What's a leaky gut? Questions to ask yourself and your next best steps.

There is a connection between gut health and inflammation

Some pass it off as aging; others suffer from ongoing health issues; however, there's a chance your chronic inflammation means something else entirely: a leaky gut. It might sound like we're a broken record, but we'll never stop repeating it, your gut has an enormous impact on your overall wellbeing.

Your stomach is filled with trillions of living bacteria and yeast which is called your microbiome. In fact, your gut houses eighty percent of your immune system and is often called the body's second brain. Everything from moods to hormones to weight to genetics falls under the gut's control.

We all know what we eat impacts our health, but many vastly underestimate the connection between diet and inflammation. Whether you've cut your finger or manage an autoimmune disease, no matter what form it takes, inflammation is your body trying to heal itself.

Inflammation in overdrive

However, while it's your body's natural response to injury or disease, inflammation can go into overdrive and become chronic when fighting an ongoing imbalance or deficient lifestyle. This can lead to a multitude of symptoms including weight gain, digestive upset, brain fog, and low energy.

Leaky gut

One possible cause of excess inflammation can be damaged intestinal lining. When your gut starts leaking, undigested food particles can pass through and lead to inflammation throughout the body. Eating clean and cutting out some foods we know to be inflammatory for many people like gluten, sugar, and alcohol may be a good place to start. If that doesn't work, an elimination diet could be the next step toward figuring out what’s triggering your system.

Your next best steps

1. Focus on foods that fight inflammation

Above all, focus on eating as many whole foods as possible. Real, nutrient-packed food is powerful medicine. Cut out processed junk and fast food, and add more plants, healthy fats, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fermented foods into your daily meals. You are what you eat, so make sure you’re eating things that enrich your body.

2. Manage stress

No matter how exemplary your eating habits are, the healthiest diet cannot overcome excess stress. Chronic stress sabotages your immune system and hampers your body's ability to heal itself. To combat everyday stressors try taking up practices like yoga, meditation, nature walks, or mindfulness.

3. Get enough sleep

Chronic sleep deprivation is also a stressor on your body. Even losing sleep one night can trigger your immune system to produce inflammation that can damage your tissues. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and take note if you wake up feeling rested.

If you know what you should do but are having trouble making it happen, check out my Done For You Meal Plans for delicious meal ideas designed specifically for you are delivered to your email each week.