The digestive system and its link to food intolerances
As mentioned in last week’s blog, food allergies and intolerances begin with an inflammatory reaction that occurs on a systemic level, meaning affects the entire body versus a single organ.
Once the inflammation has affected the entire body, it can eventually develop into an allergy or intolerance due to leaky gut (when the lining of the gut is damaged, causing large food particles, bacteria and environmental toxins to seep into the bloodstream ) or auto-immunity (when the body attacks itself).
Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria, can result from anything that alters gut microbiota. The most common causes are antibiotics, oral contraceptives, HRT, acid-suppressing medications, corticosteroids, gastrointestinal infections, surgery, poor digestion, chronic constipation, chronic mental/emotional stress and a high-sugar and refined carbohydrate diet. This imbalance in gut bacteria can be a major contributor to leaky gut and can eventually develop into numerous food intolerances and/or allergies.
It’s important to optimize your gut health and improve digestion in order to prevent food allergies and intolerances. Here are a few simple ways you can optimize your digestive system:
Drink one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a small amount of warm water before every meal.
Start your day by drinking hot water, lemon and ginger upon waking.
Take a digestive enzyme before eating large meals.
Stay hydrated between meals.
Take a daily probiotic to increase the healthy bacteria in your gut.