How to Heal the Gut
This is my favourite part of the gut section as it discusses how we can heal the gut. As we have discussed, there are many variables that can disrupt your gut flora and microbiome. This section will look at food as medicine. What foods heal the gut and allow the junctions to become tight again and fully functional. You want your nutrients to be absorbed by your gut and distributed throughout your body where required. In the nutrition section of this book, we will discuss the macro and micro nutrients and the optimal foods for the average person. We will discuss what I see working with many of my patients.
The first food that is excellent at healing the gut is bone broth. It contains the amino acids proline and glycine that can help heal your damaged cell walls as well as collagen which is great at holding the body together. Collagen is found in bones, tendons, joint, etc. You have to cook bone broth properly and let it simmer for the appropriate amount of time. This is very helpful when making at home but there are also distributors across the United States that ship bone broth to your front door. The second very helpful food in healing your gut lining is fermented vegetables. They contain natural probiotics and organic acids that balance intestinal PH. Some examples of fermented vegetables are sauerkraut, kimchi and kvass. A point worth mentioning is that steamed vegetables and fruits are also very helpful in healing a severe leaky gut.
The third group is a staple in our home and they contain both Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA’s) and probiotics and that is cultured dairy. Some examples are kefir, yogurt and butter. They may not always taste the best but they are excellent for your gut health. The fourth category that is beneficial for your gut is sprouted seeds. This would include flaxseeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds. These sprouted seeds are great sources of fiber that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. The final Medium Chained Fatty Acid (MCFA) that I enjoy with a morning tea or to cook with in coconut oil. Coconut oil is easier to digest than other fats (due to its structure) so this makes it easier on your digestive system. You can even combine coconut and kefir so that you have your probiotics and your healthy fats. These foods will help you optimize your gut flora and heal the damage that has been done over the years. I strongly urge you to go out and get them so you can begin your journey back to health and vitality.
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