Q What foods worsen leaky gut? Do I really have to cut out wheat flour and dairy?
A Gluten (wheat flour), dairy, processed foods, alcohol, and refined sugar are the leading triggers that damage the tight junctions of the intestinal mucosa. If completely cutting them out is hard, a realistic approach is to reduce them while increasing fermented foods and prebiotics.
Detailed Answer
Gliadin (a gluten component of wheat) is studied to directly loosen tight junctions by inducing zonulin secretion in intestinal epithelial cells. Casein in dairy and emulsifiers and preservatives in processed foods also aggravate gut bacterial imbalance. Fermented foods (kimchi, doenjang) and prebiotic foods (banana, oats, garlic) increase beneficial bacteria and help protect the intestinal mucosa.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine terms, we recommend reducing greasy and irritating foods that breed damp-heat and eating bland foods and fermented foods that put little burden on the spleen-stomach. Combining herbal treatment with dietary improvement speeds up intestinal mucosal recovery.
Related FAQs
-
Q
I am receiving L-glutamine and zinc prescriptions from Western medicine. Would adding Korean medicine treatment improve things further?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I self-diagnosed online and came in. How can I actually tell if I have leaky gut?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I was also diagnosed with IBS. Can leaky gut and IBS be treated together?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
After eating, my head feels foggy. Is this related to an intestinal problem?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
I work near Dong-incheon and want to receive treatment. Is there practical lifestyle management for busy office workers?
#Lifestyle Management