bacteria to “leak” through the intestines and go into the bloodstream. This causes an autoimmune response in the body, including inflammatory and allergic reactions. Moreover, the intestines will not produce the necessary enzymes for proper digestion. As a result, the body cannot absorb essential nutrients, which can lead to chronic illnesses, adrenal fatigue, cancer, hormone imbalances, and a weakened immune system. Americans eat an average of 3,393 calories per day; it is almost double the number of the recommended daily calories. Unfortunately, even though Americans overeat, they are undernourished because of what they eat. The Standard American Diet, also known as the SAD diet, is mostly comprised of fattening foods that are devoid of nutrition. It lacks in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants while being high in refined sugar, refined grains, table (refined) salt, a toxic protein, cholesterol, saturated fat, preservatives, and artificial flavors and coloring. These elements create chronic inflammation and consequently illness. What’s inflammation? When our white blood cells come in contact with viruses and other foreign organisms, inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism. However, when we partake in habits or maintain diets that are filled with foods with little to no nutritional value, our gut becomes extra inflamed and porous, allowing toxins and other antigens to absorb into the bloodstream. This inflammation sends a signal to the rest of our body telling our immune system to go into overdrive to work off the infection, which drains us of energy and makes us more susceptible to illnesses, viruses, and allergies around us. Several factors have proved to negatively affect the gut’s integrity. The most prominent include:
Unfortunately, leaky gut has become an increasingly more common health problem seen today and the underlying cause of many of today's common chronic illnesses. Fortunately, we now have a better understanding of the causes, obstacles, and treatment methods for leaky gut, so there IS a stop to the cycle! The first steps of healing are ruling out the fundamental causes of leaky gut. It’s important to recognize that it is very rarely ONLY one cause, but a combination of several causing the damage. You must first rule out, or begin to recognize, the following:
If any of these come back positive, you have your first step of instructions: address the deficiencies, implement dietary changes, limit exposure to allergens, and consider detoxification methods such as herbs that cleanse and purify. Once you have a better understanding of your body’s unique needs, you can begin the formal natural medicine protocol that I often use with my clients in clinic: The 4 R’s. The 4 R program is administered to help you heal from digestive distress, reverse gut complications, and rebalance your gastrointestinal microbiome. It is an incredible tool to acknowledge and treat health issues, dysfunctions, imbalances, and personal health needs. It is done in the following order: REMOVE: Eliminate problem foods, toxins, low-grade infections, and oxidative stress. REPAIR: Begin reintroducing a clean and highly nutritious diet. RESTORE: Repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria to restore the proper balance of gut flora. Take herbs to restore the lining of the intestines REPLACE: Replace digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and immune-boosting vitamins to promote sustainable and healthy digestion. I hope you have found this information useful. Please remember that we are always here to support you!!! Until next week,
Toni
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January 2021
AuthorDr. Toni is a Best-selling author, Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) & Registered Herbalist in San Diego, California. She holds a PhD in psychology, and a Clinical Herbalist Certificate, an HHP certificate and is a Certified Trainer in the Success Principles. In private practice as a HHP she has been influenced by a variety of clinical modalities and orientations, and by the diverse life experiences of her clients. Toni’s approach to healing is holistic & transpersonal. In her work, she integrates the principles of Eastern and Western nutrition, herbololgy, energy medicine, Buddhist mindfulness and personal counseling to assist others in working through their physical or emotional blocks to attain optimal health. |
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