Herbal "Plumbing Repair" for the Leaky Gut
http://www.healityourself.com/articlelive/articles/31/1/Herbal-Plumbing-Repair-for-the-Leaky-Gut/Page1.html
By Steven H Horne
Published on July 12, 2008
Intestinal inflammation causes mucus membranes to become porous, which allows toxins to be absorbed into the blood and lymph. This is an underlying cause of many chronic illnesses, including chronic sinus problems, asthma, depression, arthritis, fibromyalgia and many others. In this article, I explain how to correct leaky gut with herbs and supplements.
Introduction
Colon cleansing is a very popular therapy among people involved in natural health care, but this article isn’t about colon cleansing. Not that I’m opposed to colon cleansing, mind you, but “cleansing” the colon isn’t all one needs to do to have a healthy gastrointestinal tract. One also has to reduce intestinal inflammation and repair the integrity of the intestinal membranes. This therapy could be called intestinal “toning.”
Colon cleansing has always made sense to me and made even more sense after I became a parent and had to change baby’s diapers. If you’ve ever noticed what happens to a baby’s bottom if you don’t change the diaper quickly enough, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. The waste material from the colon will turn that nice pink bottom lobster red if it sits there long enough.
The redness, of course, is inflammation. All tissues respond to damage through the process of inflammation. It’s part of our immune system. So, if the material from the colon will inflame the skin if left there too long, don’t you think it will do the same thing to the inside of the colon if left there too long?
It’s a pretty common-sense conclusion that if we aren’t eliminating waste rapidly enough, it’s going to continually irritate and inflame the intestines. Of course, some people have so much “schooling” that they don’t believe in common sense anymore, such as the doctors who tell people that a bowel movement once per week is OK. Fortunately, many herbalists I know understand that improving colon transit time so that toxins and irritants are removed from the GI tract in a more timely manner is a good thing to do. This helps explain why stimulant laxatives have been top selling herbs for a long time,
A cleanse will get that irritating waste material moving through quicker, so it will cause less irritation. But, that’s just like being more careful to change the baby’s diaper faster. If the babies bottom is red, you’d put something on it to soothe it, wouldn’t you? We need to do a similar thing when working with the intestines. We need to reduce the inflammation and promote healing, which is the focus of this article.
Of course, fiber and water will also decrease colon transit time and at the same time have the added benefit of binding toxins in the gut to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to intestinal mucosa. In fact, the most important thing that most people can do to improve the health of their colon is to increase fiber and water intake. It is also important to remove parasites, yeast and other harmful microbes from the intestines and create a healthy balance of friendly bacteria using probiotic supplements like acidophilus and bifidophilus.
In Chinese medicine, the intestines are called the “sifters and sorters.” Their job is to selectively absorb nutrients that the body needs, and to reject materials that shouldn’t be absorbed. Inflammation causes fluid and protein to seep into tissue spaces, creating swelling of the tissues. In the intestines, this makes them more porous, and over time, causes them to lose structural integrity or tone.
The result is that the intestines permit large substances that shouldn’t be absorbed, including allergens, microbes and toxins to be absorbed into the blood and lymph. This compromises the integrity of the immune system, reduces our energy level, overburdens and stresses the liver and even affects our mood. This leakage in the gut is part of the biological terrain that contributes to a wide variety of problems. A list of health problems associated with leaky gut is found below. And, by the way, if you can’t seem to “go” without the aid of stimulant laxatives, intestinal inflammation and leaky gut can cause both diarrhea and constipation, so healing the intestinal membranes should help restore normal bowel function.
Colon cleansing has always made sense to me and made even more sense after I became a parent and had to change baby’s diapers. If you’ve ever noticed what happens to a baby’s bottom if you don’t change the diaper quickly enough, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. The waste material from the colon will turn that nice pink bottom lobster red if it sits there long enough.
The redness, of course, is inflammation. All tissues respond to damage through the process of inflammation. It’s part of our immune system. So, if the material from the colon will inflame the skin if left there too long, don’t you think it will do the same thing to the inside of the colon if left there too long?
It’s a pretty common-sense conclusion that if we aren’t eliminating waste rapidly enough, it’s going to continually irritate and inflame the intestines. Of course, some people have so much “schooling” that they don’t believe in common sense anymore, such as the doctors who tell people that a bowel movement once per week is OK. Fortunately, many herbalists I know understand that improving colon transit time so that toxins and irritants are removed from the GI tract in a more timely manner is a good thing to do. This helps explain why stimulant laxatives have been top selling herbs for a long time,
A cleanse will get that irritating waste material moving through quicker, so it will cause less irritation. But, that’s just like being more careful to change the baby’s diaper faster. If the babies bottom is red, you’d put something on it to soothe it, wouldn’t you? We need to do a similar thing when working with the intestines. We need to reduce the inflammation and promote healing, which is the focus of this article.
Of course, fiber and water will also decrease colon transit time and at the same time have the added benefit of binding toxins in the gut to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to intestinal mucosa. In fact, the most important thing that most people can do to improve the health of their colon is to increase fiber and water intake. It is also important to remove parasites, yeast and other harmful microbes from the intestines and create a healthy balance of friendly bacteria using probiotic supplements like acidophilus and bifidophilus.
In Chinese medicine, the intestines are called the “sifters and sorters.” Their job is to selectively absorb nutrients that the body needs, and to reject materials that shouldn’t be absorbed. Inflammation causes fluid and protein to seep into tissue spaces, creating swelling of the tissues. In the intestines, this makes them more porous, and over time, causes them to lose structural integrity or tone.
The result is that the intestines permit large substances that shouldn’t be absorbed, including allergens, microbes and toxins to be absorbed into the blood and lymph. This compromises the integrity of the immune system, reduces our energy level, overburdens and stresses the liver and even affects our mood. This leakage in the gut is part of the biological terrain that contributes to a wide variety of problems. A list of health problems associated with leaky gut is found below. And, by the way, if you can’t seem to “go” without the aid of stimulant laxatives, intestinal inflammation and leaky gut can cause both diarrhea and constipation, so healing the intestinal membranes should help restore normal bowel function.
- Abdominal discomfort
- ADHD
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Autoimmune diseases
- Bloating
- Celiac disease
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Eczema
- Environmental illness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Fibromyalgia
- Food allergies
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Memory problems
- Multiple chemical sensitivity
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Sinus problems
- Toxic feelings
- Yeast infections
Herbal Remedies to Repair Leaky Gut
Fortunately, there are some great herbs and formulas available that can help to fix this problem. There are four herbal blends, and several single herbs and nutrients, that I have found helpful in healing the inflammation and repairing the intestinal leakage. The first three herbal blends are Intestinal Soothe and Build, Una de Gato Combination and Kudzu/St. John’s wort from Nature’s Sunshine Products. I also use Fiberzon Plus from Amazon Herbs. Single herbs and nutrients that may also be helpful include l-glutamine, glucosamine, bioflavinoids, vitamin C, yarrow, wild yam, sarsaparilla, chamomile and licorice.
Intestinal Soothe and Build
The first of these products for intestinal inflammation and leaky gut is Intestinal Soothe and Build. Formulated by Herbalist Jeanne Burgess, this blend was originally called UC3-J, which stood for ulcers (U) and Crohn’s, Colitis and Celiac’s (the 3-Cs). Jeanne created this blend to deal with common conditions resulting from intestinal inflammation and it has also proven beneficial for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), leaky gut syndrome, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and anal fistula.
The herbs in Intestinal Soothe & Build have vulnerary (tissue healing) and anti-inflammatory effects. Slippery elm, plantain and marshmallow absorb irritating substances, cooling and soothing damaged tissues. Chamomile and rosehips reduce inflammation, while plantain, rosehips and bugleweed all help to strengthen the structural integrity of inflamed tissues. Here is a brief description of the benefits of each herb.
Jeanne Burgess used this formula in conjunction with Stress-J for intestinal problems, a fact many of us forget. Although people usually think of Stress-J as being “only for stress,” the blend contains several herbs that have beneficial effects on digestion. It contains chamomile, which reduces intestinal inflammation and stimulates digestion, fennel, another great carminative and digestive herb, and marshmallow. There is also a strong link between stress and digestive problems; taking the two together helps both formulas be more effective.
Una de Gato (Cat’s Claw) Combination
Una De Gato Combination is my second blend for repairing intestinal membranes. Cat’s claw, is the principle herb in this blend and is one of the top-rated remedies for healing leaky gut and inflammatory intestinal disorders of all kinds.
Kudzu/St. John’s Wort
The third formula we’ve had great success with is Kudzu/St. John’s Wort. Kudzu is very helpful for repairing gut leakiness , while St. John’s wort aids the nerves that regulate the digestive process. Kudzu is the key herb here. Like cat’s claw, it is helpful for healing intestinal mucosa. It has a toning (astringent) action and relaxes muscle spasms at the same time. Kudzu is used in Chinese medicine to relieve headaches, stiff neck and muscle pain and to treat diarrhea.
The St. John’s wort in this blend is usually thought of as an anti-depressant, but it is so much more than that. In The Book of Herbal Wisdom, Matthew Wood explains that St. John’s wort soothes the solar plexus and stomach and harmonizes the action of the digestive organs so they work together better. It reduces tension in the liver and treats emotional issues that affect digestion. St. John’s wort has also been traditionally used as a wound healer, so it has vulnerary properties, too.
Fiberzon Plus
This formula has become one of my favorite colon-healing blends. I take it quite regularly along with my fiber to keep my intestines healthy. It contains a little rhubarb root, which has a mild laxative action, and artichoke leaf, a bitter that promotes liver detoxification and the flow of bile. It also contains some great herbs for reducing intestinal inflammation and reducing gut leakage, including una de gato, sangre de drago, licorice and flax seed.
Other Supplements
Okay, that covers our four main formulas for dealing with leaky gut, but let’s also consider briefly some of the single remedies, too. For starters, l-glutamine is a major nutrient that intestinal cells require for maintenance. This amino acid plays a role in protecting against viral, bacterial and food antigen invaders.
Glutamine is a major nutrient needed by intestinal cells for maintenance and repair. It reinforces this first line of the immune system. There is considerable evidence that glutamine can aid the gut in its role of protecting against viral, bacterial, and food antigen invaders.
Citrus Bioflavinoids (vitamin C) strengthen connective tissue and also aid in repairs. Many of the single herbs we mentioned will not only reduce inflammation, they will also help to repair the integrity of intestinal membranes. Also, don’t forget that anti-inflammatories like Thai-Go and IF Relief may also be helpful.
Intestinal Soothe and Build
The first of these products for intestinal inflammation and leaky gut is Intestinal Soothe and Build. Formulated by Herbalist Jeanne Burgess, this blend was originally called UC3-J, which stood for ulcers (U) and Crohn’s, Colitis and Celiac’s (the 3-Cs). Jeanne created this blend to deal with common conditions resulting from intestinal inflammation and it has also proven beneficial for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), leaky gut syndrome, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and anal fistula.
The herbs in Intestinal Soothe & Build have vulnerary (tissue healing) and anti-inflammatory effects. Slippery elm, plantain and marshmallow absorb irritating substances, cooling and soothing damaged tissues. Chamomile and rosehips reduce inflammation, while plantain, rosehips and bugleweed all help to strengthen the structural integrity of inflamed tissues. Here is a brief description of the benefits of each herb.
Jeanne Burgess used this formula in conjunction with Stress-J for intestinal problems, a fact many of us forget. Although people usually think of Stress-J as being “only for stress,” the blend contains several herbs that have beneficial effects on digestion. It contains chamomile, which reduces intestinal inflammation and stimulates digestion, fennel, another great carminative and digestive herb, and marshmallow. There is also a strong link between stress and digestive problems; taking the two together helps both formulas be more effective.
Una de Gato (Cat’s Claw) Combination
Una De Gato Combination is my second blend for repairing intestinal membranes. Cat’s claw, is the principle herb in this blend and is one of the top-rated remedies for healing leaky gut and inflammatory intestinal disorders of all kinds.
Kudzu/St. John’s Wort
The third formula we’ve had great success with is Kudzu/St. John’s Wort. Kudzu is very helpful for repairing gut leakiness , while St. John’s wort aids the nerves that regulate the digestive process. Kudzu is the key herb here. Like cat’s claw, it is helpful for healing intestinal mucosa. It has a toning (astringent) action and relaxes muscle spasms at the same time. Kudzu is used in Chinese medicine to relieve headaches, stiff neck and muscle pain and to treat diarrhea.
The St. John’s wort in this blend is usually thought of as an anti-depressant, but it is so much more than that. In The Book of Herbal Wisdom, Matthew Wood explains that St. John’s wort soothes the solar plexus and stomach and harmonizes the action of the digestive organs so they work together better. It reduces tension in the liver and treats emotional issues that affect digestion. St. John’s wort has also been traditionally used as a wound healer, so it has vulnerary properties, too.
Fiberzon Plus
This formula has become one of my favorite colon-healing blends. I take it quite regularly along with my fiber to keep my intestines healthy. It contains a little rhubarb root, which has a mild laxative action, and artichoke leaf, a bitter that promotes liver detoxification and the flow of bile. It also contains some great herbs for reducing intestinal inflammation and reducing gut leakage, including una de gato, sangre de drago, licorice and flax seed.
Other Supplements
Okay, that covers our four main formulas for dealing with leaky gut, but let’s also consider briefly some of the single remedies, too. For starters, l-glutamine is a major nutrient that intestinal cells require for maintenance. This amino acid plays a role in protecting against viral, bacterial and food antigen invaders.
Glutamine is a major nutrient needed by intestinal cells for maintenance and repair. It reinforces this first line of the immune system. There is considerable evidence that glutamine can aid the gut in its role of protecting against viral, bacterial, and food antigen invaders.
Citrus Bioflavinoids (vitamin C) strengthen connective tissue and also aid in repairs. Many of the single herbs we mentioned will not only reduce inflammation, they will also help to repair the integrity of intestinal membranes. Also, don’t forget that anti-inflammatories like Thai-Go and IF Relief may also be helpful.
Keeping the Colon Healthy
And, while we’re on the subject of supplements, let’s not forget the three important supplements we need to keep the colon healthy once it has healed. These are fiber, enzymes and probiotics.
Fiber provides numerous benefits for the colon. First of all, it binds irritating substances, reducing intestinal inflammation. It also improves colon transit time when taken with adequate amounts of water. Fiber absorbs materials released through the bile, including cholesterol, and binds them for elimination. It also acts as food for and encourages the growth of the friendly flora in the intestinal tract
When taking fiber, it is best to start with small amounts (1/2 teaspoon) of a fiber supplement, like Nature’s Three or Psyllium Hulls Combo from Nature’s Sunshine or Fiberzon from Amazon Herbs, mixed with water or juice, followed by a large glass of water (8-12 ounces). Gradually increase the amount of fiber over a period of a couple of weeks.
Fermented foods are also really good for the intestines. According to Sally Fallon in Nourishing Traditions, nearly all traditional cultures used some kind of fermented foods in their diet. These foods and beverages (which include fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kim chi, fermented dairy products like yogurt and kiefer, and natural beers made from herbs) all contain both enzymes and lactobacteria.
In modern diets, just about everything has been cooked, heated to high temperatures to sterilize it, and/or treated with preservatives (which often act as enzyme inhibitors). This results in a diet very low in both enzymes and probiotics. Lack of digestive enzymes can cause leaky gut and a lack of probiotics makes one more prone to infection by other, less friendly, microbes.
For modern people who are unwilling to add traditionally fermented foods to their diets, enzyme and probiotic supplements are important to help normalize intestinal function. I have three favorite enzyme supplements I use. Proactazyme, from Nature’s Sunshine, Digestazon Plus from Amazon Herbs (my personal favorite) and a product called Absorb-Aid. Any of these enzymes can be taken with the morning or evening fiber drink to help reduce intestinal inflammation and improve elimination.
There is some debate as to the best time of day to take probiotics, such as Acidophilus or Bifidophilus Flora Force from Nature’s Sunshine, but it is generally agreed they should be taken before or between meals on an empty stomach. They can be taken with the fiber drink, too.
Maintaining a healthy intestinal tract is very important to overall health. It is possible to fix the “leaks” in our intestinal plumbing, with a few supplements and some dietary improvements. For more information, check out my Herbal Hour video, It Takes Guts to be Healthy or consult some of the following resources.
Resources and Suggested Further Reading
Fiber provides numerous benefits for the colon. First of all, it binds irritating substances, reducing intestinal inflammation. It also improves colon transit time when taken with adequate amounts of water. Fiber absorbs materials released through the bile, including cholesterol, and binds them for elimination. It also acts as food for and encourages the growth of the friendly flora in the intestinal tract
When taking fiber, it is best to start with small amounts (1/2 teaspoon) of a fiber supplement, like Nature’s Three or Psyllium Hulls Combo from Nature’s Sunshine or Fiberzon from Amazon Herbs, mixed with water or juice, followed by a large glass of water (8-12 ounces). Gradually increase the amount of fiber over a period of a couple of weeks.
Fermented foods are also really good for the intestines. According to Sally Fallon in Nourishing Traditions, nearly all traditional cultures used some kind of fermented foods in their diet. These foods and beverages (which include fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kim chi, fermented dairy products like yogurt and kiefer, and natural beers made from herbs) all contain both enzymes and lactobacteria.
In modern diets, just about everything has been cooked, heated to high temperatures to sterilize it, and/or treated with preservatives (which often act as enzyme inhibitors). This results in a diet very low in both enzymes and probiotics. Lack of digestive enzymes can cause leaky gut and a lack of probiotics makes one more prone to infection by other, less friendly, microbes.
For modern people who are unwilling to add traditionally fermented foods to their diets, enzyme and probiotic supplements are important to help normalize intestinal function. I have three favorite enzyme supplements I use. Proactazyme, from Nature’s Sunshine, Digestazon Plus from Amazon Herbs (my personal favorite) and a product called Absorb-Aid. Any of these enzymes can be taken with the morning or evening fiber drink to help reduce intestinal inflammation and improve elimination.
There is some debate as to the best time of day to take probiotics, such as Acidophilus or Bifidophilus Flora Force from Nature’s Sunshine, but it is generally agreed they should be taken before or between meals on an empty stomach. They can be taken with the fiber drink, too.
Maintaining a healthy intestinal tract is very important to overall health. It is possible to fix the “leaks” in our intestinal plumbing, with a few supplements and some dietary improvements. For more information, check out my Herbal Hour video, It Takes Guts to be Healthy or consult some of the following resources.
Resources and Suggested Further Reading
- Colon Cleansing: The Best-Kept Secret by Jennifer Weiss and Vena Burnett, 1989
- Diet and Nutrition: A Holistic Approach by Rudolph Ballentine, M.D., Himalayan International Institute, 1982
- Dr. Christopher’s Three Day Cleansing Program and Mucousless Diet by John R. Christopher, 1976.
- Enzyme Nutrition by Edward Howell, Avery Publishing Group, 1985
- Food Enzymes by Humbart Santillo, Holm Press, 1987
- Food is Your Best Medicine by Henry Bieler, Random House, 1965
- Foundations of Health: The Liver and Digestive Herbal by Christopher Hobbs, Botanical Press, 1992.
- Natural Detoxification by Jacqueline Krohn, MD and Frances Taylor, MA, Hartley and Marks, 2000.
- Natural Remedies for Common Ailments by Hugo Rodier, M.D., 2002
- The Colon Health Handbook by Robert Gray
- The New Detox Diet by Elson M. Haas, M.D., Celestial Arts, 2004.