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DID YOU KNOW THAT OUR MODERN LIFESTYLES MAY BE WREAKING HAVOC ON OUR GUT HEALTH?
It probably won't come as a huge surprise to discover that your gut health plays a huge role in your general well-being. Many of us have experienced some type of digestive complaint at one point or another in our lives. If you've ever experienced periods of bloating or constipation, for example, you probably know that it can impact how you feel on a grand scale.
Various lifestyle factors can have a huge impact on our gut health. Some of these lifestyle factors include eating more and more processed and sugary foods, as well as the consumption of more prescription medications than ever before (particularly antibiotics). And if that wasn't enough, many of us also have to deal with increased stress, busier schedules, less sleep, and reduced physical activity.
It’s no surprise then that we’re seeing more and more widespread gut-related issues affecting a huge amount of our population in some pretty major ways.
The most important step in tackling poor health is first realizing that if you struggle with one or more gut-related issues, you're not alone!
The unfortunate truth is that the majority of people have already battled at least one or more gut-related issues, even if they weren’t necessarily aware that the problem was stemming from their gut.
But for so many of us, gut issues are an everyday battle that leaves us feeling uncomfortable, frustrated, and desperate for answers.
Especially with the addition of the current crisis, a lot of us are facing higher stress and anxiety levels than ever before, and our gut is most definitely paying the price as we do our best to cope with these unprecedented times.
Poor diet, unmanaged stress, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits like consuming large amounts of alcohol and junk food can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria in our gut. As recent studies suggest, this might ultimately cause some unwanted side effects such as severely compromising the strength of our gut barrier.
WHY IS YOUR GUT LINING IMPORTANT?
Our gut is lined with a mix of protective cells and mucus, known as the “gut barrier” or “intestinal lining,” that work together to act as the primary gatekeeper to the rest of your body.
This incredible protective intestinal lining within our bellies covers more than 4,000 square feet of surface area.
When your gut lining becomes damaged, it can cause what is known as “leaky gut” syndrome. It is also commonly referred to as “increased intestinal permeability” or “gut hyperpermeability.”
This issue arises as tightly bound junctions within your intestinal wall begin to become loose, potentially allowing for uninspected foreign invaders to pass through your gut walls and into your bloodstream.
If your gut barrier is no longer able to effectively keep out these types of harmful substances, these may begin "leaking" out into the rest of your body. Hence the term "leaky gut."
And this is where a long list of health concerns can arise. Recently, researchers have been conducting more and more studies on how our gut microbiome impacts our health in ways that we may not have known before. This highlights the importance of the gut barrier.
Your gut lining is your final line of defense between your vital organs and harmful influences from the outside environment.
The term “leaky gut” is actually still a somewhat new concept amongst the medical community. Although currently it is not officially recognized as a medical condition amongst the majority of the mainstream medical professionals, many generally acknowledge it as a symptom. There is clearly more research to be done as doctors and researchers continue to unravel the complexities of gut health and its connections to "leaky gut syndrome."
One thing that’s for certain is that the gut and gut lining are both more important than what was once historically believed. Having a "leaky gut" is far more common than you might think and, as some studies suggest, it can go far beyond just digestive concerns.
Could you be struggling with a "leaky gut" and not even know it?
Proponents of "leaky gut syndrome" claim that a number of symptoms may be associated with this issue. For example, a number of studies(1, 2, 3) published in recent years suggest that "leaky gut syndrome" may be connected to various health problems.
ACCORDING TO THESE STUDIES, HERE ARE SOME POSSIBLE SIGNS OF A "LEAKY GUT":- Impact on immune function
- Joint problems
- Frequent sugar or carb cravings
- Chronic fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Skin issues
- Frequent headaches
- Seasonal allergies
- Mood changes
- Bloating, diarrhea, constipation
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Hormonal imbalances
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Cognitive effects like trouble concentrating, memory loss, or brain fog
Our food choices, along with environmental factors and stress, are usually the top three factors to look at when it comes to addressing the problems causing a "leaky gut."
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT A "LEAKY GUT"?
Although more research is needed in this area, it's generally accepted that adopting a healthier lifestyle and adding a few key supplements to your daily routine can help support a "leaky gut" and decreasing negative concerns associated with this issue.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS MAY HELP PROMOTE OVERALL GUT HEALTH AND MAY HELP ENCOURAGE A HEALTHIER GUT BARRIER.
Even better, many of these supplements are multifunctional and may help with other issues occurring within your gut simultaneously.
Here are 10 supplements that may help deliver essential nutrients to your gut, in order to naturally support and help strengthen your gut lining.
TOP 10 SUPPLEMENTS FOR A "LEAKY GUT"
1. PRE & PROBIOTICS FOR GUT SUPPORT
At least 70% of your immune system’s cells and at least 90% of your body’s serotonin (the “happy chemical”) is produced in the digestive tract. In other words, maintaining a healthy balance of "good" bacteria in your gut microbiota is absolutely essential to good health and is a vital part of reducing the likelihood of experiencing a "leaky gut."
Prebiotics are the fuel that feed probiotics, which are healthy microbes that promote the growth and balance of more “good” bacteria within your gut. Probiotics have been shown to potentially assist in the protection and reinstitution of a healthy gut barrier in clinical studies.
We've included 3 billion CFU’s of premium patented B. longum BB536® probiotics in our digestive support formula, Primal Gut Restore, to help provide multifunctional supportive benefits to both your microbiome and gut lining.
2. POSTBIOTICS: THE LATEST TREND IN GUT HEALTH
Many researchers are now beginning to discover that many of the gut-boosting benefits we attribute to probiotics are largely due to a substance known as postbiotics. A fairly new term in the '-biotic' world, postbiotics are the 'waste' that's produced when prebiotics feed on probiotics.
The final and most crucial step, our Primal Gut Restore features revolutionary patented CoreBiome® Tributyrin, the single most important and groundbreaking postbiotic on the market.
CoreBiome® is a patented form of a short-chain fatty acid known as butyrate. If you haven’t heard of butyrate before, it’s important to know that it's considered the most important energy source for the cells in your gut lining, and it’s naturally produced by healthy bacteria in your gut.
Whereas most forms of butyrate are quickly used up by the stomach or small intestine, CoreBiome® is specially designed to get directly to your colon, where it’s most crucial for immune and overall health support. This may make it one of the most helpful tools for supporting a "leaky gut."
CoreBiome® is the first of its kind to be clinically proven to stimulate butyrate-producing bacteria, as well as boost butyrate production in the colon.
3. CURCUMIN: NOT JUST A SPICE
The highly popular superfood known as turmeric is a well-known antioxidant in the holistic health world. The most essential compound in turmeric is known as curcumin and has been studied for its ability to promote healthy inflammatory responses in the body and support overall wellness.
When it comes to promoting gut health, some studies have shown that a high-quality turmeric extract (like our Turmeric Complex) may help to strengthen the gut barrier by contracting the loosened proteins in this lining. This is thought to be a result of squeezing the cells closer together which may help to promote a healthy, functional gut lining and potentially impact gut permeability.
4. COLLAGEN PEPTIDES TO BOOST GUT LINING
Collagen is believed to be beneficial to your gut lining for a variety of different reasons. As the 'glue' that holds us together, collagen is your body's primary protein and, made up of amino acids, acts as fundamental building block for your entire skeleton.
Adding a collagen peptide powder or collagen bone broth to your daily routine can help reintroduce some of this vital collagen and support a healthy gut barrier.
5. DIGESTIVE ENZYMES FOR OVERALL GUT SUPPORT
Digestive enzymes are a great option for helping to support overall digestive health. They are responsible for making sure that your body fully breaks down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates during digestion. These enzymes may help to prevent your gut lining from confusing undigested food particles are 'foreign invaders'.
These enzymes come in many different forms and have been shown to reduce symptoms associated with a "leaky gut" in some studies, as well as potentially impact the effects that wear and tear may have on your gut lining.
6. VITAMIN D: THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN
This important vitamin is essential for healthy immune system function and may also help decrease intestinal permeability associated with a "leaky gut" and may play a role in IBS symptoms according to some research. Studies have suggested that getting plenty of vitamin D (either from natural sunlight or food sources) may help with supporting a "leaky gut," such as constipation, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.
7. L-GLUTAMINE: A MULTI-TASKER FOR GUT HEALTH
This amino acid is naturally produced by your gut and is also the most common amino in your body. Its main functions in the body are to help support the intestinal lining, promote healthy inflammatory responses in the gut, and impact what's called "intestinal permeability" associated with a "leaky gut." Many studies have also suggested that l-glutamine may help with symptoms associated with IBS as well as other digestive issues.
One of the most important factors for encouraging a healthy gut is strengthening the function of the enterocytes (gut cells). When these cells are able to function optimally, it helps to support overall gut health. Because of this , increasing the amount of l-glutamine may promote healthier digestive health.
8. FISH OIL: RICH IN OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Few nutritional elements have been studied as thoroughly as the essential omega-3 fatty acids in supplements such as our Primal Omega-3 fish oil. The DHA & EPA found in omega-3's has been thoroughly researched for their many health benefits, from promoting eye, brain, skin, and joint health, as well as helping to support healthy inflammatory responses.
According to researchers, by promoting healthy inflammatory responses in the gut, omega-3 fatty acids may also help support a "leaky gut." Eating an omega-rich diet or supplementing with quality fish oil supplements is the best way to experience the many gut-boosting benefits of these vital fatty acids.
9. ZINC TO SUPPORT A HEALTHY GUT
Some studies have shown that the essential mineral zinc may also help with issues related to a "leaky gut" by potentially playing a role in easing symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea. It may also be helpful in encouraging the gut mucosal lining to function in a healthy manner.
10. SLIPPERY ELM: A HERBAL REMEDY FOR GUT HEALTH
Studies have shown that some natural remedies, like this calming, soothing herb, can help ease concerns associated with a "leaky gut." Although its name sounds strange, slippery elm is in fact a tree native to North America. Its bark has been historically used for a variety of health purposes thanks to the substance called mucilage that forms a gel when mixed with water. Slippery elm, along with others like marshmallow root, may provide a therapeutic and multifunctional effect that may help calm the intestinal lining.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO SUPPORT MY GUT HEALTH BESIDES TRYING SUPPLEMENTS?
Getting to the root cause of the issues that are potentially damaging your gut lining is the first major step towards promoting balance in so many areas of your health.
A healthier gut microbiome and stronger gut barrier may play a role in promoting your overall health. Although more research is needed, it's possible that there may be a connection between poor gut health and an increased risk for a number of various chronic health conditions.
Not sure where to begin? Not to worry! If all of these supplement options seem overwhelming or time-consuming, we recommend sticking to the top three most important supplements to begin with: Probiotics, Postbiotics, and Digestive Enzymes.
If you then require some additional gut support later on, or it’s recommended by a healthcare professional, you can add additional options or experiment with other supplements.
If you have any particular concerns, it's also generally good practice to consult with a physician or healthcare professional before you begin taking a new supplement. This is especially true for those who may have underlying health conditions.
And most importantly, don’t forget that supplements alone won’t do you much good if you’re consistently leading an unhealthy lifestyle.
Combining your supplements with healthy holistic lifestyle choices, like drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced and healthy diet, proper stress reduction, and getting a sufficient amount of rest, will ensure you get the most out of your supplements.
In other words, you can actually take steps to help your body better absorb your gut-boosting supplements which may produce more effective results.
HAVE YOU TRIED ANY OF THESE SUPPLEMENTS FOR SUPPORTING A YOUR GUT BARRIER? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORY! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US IN THE COMMENTS BELOW OR GIVE US A SHOUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA @PRIMALHARVEST!
AND REMEMBER...
IT'S ABOUT YOU. IT'S ABOUT YOUR HEALTH. IT'S ABOUT RECONNECTING.
