well, your specific food allergens. Eliminating the offending foods and managing stress will then be the first step to attaining a stronger ‘core’ health.

Healing A Leaky Gut

For almost 20 years, I have used and advocated a high probiotic diet, one that includes healthy bacteria for a heal-thy gut. I use The Body Ecology Diet as a foundation and then modify the plan where needed for each individual. Creating a healthy terrain is essential in every body, but especially for those with any kind of chronic illness. 

Two easy to take supplements for healing a leaky gut include Glutamine amino acid powder and DGL. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (yes, long word) comes in easy to chew tablets. (Click on "Nutrition Tips" at the end of this page for the best way to get both glutamine and allergen free protein, Original Plantfusion)

NOTE: When using glutamine, I suggest using the powder, not capsules, which are not high enough in potency. Taking 1 gram of powder 2X a day is generally very safe and even under recommendation of up to 5 grams per day. (Plantfusion also supplies glutamine so be sure to account for that when taking it with other amino acids.) 

Probiotic Supplements and Cultured Foods

Advanced Adult Probiotic

There are many probiotic supplements on the market today. As a colon therapist working with clients for many years in the field of gut health, I have found good success with Flora Udo's Advanced Adult Probiotic which is a great multi strain formula. I recommend Udo's Flora brand of probiotics because it is a good quality, multi strain, highly effective probiotic at the best cost we have found as well. (This probiotic also contains a good amount of the strains that I prefer to have included such as plantarum, bifidum, and casei) 

Garden Of Life Primal Defense is also excellent and I have personally used and recommended this product. A probiotic with HSO's (homeostatic soil organisms) can help to balance gut flora and aid in both absorption and assimilation of nutrients.

Even if you make cultured foods at home, you will benefit from the addition of HSO's that you cannot get elsewhere. With either product you will reduce bloating/indigestion and increase well-being. 

We all share the need for a stronger inner ecology. One that ‘feeds’ the good guys while eliminating the bad guys. I prepare high probiotic foods at home. These include kefir, cultured vegetables and fermented drinks such as rejuvelac and kombucha. (If you’re unfamiliar with these, you can check online for videos or check in your area for classes on how to make cultured foods at home.) 

However, please know that not everyone will tolerate cultured foods in the beginning. If you feel gassy or bloated after ingesting any kind of cultured or fermented food, avoid them until you have established a healthier terrain with the digestive system. 

Also check out my basic cultured vegetables on the RECIPE page. Probiotic capsules can be helpful but quality is essential and they still do not produce the amounts of beneficial bacteria that cultured foods can. However, it can be a good place to start.

Clarified butter or ghee, is another excellent remedy for a leaky gut, and can simply be taken every morning with or without food. (a tsp. is fine) 

For helpful meal planning, refer to my Fibromyalgia Diet pages and the suggestions for food combining. There is endless variety when planning meals and being creative is essential to success with any food plan.

Also consider histamine intolerance if having reactions to foods and drinks on a more regular basis. 

My plan is merely a guide to show which foods are best eaten at specific times of day and which foods are best combined and rotated. These suggestions will help to aid in reducing fibro symptoms AND help in healing any gut issues.

As a colon therapist, my goal is to not only help you promote a stronger and more resilient core, but to make any plan workable, attainable.  

As a fellow fibro sufferer, I want you to know that you are not alone and that putting these suggestions and my protocol into action when you’re not functioning well may not be easy in the beginning.

I get it, I’ve been there, and still work on my own health and well-being every day. 

Yet, I cannot stress enough the empowerment that comes from preparing our own food, from putting love and care into it. That is a priceless gift that we give to ourselves every time we make the choice to ‘Live Smarter’. Lisa. FG.

Click here on Nutrition Tips for the best way to get both glutamine and allergen free protein in the form of ORIGINAL PLANTFUSION.

 Home  >  Fibro Diet  >  Top of Page