What to do About a Leaky Gut: Foods to Eat & Foods to Ditch

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This is part 2 to Leaky Gut: What is it and how do I know if I have it? (read part one here)

Leaky gut is also known as increased intestinal permeability. It’s when the cells lining our intestines (gut) separate a bit from each other. They’re supposed to be nice and tightly joined to the cell beside it; this is to allow certain things into our bodies (like nutrients), and keep other things out.

When the tight junctions between intestinal cells weaken it can cause the gut to be more permeable – leakier – than normal. When this happens, it allows things into our bodies that should not get in; things like large pieces of protein, toxins, or even bacteria and waste.

When substances that shouldn’t be there get into our bloodstream through the “leaks” in our gut, our immune system kicks in. These leaked bits mimic a food allergy, and our body reacts accordingly. It mounts a response to try to attack the invaders, and this causes inflammation.

Leaky gut is associated with a number of issues including food allergies, celiac disease, autoimmune diseases (e.g., Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Hashimoto’s, asthma, type 1 diabetes, acne, eczema), joint pain, and neurological problems (e.g., multiple sclerosis). Some research shows that leaky gut might contribute to or worsen these conditions.

While some of our gut permeability may have a genetic factor, there are lifestyle habits that contribute as well. Too much sugar or alcohol, and not enough fibre can make things worse. Even certain compounds in foods (e.g., gluten, lectins, casein, fructose) and food additives (e.g., MSG) can weaken tight junctions.

So, what should we eat, and ditch, for optimal gut health?

Avoid or reduce these foods:

There are certain foods that irritate the gut or can cause those loosened junctions to get even looser.

Some of these include:

Foods that you’re allergic or sensitive to (sometimes unknowingly)
Foods with added refined sugar
Foods containing MSG (disguised under ‘natural ingredients’ in processed foods)
Foods with sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol)
Gluten-containing grains (e.g., wheat, rye – and foods containing hidden gluten like sausages, packaged foods)
High-lectin foods (e.g., grains, legumes)
Nightshades (e.g., eggplant, peppers, tomato)
Dairy (which contains casein & lactose)
Excessive alcohol

It’s a good idea to reduce these foods and if leaky gut is a confirmed issue for you, avoid them until the leaky gut has been addressed.

Eat more of these foods:

There are also an abundance of foods that support gut health, including the intestinal cells themselves, as well as our friendly gut microbes. Many of these also reduce inflammation.

Foods like:

Probiotic-rich fermented foods (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi)
Prebiotic fibre-rich foods which help our gut microbes produce butyrate (e.g., leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds)
Glutamine-rich foods (e.g., bone broth, meat)
Zinc-rich foods (e.g., shellfish, organ meats, and pumpkin seeds)
Quercetin-rich foods (e.g., citrus, apples, onions)
Curcumin-rich turmeric
Indole-rich foods (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, mustard greens)

These are all nutritious foods that can help with gut health and overall health.

It’s not just what you eat that can affect your gut. Other lifestyle habits can help too.

Try these lifestyle tips:

Eating slower and chewing better to help break down food better
Eating when hungry, and stopping when satisfied
Going to the bathroom when you need to (don’t hold it for longer than necessary)
Getting more high-quality sleep
Better stress management & putting your body in a state of parasympathetic nervous system
Adding in digestive aid such as bitters to stimulate digestive function, enzymes, and probiotics tailored to your needs

All of these are great healthy habits to get into, gut problems or not.

Conclusion

To help keep our guts (and our bodies) in optimal condition, there are a lot of foods we should eat (and lots we should reduce).

Sticking with nutrient-dense unprocessed foods is always a good plan, whether you have gut issues, other concerns, or feel completely healthy.

And, don’t forget the importance of a healthy lifestyle like good eating habits, sleep, and stress management. If you’ve been struggling for a while now, know that you are not alone. Although digestive problems are common, it is not your natural state of health to be uncomfortable and in pain daily. Ask for help, take small daily action, and envision the healthiest version of you!

Which of these foods have you added or reduced? Let me know on my Instagram page.