12 Things That Damage Your Gut Health
So what can cause damage to the gut?
1. C-section
As a newborn baby passes through the vaginal canal, he or she is bathed in the mother’s bacteria. This bacteria is the initial “inoculation” and will help build the baby’s microbiome for life. Although common (1/3 of babies in America are born via C-section), missing out on the microbiome inoculation can lead to major health challenges later in life. In a giant study, those who were born via C-section had a significantly increased risk for asthma, juvenile arthritis, IBD, immune deficiencies, and leukemia.
2. Diet
The Standard American Diet leads to a less diverse gut microbiome and intestinal inflammation. Foods like hydrogenated fats, omega-6 loaded fats like vegetable oils, refined grains, sugar, gluten, and dairy are staples in America. Yet all of these can harm the gut. This can lead to immune-related problems, weight gain, and brain issues like anxiety and depression.
3. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the infant’s second opportunity to acquire the mom’s good bacteria. This boosts the baby’s immune system and sets the tone for their immune system for life. Therefore, missing out can limit gut microbes that could have developed.
4. Low fiber diet
Fiber helps feed the good bacteria in our gut. Historically, hunter-gatherers ate more fiber than in our diets today. Although some researchers and doctors recommend over 50 grams of fiber per day, most Americans only consume 14 grams a day.
5. Conventional meat
The large majority of antibiotics in use today are used on livestock. In fact, 80% of antibiotics are used on livestock. Consuming meat can alter gut bacteria.
6. Gluten
When eating modern gluten, a substance called zonulin is falsely triggered to release. Zonulin opens up spaces for nutrients to get through cells. The problem with zonulin is that is causes intestinal permeability (leaky gut) in humans, even those without celiac disease.
7. Pesticides and herbicides
Glyphosate, better known as Round-Up, is a known carcinogen that is used widely on conventional crops all over the US. Many European countries have banned Glyphosate due to its dangers. Recently, a judge ruled that California can require Monsanto to label Round-Up as a carcinogen. (Source)
BT is a pesticide used by Monsanto on crops, especially corn. When an insect attempts to eat the crop, the BT physically breaks open their stomach and they die. What do you think happens to humans who eat these crops?
8. Antibiotic use
Profound and rapid loss of diversity of microbiome.
9. Stress
When we are stressed, the body releases cortisol, which is a protective mechanism, to keep us safe from impending danger. If we are constantly stressed (school, work, bills, kids, phones, etc.), cortisol production continues to increase. When this happens, the defense mechanism of the intestinal immune system, secretory IgA is decreased. Besides, why would the body worry about protecting us from invaders in our gut when we have an outside invader? Also, cortisol decreases the body’s production of enzymes and hydrochloric acid; both which are needed to break down and absorb food.
10. Drugs
Certain medication like NSAIDs (Advil, Ibuprofen) can cause serious intestinal lining damage. Also medications like birth control and antacids cause a leaky gut.
11. Infections
Certain times, infections can make a home in the gut. These can include H. pylori, parasites, and candida. When this happens, the immune system is activated, trying to eradicate the infection. If this goes on for months and years, the immune system is called upon too much, leading to many conditions.
12. Alcohol
Alcohol consumption leads to alteration in the gut bacteria, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), mucosal damage, and increased gut permeability.
If you haven’t noticed, our gut is extremely important for our overall health. When damaged, the gut bacteria can grow out of balance, the gut lining can become leaky, and the immune system can be activated. This can lead to a whole host of issues.
