The Father of Modern Medicine was certainly ahead of his time, because research is increasingly proving that the gut really is the foundation of all health.

Even with an optimum diet, if our gut is not functioning as it should be, our health will be compromised. We won’t be able to properly absorb and utilise the nutrients from our diet, meaning our cells miss out on the vital nutrition they need. Poor elimination can lead to a build-up of waste and toxins in the intestines, which slowly poisons the body.

So, what causes poor gut health, and more importantly, how do we treat it?

Leaky gut syndrome

The barrier between us and the outside world is a layer of cells that line the gut known as epithelial cells. Maintaining the integrity of these cells is essential to prevent bugs and food particles passing through into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, the modern lifestyle can make this barrier permeable (leaky), allowing particles to pass through into the bloodstream and creating a situation known as leaky gut. Leaky gut syndrome is a problem as it causes a state of chronic low-level inflammation. Inflammation is at the root of most diseases, from auto-immune disorders to allergies.[1]

Dysbiosis

The other part of the equation is our gut bacteria. Our digestive system contains literally billions of bacteria – in fact up to two kilograms worth! The composition of that bacteria has wide-ranging impacts on our health – from our immunity to the size of our waistline[2].

As it can damage our gut wall, the modern lifestyle of stress, processed foods, alcohol, sugar, antibiotics and other medications can upset this balance of bacteria, harming the good guys and allowing bad bacteria to proliferate. This unhealthy balance of bacteria impairs immunity, promotes inflammation and affects our digestive function.

A poor environment in the gut can also lead to candida overgrowth, a fungus that causes athletes foot, thrush, food allergies, poor energy, brain fog and bad breath. Candida overgrowth is a primary cause of leaky gut syndrome.

So how do you know if your gut isn’t happy?

Although we can’t see what’s happening in our tummy or the make-up of our gut bacteria, our body gives us plenty of clues if something isn’t right in our gut. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need to look at healing your gut:
    •    Bloating
    •    Nausea
    •    Gas
    •    Bad breath
    •    Constipation
    •    Food allergies
    •    Irritable bowel syndrome
    •    Poor energy levels
    •    Headaches
    •    ‘Brain fog’ and difficulty concentrating
    •    Auto-immune conditions
    •    Skin disorders (Acne, eczema, psoriasis).

So how do we restore our gut function?

The good news is that we can improve the health and functioning of our gut with quality supplementation, good nutrition and lifestyle techniques.
Sugar, high-fat and processed foods, alcohol and antibiotics can damage the gut wall and promote the overgrowth of bad bacteria, while fruit and vegetables, legumes and wholegrains help friendly bacteria thrive and promote good gut function. Managing stress and getting enough sleep also seem to be important.
Healing the gut requires a large number of nutrients so it’s really important that you take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement, like Total Balance, to provide your gut with the nourishment it needs. To manage the inflammation, you need Omega 3 fatty acids.
Restoring the balance of your gut flora requires a high-quality prebiotic to feed the good gut bacteria. Kiwi-Klenz is made from 100% New Zealand native kiwifruit extract, long-recognised as a digestive superfood. Kiwi-Klenz supports good gut health in a range of ways:

    •    Contains enzymes which assist the breakdown of protein, enhancing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food
    •    Supports immune response and healthy inflammation management
    •    Encourages regular bowel movements
    •    Increases energy levels and promotes detoxification
    •    Contains prebiotics to feed the good gut bacteria
    •    Reduces gas
    •    Reduces bloating and discomfort.

Advanced Candida Support

If candida overgrowth is a problem, the first treatment strategy should be Advanced Candida Support. Made from 100% natural New Zealand Horopito (used for centuries in traditional Maori medicine to treat a range of health conditions) Advanced Candida Support has been shown to be equally as effective at treating candida as pharmaceuticals.
Unlike some other candida treatment regimes which require large amounts of supplements for many months, Advanced Candida Support need only be taken at the rate of one soft gel a day for 30 days, offering an economical way to treat candida. Advanced Candida Support should be taken in conjunction with Kiwi-Klenz to help restore the balance of good gut flora.

References:

[1] Dr Axe. 7 Signs and Symptoms you have Leaky Gut Syndrome. https://draxe.com/7-signs-symptoms-you-have-leaky-gut/
[2] Sanmiguel, C., Gupta, A. and Mayer, E. Gut microbiome and Obesity: A Plausible Explanation for Obesity. Curr Obes Rep. 2015 Jun (4(2):250-261.