The gut is made up of different bacteria that if imbalanced, lead to an array of problems including leaky gut syndrome. There are a number of factors that can cause this imbalance and one of them is food. It’s not a surprise that diet is a major contributor to the leaky gut syndrome. After all, the gut is directly impacted by our food choices. What may come as a surprise are the types of foods that can lead to a leaky gut. Here are some.
Gluten
This is a mixture of two proteins that are found in cereals such as wheat, bran, and barley. In recent times, people have come to realize just how harmful gluten can be. it is known to trigger a condition known as Celiac Disease in some people resulting in damage to the intestinal lining. In turn, the damage leads to a leaky gut. Celiac disease cannot be cured but you can manage the condition by avoiding foods that contain gluten. Luckily, there are more gluten-free products on the market now.
Dairy
Dairy can wreak havoc on the gut even for people who are not lactose-intolerant. It may contain lots of nutrients that are beneficial for our bodies but it also contains toxins that are known to damage the intestinal lining. The body might have an inflammatory reaction to this thus damaging the gut in the long run.
Additionally, dairy contains antibiotics which can cause an imbalance in the gut’s microbiome. You should drink dairy products in moderation or switch to dairy alternatives such as almond milk especially if you’re lactose intolerant.
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Antibiotics
While antibiotics are generally supposed to make us feel better, they can have some side effects in the process. These medications are taken to destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria. So, when you have an infection such as a cold, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Since they destroy bacteria, they will also destroy the bacteria in the gut – good or bad – leaving you vulnerable to diseases such as inflammatory bowel syndrome. Luckily, most antibiotics disturb your gut for only a week.
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Processed Meat
By now, we know that processed meat is harmful to our health. It can cause an array of illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, and even cancer. For some, processed meat also causes leaky gut syndrome. Due to the additives used to extend their shelf life, such foods can alter the gut’s physiology leading to irritation. It’s best to reduce or remove processed meat from your diet to reduce inflammation in the intestines and have a healthy gut.
Lectins
These are a type of protein found in both animal and plant foods and are contained in about 30% of the food we eat daily. Some of the most common foods that contain lectins are beans, peanuts, tomatoes, potatoes, wheat, and rice. While there’s nothing wrong with eating these foods in moderation, too much can lead to a leaky gut. Lectins are especially harmful to the digestive system since they bind with the walls of the digestive system causing abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Caffeine
Caffeine is the go-to beverage for many to kick-start their day. It helps improve cognitive functions and stay alert throughout the day. However, caffeine can also have a negative effect on the body. It boosts acid production which causes inflammation in the gut and damages the intestines. This is why many people experience an upset stomach after drinking coffee. Additionally, caffeine molecules have a laxative effect which causes a leaky gut. 6 Facts About Coffee
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