Help for Leaky Gut

What do celiac disease, candida, autism, thyroid disorder and many autoimmune diseases have in common? According to research and information shared by Gary Young at a recent conference, they all are linked to a “leaky gut”.

What is leaky gut? It is when increased intestinal permeability occurs which permits toxins, bacteria and undigested food proteins to seep through the GI barrier and into the blood stream. This happens when we eat too much processed foods and rancid fats' it is triggered by chronic stress, poor diet, inflammation, medications, yeast growth and a lack of zinc. Candida is one offender as it becomes like a tree in our intestines with roots that grow through the intestinal wall creating breaks in the “pipes”.

Many different diseases are linked to poor digestion and impaired intestinal function. A damaged gut cannot assimilate nutrients and minerals. Damaged villi cannot assimilate Vitamin B, Iron, Vitamin D & K, and Calcium. We cannot have normal hormone function, such as thyroid function, without these vitamins and minerals. Hypothyroidism contributes to many other disorders. For example, most people (some say 100%) with arthritis, rheumatism and allergies have a hypothyroid. A cycle of deteriorating health can occur leading to many complications or additional illnesses.

Did you know that there is a link between Celiac’s disease (an inability to process gluten) and autism? This was documented in a 1961 study. Celiac’s disease has increased 25 fold since 1980 from 1 in 250,000 to 1 in 50. There is also a correlation between the severity of autism and GI disturbances. We are simply eating foods our bodies cannot digest. Modern day wheat is one of these foods. Ancient wheat had 14 chromosones; modern wheat has 42. What happens in a person when there is an extra chromosome? There are harvest issues, germination issues, processing issues with wheat also. Gary stated emphatically, "Bread is poison." I don't know how many of us are willing to believe this, but I am really beginning to and have been considering trying out a wheat free diet.

A lack of enzymes plays a key role in the digestive struggle. Our foods are often void of enzymes; our bodies have a limited supply, so supplementing with a high quality, absorbable enzyme can make a world of difference. Young Living offers a host of enzymes from Essentialzyme-4, Essentialzymes, Detoxzymes, Allerzyme and even enzymes for kids called Mightyzymes. Incredible results have occurred for many, including me, using these products. I personally take enzymes every day, most meals (if I remember).

 Probiotics which contain high quality strains of acidophilus, Bifido, and others, (Young Living’s Life 5 is a high quality probiotic) are essential for maintaining high levels of helpful intestinal bacteria. This bacteria helps to keep yeast in balance and aids in normal bowel function, fighting disease and regulating the absorption of nutrients.

What can you do today to boost your intestinal health? You may be amazed by the health benefits that you experience by getting your "gut" cleaned out and replenished with healthy bacteria, enzymes and good nutrients.