Leaky Gut And chronic pain
Leaky gut and Chronic pain requires attention because of the disruption it can cause to your quality of life. One well researched cause of chronic pain involves your “second brain”, the digestive system, also termed the enteric system. This system communicates with your central nervous system through the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. If your nervous system is under stress (nerves stretched, pinched or irritated), then the communication from the brain and spinal cord to the sensory, motor and autonomic systems will be disrupted. That will translate to muscular problems, organ problems and of course…PAIN.
A somato-visceral response, as described above, is part of the digestive dysfunction called “Leaky Gut” Syndrome. A Leaky Gut is the result of increased intestinal lining permeability. If your gut becomes “leaky”, then things which normally do not cross the intestinal lining now will. This can include toxins from food, water or medications, bacteria or undigested food. Symptoms may involve increased gas, acid reflux, bloating, cramping, inflammation and pain.
At Reed Chiropractic, our Doctors of Chiropractic evaluate each individual for the cause of nervous system stress. When nervous system stress is identified and resolved the body will begin to function at optimum levels. It is to the advantage of every individual to seek the cause of their problem and start with a conservative, non-invasive approach to resolve it.
Along with balancing the nervous system, the enteric system benefits from an optimized diet and healthy lifestyle. Here are some beneficial changes to make: Improving diet to limit processed foods and sugar, Eliminate trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol and high allergen foods (such as dairy), Optimize vitamin D levels, balance stomach acid with high quality sea salt and a hydrochloric acid supplement, exercise regularly.
Certain foods can also help to calm the intestinal lining and balance leaky gut. Here is a list of six foods to help: Aloe Vera: anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory; Bone Broth: easily digested building blocks of protein (amino acids) and immune-optimizing components; Fermented Foods: vegetables and coconut kefir-detoxifiers, beneficial bacteria, anti-oxidants and high fiber; Flax Seed Tea: omega-3 fats, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating; Chlorella: promoted healthy gut pH and good detoxifier; Chia Seeds: anti-inflammatory and good fiber.
Knowing some dos and don’ts can help. Here are a few things to avoid in promoting a health enteric system: conventionally-raised meats, genetically engineered grains/foods, processed foods, chlorinated and/or fluoridated water, antibacterial soap and agricultural chemicals.
For more information on leaky gut and chronic pain call our office and set up a free consultation with one of our experienced doctors.
Reed Chiropractic
250 W. Baseline Rd. #107
Tempe, AZ 85283
480-785-1355
