Leaky gut is a condition that affects the intestinal barrier and can trigger inflammation, digestive issues, and autoimmune diseases. According to Dr. Eric Berg, the key to addressing this condition is not increasing fiber, as conventional approaches suggest, but making a radical dietary change. In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms, and solutions according to Dr. Berg.
What is Leaky Gut?
The intestinal wall consists of a thin layer of cells that
acts as a barrier between the inside of the intestines and the bloodstream.
This barrier allows for the absorption of essential nutrients while blocking
harmful substances. However, when this barrier is damaged, toxins, bacteria,
and undigested food particles can enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune
and inflammatory response in the body.
Take a look previous article: What is Leaky Gut?
Causes of Leaky Gut
Dr. Berg highlights several factors that can damage the intestinal barrier:
- Excessive fiber consumption: While many experts recommend increasing fiber for gut health, Dr. Berg warns that in cases of severe inflammation, this can worsen the condition.
- Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics: These medications disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, weakening the intestinal barrier.
- Exposure to glyphosate (a common herbicide in GMO foods): This compound acts as an antibiotic that negatively affects beneficial gut bacteria.
- Consumption of seed oils: Such as soybean, corn, and canola oil, which can increase intestinal inflammation.
- Gluten intake: A protein found in grains that the human body cannot fully digest, potentially contributing to leaky gut.
- Milk in infants: In young children, cow’s milk can irritate the gut and cause permeability.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Signs that you might be suffering from leaky gut include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Brain fog and lack of mental clarity
- Anxiety and mood changes
- Skin issues such as rashes, eczema, or acne
- Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus
How to Heal Leaky Gut According to Dr. Berg
Dr. Berg recommends following a strategy focused on eliminating inflammatory factors and strengthening the intestinal barrier:
1. Adopt the Carnivore Diet for a Period
Eliminating all inflammatory foods and focusing on consuming
meats, fish, and eggs can help restore the intestinal barrier. Red meat, for
example, is rich in glutamine, an essential amino acid for regenerating the gut
lining.
Take a look The Ultimate guide for Intermittent Fasting.
2. Consume Glutamine and Glycine
These two amino acids, found in collagen and gelatin, help repair the intestinal lining. They can be obtained through bone broths or specific supplements.
3. Avoid Processed and GMO Foods
Reducing the intake of industrialized products, especially those containing seed oils and glyphosate, is crucial to reducing intestinal inflammation.
4. Improve Gut Microbiota
Including fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and unsweetened yogurt can help restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria.
5. Eliminate Gluten and Dairy if Sensitive
For many people, gluten and dairy can be triggers of gut inflammation. Temporarily eliminating them can help determine if they are problematic for you.
Final Thoughts
Leaky gut is an underestimated condition that may be at the root of many chronic diseases. Dr. Berg’s perspective offers an alternative to conventional treatments, focusing on diet and eliminating inflammatory factors instead of merely managing symptoms with medication.
If you’re interested in improving your digestive health and learning more about wellness strategies, we recommend reading our article on the carnivore diet and its impact on digestive health and our analysis of the hidden dangers of seed oils.
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