You may have heard the term “leaky gut” thrown around in the health world and wondered to yourself, “what is that and do I have it?” So today I thought I would give you a quick breakdown of what it is, how it happens, why its so important and small daily habits you can make to support the health of your gut.

As more and more research is being done, we are finding that the health of our gut is directly related to our overall health. Our gut directly effects the health of our brain, liver, hormones, and so much more. However, over time our lifestyle choices can weaken the gut lining making it permeable. Here is how this happens.

Our gut lining, meaning the lining of our small and large intestine, is only one cell thick. It is incredibly thin and fragile. However, it is protected by a nice and thick mucus membrane. Overtime, when we consume a diet high in sugary processed food, drink a lot of alcohol, take a lot of pharmaceutical drugs (even drugs like ibuprofen), are under a lot of stress, and are exposed to a lot of toxins, this mucus membrane wears down and the the junctions holding those thin fragile cells together become permeable. When this happens, the “stuff” inside the intestines like our food, the bacteria that break down our food, and the proteins that bacteria make by breaking down our food leak out into the body where it is picked up by the blood. Now, because this “stuff” isn’t suppose to be there and is seen as a foreign invader, our body goes into a immune response causing inflammation. This inflammation is the root to all chronic disease including hormonal imbalance and painful periods.

However, there is good news! With just a few lifestyle and dietary changes, along with some beautiful plant allies we have the ability to restore the gut to its healthy and happy self, allowing for the inflammation to subside.

First, you want to remove the things that caused you to get to this point in the first place. Leaning in on a whole foods diet, eliminating excess sugar and alcohol and removing toxic chemicals from your environment. Then you want to incorporate herbs that will help restore that mucus membrane. Think mucilaginous herbs like marshmallow root, slippery elm, and oats straw. Even foods like oatmeal and okra are a great option. Next you want to think about herbs to help tighten those junctions that became permeable. These would be astringent herbs like rose petals, yarrow, agrimony, German chamomile, and bilberry. You can consume these herbs as a tea or infusion. Personally, I have been really enjoying a cold overnight infusion of marshmallow root and rose petals. I add about two tablespoons of each herb into a quart size mason jar. I pour in filtered water to the top and place it in the fridge over night. In the morning, I have a nice thick and delicious infusion to enjoy throughout the day! You should give it a try.

I hope this helps you have a better understanding of leaky gut and how it happens. Healing the gut and supporting this system is one of the best things you could possibly do for your hormonal health and the health of your overall body. If you have any questions or want to chat in more detail on how you can heal your gut, click here to schedule a free call with me!