Inflammation of the Gut

Guest Author - Sharon Lasitter

What causes inflammation of the gut?
Inflammation of the gut has several causes, but a major culprit is emotional distress. The gut has profound connections with the mind, and responds to each and every thought we have. If we have been programmed to think negatively and are prone to anxiety, worry, impatience, fear and nervousness, often our bodies take on the effects and our gastric system takes on inflammation.

Certain foods such as fried foods, white flour and sugars are well known culprits for causing inflammation in the body. Also, cooking oils and oil additives other than olive oil have an inflammatory affect on the body.

In Chinese Medicine (TCM) the liver is the keeper of emotions. If the liver becomes aggravated by strong emotions its motility is affected, and the upset reaches the rest of the digestive system, causing inflammation of the gut.

Is inflammation of the gut dangerous?
When the stomach mucosa (lining of the stomach) becomes inflamed, it is termed gastritis. When the intestines become inflamed, it may result in leaky gut syndrome. Long term affects of an inflamed system can lead to many other health risks, including:

Systemic Candida

Cancer

Heart disease

Diabetes

Syndrome X

Allergies

Asthma

Arthritis

How is inflammation of the gut treated?
While conventional medicine has no definitive answers for treating inflammation of the gut, TMC and naturopathic approaches as well as treating emotional issues with therapy offer the best treatments. Look at it this way, if a condition of the body is caused by emotional distress, the most common sense approach would be to focus on the cause. While this approach is in process, treat the inflammation with remedies until the root issue is solved.

Remedies for inflammation of the gut

Gamma oryzanol (a mixture of ferulic acid esters of sterol and triterpene alcohols, is extracted from rice bran and corn and barley oils and has a calming affect on hormones produced by strong emotions)

Probiotics

Slippery Elm (may cause diarrhea in some individuals)

Ground Flax seed

GLA (from borage seed oil)

Phosphatidyl Choline

Herbs and plant extracts: echinacea, fennel seed tea, garlic (may cause heartburn in some individuals,) burdock, rhubarb, sheep sorrel, licorice root (may cause or aggravate high blood pressure,) ginger root (may cause heartburn in some individuals,) goldenseal and kudzu

Keep your diet rich in fiber and whole foods. Monitor your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables by measuring that half of your plate is filled with them. Avoid inflammatory foods (See Related Links below for food lists.)

Remove all cooking oils other than olive oil from your pantry, and stay away from prepackaged foods containing oils other than olive oil.


*Please know that I am not a medical doctor or a health practitioner. I cannot diagnose your stomach problems nor can I guarantee a cure. I am here to share my knowledge, which applications have worked for me and to offer suggestions of where you may go physically, emotionally and spiritually for healing and self-empowerment. If you choose to explore alternative medicine, do not independently stop taking your prescribed medications. Always consult with your current doctor as well as your new practitioner when changing your medical program. Find a Naturopath near you.