Gut Inflammation: Pay Attention! 🤕

Inflamed Gut: Have you ever experienced abdominal pain, foul-smelling gas, impaired digestion, diarrhea or constipation, food sensitivities, acne, or rosacea? These can be signs of an inflamed gut! This often-underestimated problem can be related to various health conditions that directly affect your quality of life.

To discuss intestinal inflammation, it's essential to understand the role of the microbiota. The gut microbiota is made up of a variety of bacteria that perform vital functions. When in balance, the microbiota contributes to nutrition, immune system regulation, and maintenance of overall health. However, when an imbalance occurs, known as dysbiosis, problems such as an inflamed gut arise.

This imbalance can increase intestinal permeability (leaky gut), allowing substances such as LPS (lipopolysaccharides) and immune complexes to enter the bloodstream. This triggers the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting systemic inflammation that can affect different body systems.

1️⃣ The Villains of Leaky Gut: How to Protect Your Gut Health 🌟

“Leaky gut,” or leaky gut syndrome, can be caused by several factors, including:

Excess animal protein in the diet;

Consumption of foods with chemical additives or pesticide residues;

Low hydrochloric acid secretion (hypochlorhydria);

Prolonged use of antibiotics or medications;

Infections, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes;

Chronic stress and anxiety;

Exposure to environmental toxins.

When the intestine exhibits hyperpermeability, substances that should not normally enter the bloodstream are able to pass through. This can lead the immune system to overreact, generating inflammation and increasing delayed food allergies type 3.

This condition not only aggravates the inflamed gut but also contributes to the emergence of systemic conditions such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, eczema, and psoriasis.

2️⃣ The Role of Diet in Controlling an Inflamed Gut 🥗

Diet plays an essential role in combating an inflamed gut. An anti-inflammatory diet can help control inflammation and promote microbiota balance. Strategies such as avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and irritants are fundamental to reducing intestinal stress.

In addition, it is recommended to include foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and seeds, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Sources of prebiotic fiber, such as oats, green bananas, and asparagus, are also excellent for nourishing the beneficial bacteria of the microbiota.

On the other hand, foods such as gluten, casein, soy, corn, peanuts, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided, as they can increase intestinal permeability and worsen the symptoms of an inflamed gut.

3️⃣ The Importance of Gut Health in Disease Prevention 🌈

A study published in a Norwegian journal associates leaky gut with a number of conditions, including:

Allergies and asthma;

Autism;

Autoimmune diseases;

Eczema and psoriasis;

Inflammatory bowel diseases;

Rheumatoid arthritis;

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS);

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

These diseases do not cause leaky gut, but people who have these conditions often have signs of an inflamed gut. Taking care of gut health is therefore an essential preventive measure to minimize risks and improve quality of life.

Practical tip:

Including foods rich in antioxidants and prebiotic fibers in your diet can help control inflammation and promote gut microbiota balance.

4️⃣ Strategies to Treat an Inflamed Gut 📝

In addition to a balanced diet, it is essential to improve digestion and adopt specific strategies, such as:

Including probiotics and prebiotics to strengthen the gut microbiota;

Practicing controlled intermittent fasting to reduce inflammation;

Avoiding the consumption of ultra-processed foods and those rich in chemical additives;

Maintaining a routine of physical exercise and stress management.

Each patient may require an individualized approach, depending on the severity of the condition and associated conditions.

Conclusion
Take care of your gut, take care of your health. Did you identify with the symptoms mentioned? Don't ignore the signals your body is giving you. An inflamed gut can be treated with the right strategies, promoting better health and quality of life.

Bruna Barbosa
Nutritionist – CRN-DF 16963

Specializing in Functional Nutrition, Phytotherapy, and Digestive Health, Dr. Bruna helps people understand their symptoms and transform their health starting from the gut, based on scientific evidence, compassion, and clinical practice.

With a strong focus on evidence-based nutritional education, Bruna produces accessible and well-founded content to guide more conscious, safe, and sustainable choices. Maintaining her commitment to professional ethics, clarity, and scientific excellence, she promotes real health in a personalized and responsible way.