​Leaky Gut and Food Allergies

Our intestines are designed to be impermeable to large protein molecules that our body may mistake as “invaders” and launch an “attack” by producing antibodies, which lead to allergic reactions. Modern diet, lifestyle and medications often times compromise the permeability of our digestive tract, creating what is known as the “leaky gut” syndrome. When the gut becomes permeable to larger protein molecules, they can get into our bloodstream and trigger an immune response, resulting in symptoms of food allergies.
 
Here are some strategies to help protect and heal the digestive tract:
Maintain Healthy Gut Flora:

• Increase intake of probiotics, eat foods such as yogurt, kefir, natto, kimchi and sauerkraut.
• Eat fermentable fibers (starches like sweet potato, yam, yucca, etc.)
• Avoid antibiotics, birth control and NSAIDs

Reduce Inflammation:

• Use herbs such as slippery elm and marshmallow roots, which helps coat and heal the intestinal lining and reduce inflammation
• Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids – supplement at therapeutic dosage, cold water fish, walnuts, and flaxseed to help support the immune system and reduce inflammation (EPA in particular helps reduce inflammation)

Reduce Irritations:

• Avoid refined carbohydrates, including refined sugar – which irritates the intestinal lining
• Avoid alcohol, which is an irritant
• Avoid caffeine, which irritates the gut and dehydrates the body

Positive Lifestyle Changes:

• Reduce stress
• Practice mindful eating
• Chew well

 
Reference:
http://chriskresser.com/9-steps-to-perfect-health-5-heal-your-gut