Leaky Gut Syndrome, also known as intestinal hyper-permeability, is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged and porous. This allows toxins, undigested food particles and bacteria to escape from the intestines and enter the bloodstream.
Passage of unwanted substances in the body can create severe health issues as inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues and skin problems.
Now if you’re suffering from leaky gut syndrome, you may be feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. You might not know where to start when it comes to treating your condition. You might be wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again.
The good news is that there are a number of natural ways to treat leaky gut syndrome. Ayurveda, yoga and herbs can all help to heal your gut lining and restore your health.
In this post, we will go through Ayurvedic natural treatment for leaky gut syndrome. You will get to know the best foods, learn about a gut healing diet, yoga and lifestyle practices and Ayurvedic herbs that will help you to restore your gut microbiome. Let’s begin!
An Ayurvedic View of Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome falls in the realm of diseases of “Grahani” or the digestive tract in Ayurveda. “Grahani” is the primary home of our “jathragni” or the digestive fire. “Jathragni” is responsible for digestion and assimilation of our food in the digestive tract.
When the function of Grahani is affected due to poor dietary habits or unhealthy lifestyle, it leads to “Agnimandya” or poor digestive fire. Low Agni results in incomplete digestion of the food, which leads to a sticky and gooey substance called “Ama”. It can be related toxin build up in the body.
Ama creates blockade in body channels. It also has a tendency to deposit into weaker “dhatu” or body tissues. For example, if you are otherwise healthy but have had poor bone health, then ama will further weaken your bones and joints.
How does Ama lead to Dosha Imbalance and Digestion Problems?
Once, Ama enters body tissues it starts to interact with and disturb the normal functioning of the dhatu and dosha.
- When Kapha dosha imbalance by Ama, it indicates congestion.
- Pitta dosha imbalance sets up a cycle of inflammation.
- Finally, Vata dosha imbalance leads to all the degenerative changes that follow a leaky gut syndrome.
Leaky Gut and Your Health Problems | The Relationship
A leaky gut develops when this vicious cycle in the digestive system ends up resulting in symptoms like indigestion, lack of hunger, irregular bowel movement, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, belching and flatulence.
Apart from these digestive problems, dosha imbalance and ama in leaky gut syndrome can lead to skin problems such as eczema, acne and rosacea, joint pain and arthritis. Chronic imbalances can also trigger autoimmune disorders and neurological problems such as migraines, seizures and autism; and even cancer.
Causes of Impaired Gut Lining in Leaky Gut
The gut is a vital organ, responsible for digestion and absorption of food. It is also home to a vast array of bacteria, which play an important role in gut health. The gut lining is responsible for protecting the body from these bacteria, as well as toxins and other harmful substances.
Leaky gut syndrome is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including diet, stress, genetics and certain medications that can damage the integrity of gut lining.
1. Diet: A diet high in sugar, gluten, coffee and processed foods can damage the gut lining and lead to leaky gut syndrome.
2. Stress: Stress can be a major trigger for leaky gut syndrome. It can damage the gut lining and lead to inflammation.
3. Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop leaky gut syndrome due to genetic factors.
4. Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can damage the gut lining and lead to leaky gut syndrome.
5. Infections: Infections can damage the gut lining and lead to leaky gut syndrome.
6. Environmental toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and heavy metals, can damage the gut lining and contribute to leaky gut syndrome.
Symptoms of a Leaky Gut
Leaky gut syndrome can often be mistaken as stress, anxiety or nothing as such even by highly experienced doctors. This is because a large number of symptoms of leaky gut appear in an on and off pattern. They are also individual specific, that’s why it is termed as a syndrome.
While the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome vary from person to person, here are some of the most common symptoms:
1. Digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating and gas
2. Brain fog, fatigue and feeling tired all the time
3. Skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne
4. Joint pain
5. The toxins also affect nervous system functioning, which can lead to anxiety, depression and mood swings.
6. Trouble concentrating
7. Difficulty losing weight
8. Food allergies or sensitivities
9. Candida overgrowth
Traditional Treatments for Leaky Gut Syndrome
There are a number of traditional treatments for leaky gut syndrome, including:
1. Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help to restore the gut microbiome.
2. Digestive enzymes: They can help to improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
3. Bone broth: It is a rich source of collagen, which can help to heal the gut lining.
4. L-glutamine: It is an amino acid that can help to heal the gut lining.
5. Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be used to treat infections that may be contributing to leaky gut syndrome.
6. Stress management: Stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can help to reduce stress and improve gut
7. Supplements: Multiple supplements are given to cover the nutritional deficiencies as a result of Leaky gut.
Why the Traditional Treatments for Leaky Gut Syndrome do not work?
The traditional treatments for leaky gut syndrome, such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, bone broth and l-glutamine, can be effective in some cases. However, they often do not work well for everyone.
This is because leaky gut syndrome is a complex condition that is caused by a combination of factors. Treating just one factor is often not enough to resolve the problem.
Additionally, they come with a number of side effects. For example, antibiotics can kill off good bacteria, as well as bad bacteria. This can lead to digestive issues, such as diarrhea and bloating.
Probiotics and digestive enzymes can also cause side effects, such as gas and bloating.
Ayurvedic Treatment to Improve Gut Health and Resolve Leaky Gut
Ayurveda is a holistic healing system that can treat the root cause of leaky gut syndrome. It focuses on restoring balance within the body, mind and spirit.
Ayurvedic medicine, herbs and therapies work effectively in treating chronic cases of leaky gut. Ayurvedic treatment for leaky gut syndrome can be customized to the individual’s needs.
The steps involved in Ayurvedic treatment for leaky gut syndrome include:
1. Detoxification: The first step in Ayurvedic treatment for leaky gut syndrome is detoxification. This involves cleansing the body of toxins and removing obstacles to healing.
2. Rejuvenation: The second step in Ayurvedic treatment for leaky gut syndrome is rejuvenation. This involves restoring balance to the body and promoting healthy tissue growth.
3. Healing the gut lining: The third step in Ayurvedic treatment for leaky gut syndrome is healing the gut lining. This involves repairing the damage to the intestines and restoring the health of the gut microbiome.
4. Regulating the immune system: The fourth step in Ayurvedic treatment for leaky gut syndrome is regulating the immune system. This involves restoring balance to the immune system and preventing it from over-reacting.
Additionally, incorporating the principles of Ayurveda into your daily life can revive and restore gut lining.
1. Ayurvedic Diet for Gut Health
The ancient science of Ayurveda has long understood the importance of gut health for overall wellness. The Ayurvedic diet is a balanced diet which includes all six tastes – sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter, and astringent.
All six tastes in your meals will provide you with all the essential nutrients in a balanced way. It will also prevent food cravings, specifically that of sugar and snacks.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other phytonutrients which can help protect the gut from damage caused by inflammation.
- Whole grains such as rice, barley and millets are high in fiber and nutrients which can also help to reduce inflammation.
- Healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee are beneficial for the gut as they help to keep the gut lining healthy and protect it from damage.
- Herbs and spices such as cardamom, cumin, fennel, coriander, turmeric, and parsley have anti-inflammatory and healing properties which can help to improve gut health.
- Khichari meals are simple and easy to digest and are a great way to get all the nutrients your body needs.
2. Avoid Food Triggers
Food triggers can be a major cause of leaky gut syndrome. The foods you eat can damage the gut lining and contribute to inflammation. It is important to remove food triggers from your diet to allow the gut lining to heal and improve your gut health.
Avoid the inflammatory foods, which can trigger bloating, gas, heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea. Some of the typical food triggers to avoid are wheat, gluten, processed meats, snacks and foods, sweets, dairy products, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
3. Proper Elimination & Regular Bowel Movement
Ayurveda has a very strong focus on the importance of proper elimination and regular bowel movement for the health of our gut. According to Ayurveda, when we have a healthy gastrointestinal tract, it is reflected in our skin, hair and overall sense of well-being.
Ayurveda recommends that we eat freshly prepared food that is mixed with various digestive spices to help keep our gut healthy. The concept of eating locally available and seasonal ingredients also helps in improved digestion and elimination functions.
Fresh and seasonal produce not only have great flavour, they also have better concentration of anti-oxidants, nutrients and life force in them than those which are stored in cold storage. Spices like turmeric, mustard seeds, asafetida, black cumin, ginger, garlic etc. which are commonly used in Ayurvedic cuisine are also proven to have strong anti-cancerous properties.
4. Good Sleep
Getting enough good quality sleep is essential for gut health and overall health and well-being. When we are sleep deprived, our bodies produce cortisol, which can have a negative impact on gut health. In addition, lack of sleep can lead to poor dietary choices and lack of exercise, both of which can contribute to leaky gut syndrome.
There are a number of ways to have good sleep in the night:
1. Establish a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep quality.
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise helps to improve sleep quality.
4. Avoid watching TV or using electronic devices before bed: Watching TV or using electronic devices can interfere with sleep.
5. Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet: The bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet for optimal sleep quality.
6. Use a noise machine or earplugs: If there is noise in the environment that is preventing you from sleeping, use a noise machine or earplugs to block the noise.
7. Get sunlight during the day: Sunlight helps to regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
8. Avoid working or using electronic devices in bed: Working or using electronic devices in bed can interfere with sleep quality.
5. Yoga and Regular Exercise
Ayurveda also recommends that we adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and stress management techniques. A healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining a healthy gut and preventing leaky gut syndrome from developing.
Yoga is a mind-body exercise that connects the body and mind, and it can help to restore balance in the body. It is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
There are many yoga poses that can help to improve digestion and elimination functions. They improve circulation to the gut, which can help to promote healing.
The yoga poses that are most beneficial for gut function are those that stretch and massage the abdominal area. These poses help to stimulate digestion and improve gut health.
Some examples are:
- Cat-cow pose
- The downward-facing dog pose
- The cobra pose
- Half Lord of the Fish Pose
- Extended Side Angle Pose
- Frog Pose
- Plow Pose
6. Stress Relief and Stress Management
Stress can play a major role in the development of leaky gut syndrome. When we are stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, which can have a negative impact on gut health.
In addition, stress can lead to poor dietary choices and lack of exercise, both of which can contribute to leaky gut syndrome.
There are a number of ways to manage stress:
1. Meditation: Meditation is a great way to relax the mind and body and reduce stress.
2. Yoga: Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, strength, and relaxation. It can also help to reduce stress.
3. Breathing exercises: Breathing exercises are a simple way to relax the mind and body and reduce stress.
4. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can be used to relax the mind and body and reduce stress.
5. Positive thinking: Positive thinking can help to improve mood and reduce stress.
7. Ayurvedic Herbs for Gut Health
There are a number of herbs that Ayurveda recommends for people with leaky gut syndrome. Some of the most effective herbs include:
1. Amalaki: Amalaki is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that can help to heal the gut lining.
2. Turmeric: Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory herb that can help to reduce inflammation in the gut.
3. Licorice root: Licorice root is an herb that can help to soothe and heal the gut lining.
4. Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a soothing herb that can help to calm and heal the gut.
5. Ginger: Ginger is a warming herb that can help to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.
6. Barberry: Barberry is an anti-inflammatory herb that can help to reduce inflammation in the gut.
7. Guduchi: Guduchi is an immune-boosting herb that can help to improve gut health.
8. Bhumiamalaki: Bhumiamalaki is a detoxifying herb that can help to remove toxins from the gut.
9. Triphala: Triphala contains three powerful herbs: amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki. These herbs work together to detoxify the gut, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Triphala is safe and effective for people of all ages and can be taken daily to improve gut health.
8. Healthy Lifestyle to Improve Gut Health
A healthy lifestyle is essential for restoring gut health and curing leaky gut syndrome. Some of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle include:
1. Eating a balanced diet: A balanced diet is essential for maintaining gut health.
2. Drinking plenty of water: Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins from the gut.
3. Exercising regularly: Exercise helps to improve circulation and digestion, which can help to promote gut health.
4. Reducing stress: Stress can negatively impact gut health, so it is important to find ways to reduce stress.
5. Getting enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for gut health and overall health and well-being.
Before You go!
You need to understand that Ayurveda is not a quick fix or the next magic solution. Ayurvedic treatment for Leaky Gut takes an approach, which may seem slow in the beginning.
Yet, Ayurvedic treatment really pulls out the root cause of your leaky gut and establishes your gut health in the long term.
You can be sure that Ayurvedic treatment is the last and only treatment that you would need to finally find freedom from Inflammation and Leaky Gut Symptoms.
Additionally, you have to be committed to your health goals and willing to get healed. When you take care of your digestive system and help it to heal, you will find that Ayurvedic treatment is your natural support system.
Also, do note that Leaky gut is a progressive and painful disease. But, it can prevent it by pursuing a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle. Act Early to Prevent Health Issues Later!
Now we want to hear from you. Do write to us for any queries and feedback. If you have tried any of the above Leaky Gut Ayurvedic treatment approaches, then do share your experience with us. We will get back to you the soonest.
Wishing you vibrant health!
References
The Microbiome in Health and Disease from the Perspective of Modern Medicine and Ayurveda
The Microbiome in Health and Disease from the Perspective of Modern Medicine and Ayurveda
Adopting seasonal regimen (Ritucharya) to modulate the seasonal variation in gut microbiome
What is So Amazing About Using Herbs to Promote Gut Health?
FAQ
Can Leaky Gut cause Autoimmune Disorders?
Leaky gut syndrome is also believed to be a major contributing factor in the development of autoimmune disorders. As mentioned earlier, when the intestinal wall becomes permeable, antigens and toxins that would normally be eliminated are able to escape into the bloodstream.
These antigens and toxins then interact with the immune system, which can lead to the development of autoantibodies. These autoantibodies can then mistakenly attack healthy tissues, leading to the development of an autoimmune disorder.
Some of the most common autoimmune disorders that are associated with leaky gut syndrome include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Are Supplements good for a Leaky Gut?
Most supplements are not meant to be taken on a long-term basis and they are heavy to digest and metabolize. Since, our digestive fire is already weakened in leaky gut syndrome, taking in more supplements will only further overload the system.
Ayurveda recommends consuming natural, healthy supplements that are gifted to us by nature itself. These include things like takra or buttermilk which help to rebalance the gut and improve digestion. Taking lab-prepared supplements will only further overload the system and make it difficult for the gut to heal.
