Wellness with Dr. Rita

ARE YOUR SUFFERING FROM LEAKY GUT SYNDROME?

The function of the GI or gastrointestinal tract is to break down the foods we eat so they can be used by our bodies to produce energy. As part of the GI tract, the small intestine’s task is to absorb and transport vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat across the gut lining into the bloodstream. It also acts as a barrier to prevent the re-absorption of toxins and large molecules back into the blood.

If the gut lining becomes inflamed or damaged, it is typically experienced as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, indigestion and bouts of alternating constipation or diarrhea. Often identified as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, this may not be the only thing going on. You may also be suffering from a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Leaky Gut Syndrome is characterized by the formation of large porous spaces between the cell walls that make up the gut (the part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the anus). These spaces allow bacteria, fungi, parasites, undigested proteins, waste materials, toxins and food particles to be absorbed back into the system where it activates our internal defense mechanisms which work to protect us from invading substances.

Advanced symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome include: chemical sensitivity, escalating food allergies, Fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, many dermatological conditions and colitis. Leaky Gut Syndrome is also believed to be the underlying factor for many autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. In addition to the many and varied disorders associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome, it can also impair our ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients, thus opening the door to a number of nutritional deficiencies. 

Leaky gut syndrome is a very common and real problem. Recent research has uncovered a direct connection between the health of the gut and the health of the rest of the body, making it important to take care of this vital body system. If you think that you are suffering from Leaky Gut Syndrome, there are a number of things you can do to help repair the gut wall.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WELLNESS

Drink plenty of water. Water helps keep the body clean and assists in the elimination of toxins.

Avoid or reduce your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, cokes, chocolate, coffee and caffeinated tea as well as foods that contain additives, preservative, dyes and artificial flavorings which can irritate the gut wall.

Eliminate refined sugars and other simple carbohydrates found in white bread and white flower which can promote the proliferation of Candida in the intestinal tract.

Keep antibiotic use to a minimum. Try using a natural alternative such as a combination of Echinacea and golden seal or pau d’ arco to fight bacterial infections. If you have to use an antibiotic, always supplement with a good robotic like acidopholis and bifidophilus to help promote a healthy environment within the colon. Colostrum can be used to help preserve the balance of intestinal flora as well.

Use caprylic acid, olive leaf extract, wild oregano, pau d’ arco or Natures Sunshine’s Yeast/Fungal Detox to eliminate Candida and its roots from your gut.

Consume a high fiber diet made up of lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If that is not possible, incorporate a dietary fiber supplement such as psyllium hulls, Natures Sunshine’s Nature’s Three or their Irritable Bowel Fiber into your daily health routine. Dietary fiber holds water and help to keep the stool soft, while added bulk help to move the stool through the colon. 

Inflammation in the gut can lead to permanent tissue damage. Using antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, E & selenium which can be found in Nature’s Sunshine’s Defense Maintenance, their Super Antioxidant or a product like coenzyme Q10, you can greatly reduce damage to healthy tissues.

Herbs such as grape seed extract, bilberry and green tea are antioxidants as well and can help to reduce damage to inflamed tissues.

The herb ginger has a natural anti-inflammatory effect and can help calm down inflamed tissues in the gut.

Digestive enzymes, such as digestive bitters, and ones that contain pepsin and hydrochloric acid (HCL) can help to break down foods in the stomach for easier absorption in the intestines.

Do a 14 day colon cleanse to eliminate toxins from the colon.

You might also try doing a parasite cleanse. Don’t forget, it is important to do any parasite cleanse twice: once to get rid of any active parasites and then another one in 10 days to kill off any hatching eggs.

Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is author of the books Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4 and The Power Within. It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Please visit her @ www.soulhealer.com or call 9724753393 for more information.

Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is author of Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4 and The Power Within. It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Call  972-475-3393 or visit www.soulhealer.com