The Leaky Gut Program

In Ayurvedic Medicine, the root cause of any symptom or disease starts in our digestion. At least 80% of our immune system is in the gut. Without a healthy gut, disease is most likely eminent. The ancient text on Ayurveda states "With the purification of the body, the capacity of digestion and metabolism is enhanced, normal health is restored, all sense organs start working with vigor, old age is prevented and diseases are cured." - Charaka Samhita Ch. 16 Sutra 17-19

Ayurveda says the underlying function of digestion and metabolism in our body is Agni (Fire). This digestive fire or agni converts food in the form of energy, which is responsible for all the vital functions of our body. This agni is the cause of life, complexion, strength, health, nourishment, luster, ojas (immunity), tejas (vital-yet subtle energy) and prana (our vital life force).

Ayurveda also states that "The signs and symptoms of toxins (ama) are clogging of the channels, sense of heaviness, low energy, restlessness, lethargy, indigestion, congestion, accumulation of waste, loss of taste and sexual debility." - Ashtanga Hridaya Su. 30.23 Leaky gut is the cause of ama (toxins) in our system which brings on a systemic inflammation.

The leaky gut program follows a restricted food regime, nutritional compounds and herbs. I also recommend a Liver and Gallbladder Cleanse to reset and restore the gut.

Foods To Avoid

ALL sugars and sweeteners, even honey or agave
High-glycemic fruits: watermelon, mango, pineapple, raisins, grapes, canned fruits, dried fruits, etc.
Tomatoes, potatoes, and muschrooms
Grains: wheat, oats, rice, barley, buckwheat, corn, quinoa, et.
Dairy: milk, cream, cheese, butter, whey, etc.
Eggs or foods that contain eggs (such as mayonnaise)
Soy: soy milk, soy sauce, tofu, tempeh, soy protein, etc.
Alcohol
Lectins which are a major promoter of leaky gut found in nuts, beans (except mung beans), potatoes, tomato, eggplant, peppers, peanut oil, peanut butter and soy oil, etc.
Instant coffee: many brands of instant coffee may be contaminated with gluten.
Processed foods which I call "dumb & dead" foods.
Canned foods

Foods To Eat

At first it may seem confusing on what to eat. In fact, you will be eating the way people ate for most of human history. There are plenty of foods that does not come from a factory or an industrialized farm.

Most vegetables (except tomato, potatoes, and mushrooms which are inflammatory)
Meats: fish, chicken, beef. Best to get grass-fed and pastured meats from a local farm. Second best is organic. Avoid factory-farmed meats that contain antibiotics and hormones.
Low-glycemic fruits: apricots, plums, apple, peach, pear, cherries and berries to name a few.
Ghee, Coconut oil, Olive Oil, Sesame Oil
Fermented foods: yogurt, sauerkraut, etc. (these foods should be a small portion of your diet.
Herbal Teas
Olives

Nutrients to Help Repair the Intestinal Lining

L-glutamine which has been shown to support the regeneration and repair of the intestinal lining.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice helps repair the gastric and intestinal lining.
Aloe Leaf Juice helps reduce intestinal inflammation, soothes the intestines and have an anti-ulcer effect. I recommend 1/4 cup a day with a pinch of turmeric.
Marshmallow Herb has a high content of mucilage that can sooth and help heal compromised intestinal tissue.
Probiotics with these strains: saccharomyces boulardii, lactobacillus sporogenes, lactobacilli acidophilus, arabinogalactan.

Reducing and Extinguishing The Inflammation

There are certain botanicals with anti-inflammatory properties such as:

Turmeric
Black Cohosh
Wild Yam
Amla Berry
Ashwagandha

To help repair the mucosal lining there are certain demulcents followed by astringent agents that are beneficial. Demulcent herbs are considered to be helpful in improving the integrity of the epithelial lining of the gut.

Aloe Vera
Marshmallow root
Slippery Elm
Licorice root

It is important to support the liver and enhance detoxification. The liver is responsible for the detoxification of the increasing exposure to contaminants. The liver works hard for us everyday and can become overwhelmed. It is so important to cleanse the liver and gallbladder at least twice a year. Ayurvedic herbs to assist the liver in detoxification are:

Turmeric
Barberry
Bhumiamalaki
Guduchi

Here at Ayurvedic Living Wellness Center we specialize in formulating herbs specifically for you and your imbalances to bring you back into balance. We also recommend checking out the Liver and Gallbladder Cleanse. You do not need a gallbladder to do this cleanse. If you would like more information on these services, please contact us.