Most people are exposed to—and partaking in—decadent and rich foods all times of the year. Plus, chronic stress can also cause a weak gut lining. So how do you get it back or is there any way you can repair or fix the linking of your stomach after years of eating badly? The answer to that question comes after knowing what bad stomach lining can cause.
For your gastrointestinal system (GI or gut) to function properly it must be able to absorb the nutrients from your food (through the lining) to distribute them to your blood stream. When you have a leaky gut it means that the lining of your GI tract has been compromised and isn’t able to do its job appropriately. This literally means that your nutrients and predigested foods can leak into your body—triggering inflammation but also causing hormone imbalances. Hormones, after all are packaged and broken down in the gut as well. Leaky gut is not recognized conventionally but your doctor may have referred to it as malabsorption or increased intestinal permeabilitity.
Many professionals recommend the supplement Glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid and it helps both with digestion and with re-establishing the gut lining by literally sealing the gut. Glutamine helps protect the mucosa or lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Plus, recent research suggests that glutamine is also helpful for muscle recovery after strenuous exercise—bonus! Your body can make enough glutamine for regular needs, but chronic stress and digestive issues that include bloating, cramping, or gas can lower glutamine and a supplement can help. Experts recommend taking 1 to 2 grams daily in the morning with breakfast, or with whatever meal or snack you can take it most consistently.
Some people pair glutamine with a shot of apple cider vinegar. This is a great way to keep your gut’s microbiome balanced, which aids digestion and also gives your immune system a boost. Just mix 1 tablespoon organic raw apple cider vinegar with 3 tablespoons water.
There are some foods that may help manage your inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and lessen the symptoms. These include:
- high-fiber foods such as apples, oatmeal, broccoli, carrots, and beans
- low-fat foods such as fish, chicken, and turkey breast
- foods with low acidity, or are more alkaline, like vegetables
- drinks that are... ...not carbonated
- drinks without caffeine
- probiotics such as kombucha, yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut
Foods that are high in fat may worsen inflammation in the lining of the stomach. Some other foods to avoid because they can irritate the stomach are:
- alcohol
- coffee
- acidic foods like tomatoes and some fruits
- fruit juice
- fatty foods
- fried foods
- carbonated drinks
- spicy foods
- allergenic or symptomatic foods