“All disease begins in the gut.”
“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.”
Hippocrates, 460 BC – 370 BC

An unhealthy gut leads to an unhealthy body. In fact, a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome is a primary culprit contributing to hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Disease. In addition to Hashimoto’s, several other autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's Disease, Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis have a connection to an unhealthy gut.

We also know that when a person has one autoimmune disease, there is a strong likely hood that a second autoimmune disease may eventually develop. Sadly, many modern traditional doctors do not recognize what Hippocrates knew over 2,500 years ago, “All disease begins in the gut.”

Leaky Gut Syndrome is a condition where the mucosal lining of the small intestine becomes inflamed. This inflammation allows spaces to develop in the lining of the digestive tract, whereby undigested food passes outside the walls of the intestines and is absorbed into the body and the blood stream – areas it does not belong. When the food particles are found in places they are not meant to be, the body recognizes these substances as foreign invaders and in response develops an aggressive defense system against them. This process sets the stage for the development of food allergies, digestive problems and the “perfect storm” for the formation of autoimmune illnesses.

Potential sources and/or causes of the development of Leaky Gut Syndrome include:

Antibiotics, NSAIDS such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, birth control pills, antacids, poor diet (ie, the typical Western diet high in sugar, flour, processed foods, fats and artificial colors and flavors), soda, caffeine, alcohol, nutritional deficiencies, parasites, bacteria, candida and stress.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome include:

Brain fog, memory loss, fatigue, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, food allergies, gluten intolerance, headaches, mood swings, anxiety, recurrent bladder infections, nutritional deficiencies (which may lead to fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, high cholesterol, hair loss).

Methods to reduce and/or eliminate Leaky Gut Syndrome include:

Probiotics (good sources include Greek yogurt, supplements and green drink powders with live bacteria probiotics), eating a healthy diet rich in high fiber nutrient rich foods, avoid sugar and processed foods, avoid all foods containing gluten, include products containing the amino acid L-Glutamine (which promotes intestinal healing), drink filtered water with a fresh lemon wedge, take small bites and chew your food well.

We live in a fast paced world where stress has become “normal” and we often to not take the time to eat properly or even allow ourselves time to visit the bathroom when nature calls. Antibiotics are over prescribed and the use of NSAID pain relievers are sold to us multiple times when watching the evening news on TV. Soda, caffeine and alcohol are often the only beverages a person consumes throughout the day and a candy bar might be an easy afternoon snack.

I encourage you to make yourself a top priority in your day. Do not allow illness to develop and progress in your body. Heal your gut – even if you take small steps at first. Each time you drink something that is not good for you, follow up with a glass of filtered lemon water. Incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet by taking a relaxing morning trip to the local farmer’s market or healthy grocer. Sit down every time eat and enjoy each bite – slowly. You can heal your gut and from there, you can heal your body.
------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my website oneredpot.com - for tips on Food Health Lifestyle.