In a what has become a 3-part series on Leaky Gut, I want to round it out with a last kick of a healing method-supplements and probiotics.
Most doctors, nutritionists, and experts recommend a four step process:
- Remove foods and factors that damage the gut
- Replace with healing foods and herbs
- Repair with supplements
- Rebalance with probiotics
5 Supplements for Healing Leaky Gut
As always research and speak with a nutritionist, holistic medicinal doctor or regular doctor when beginning any type of supplement program. The below is based upon an average dosage of recommendations.
1. Probiotics
If you choose only one to try from this list-start here. This supplement is the most important because it helps to replenish good bacteria and crowds out bad bacteria. Try to get your probiotics dosage both through food (check out the article from last week for some foods high in probitotics) and supplementation. It is important to not only eliminate the damaging foods, but also re-inoculate the gut with beneficial bacteria to keep the bad bacteria under control. Aim for 50 billion units of probiotics a day from a high quality brand.
2. Quercetin
Has been show to improve gut barrier function by sealing the gut because it supports the creation of tight junction proteins. It helps to stabilize mast ells and reduce the release of histamine (common in food intolerance’s-read inflammation). It has been shown to help in healing ulcerative colitis, another inflammatory gut disease. Take 500 milligrams twice daily.
3. Licorice Root
Especially if your leaky gut is a result of being highly emotionally stressed this herb can help to calm the mind and gut in turn. DGL supports the body’s natural processes for maintaining the muscosal lining of the stomach and duodenum (small intestine). It is an adaptogenic herb that helps balance cortisol levels (stress response chemical in the body) and improves acid production in the stomach. Take 500 milligrams twice daily.
4. L-Glutamine
Glutamine powder, more specifically, is an essential amino acid supplement that is anti-inflammatory and necessary for the repair and growth of your intestinal lining. It acts as a protector, coating the cell walls and acting as a repellent to irritants. Take 2-5 grams twice a day.
5. Digestive Enzymes
These will help to ensure that your food is fully digested, helping to decrease the chance that partially digested foods particles and proteins are damaging your gut wall. Take 1-2 capsules at the beginning of each meal.
Alongside dietary change, supplementation, and managing your stress levels-healing Leaky Gut is possible. These protocols are truly beneficial to anyone who is looking to improve their overall gut health.
Susan Caputo 