Dr. Group's recent blog posts. View this email in your browser. 19 Chemicals to Avoid in Skin Care – Organic Skin Care Published October 29, 2015 The beauty industry has an ugly secret. Most skin care products – both regular and "organic" – contain harmful chemicals. When it comes to cosmetics, no one regulates what "organic" or "natural" means. [1] Your makeup, face cream, skin moisturizer, or cleanser may deliver short term smoothness and brightness, but it may disrupt your hormones and fertility, expose you to known cancer-causing pesticides, and deliver dangerous toxins that penetrate and age your skin. That's right. The cosmetics you use may actually speed the formation of wrinkles, age spots, and worse. In the US, researchers have found 1 of every 8 ingredients used in cosmetics is an industrial chemical. Many of these were originally created to keep concrete soft, remove grease from auto parts, and as surfactants paints and inks. [2] You might think if these industrial chemicals were that bad they'd be banned. Well, in fact many are…in Europe. European authorities have banned more than a thousand of these chemicals. In the US, the FDA has banned eight. Lookout for These 19 Ingredients To protect your skin and keep it looking young, firm, and bright, look for these chemicals in all skin care products – and avoid them. 1. BHA/BHT Used to lighten skin, BHA and BHT are considered by the National Toxicology Program as a likely carcinogen. In studies, animals exposed to these chemicals developed stomach cancer and liver damage, and developed problems with their thyroid and reproductive organs. Banned in Europe. 2. Sodium Borate / Boric Acid These chemicals interfere with hormones and cause infertility in men. Regular exposure is linked to low sperm counts. It absorbs easily through the skin and is used in diaper creams. Banned in Europe and Canada, and the cosmetic industry states it's unsafe for infants. 3. Coal Tar You can find coal tar still used in hair dyes and dandruff and psoriasis shampoos. It's recognized as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. On ingredient lists, it goes by aminophenol, diaminobenzene, and phenylenediamine. 4. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives Another known cancer causing agent, formaldehyde also harms the brain, interferes with growth and development in children, and induces asthma. These preservatives slowly release formaldehyde to keep the skin care product from spoiling. These often trigger allergic reactions on the skin. If you've ever experienced a contact allergy after using a skin lotion, it probably had one of these ingredients: DMDM Hydantoin (very common), diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, and quaternium-15. 5. PEG Compounds These go by many names like Propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, or polyoxyethylene as they are petroleum-based compounds. But they go by other names too; If you see a word with "–eth" or "–oxynol" in it, it's likely one of these PEGs. These chemicals can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a chemical the FDA says may cause cancer. [3] 6. Mercury You know mercury is bad, but some cosmetics use it to lighten the skin. It absorbs easily through your skin and with enough use can develop into mercury poisoning. Steer clear of products with "calomel", "mercurio", "mercurio chloride" or just plain old "mercury". 7. Hydroquinone Another skin lightener, it causes a skin disease called ochronosis that features black and blue lesions that can become permanent. In animals, studies have found enough exposure leads to tumor development. 8. Oxybenzone Sunscreens use oxybenzone to absorb UV light. In humans, this chemical causes skin irritation and allergic reactions. Animal studies report it acts as an endocrine disruptor and interferes with hormone activity. 9. Triclosan You'll find this one in many antibacterial hand soaps and hand sanitizers. But it's also used in deodorants, skin cleansers, and toothpaste. It's another endocrine disruptor that harms your thyroid and reproductive hormones. 10. Parabens You've probably seen a slew of products marketing themselves as "paraben-free". These chemicals mimic estrogen and lead to hormone imbalance. Now, CDC reports suggest their presence in every American's body. Whether they are or aren't, avoid products with parabens to prevent reproductive problems like infertility or slowed growth and developmental disorders in children. 11. “Fragrance” Also called perfume, these terms indicate a mixture of ingredients that cosmetic companies don't have to legally tell you about. Three thousand or more chemicals may be used to create a fragrance. Some "Unscented" products contain fragrances with masking agents. [2] Some fragrances have been linked to allergic reactions, asthma, and breathing difficulties while others have links to cancers. 12. Phthalates A common ingredient in "fragrances", phthalates block testosterone and damage a man's reproductive system. These dangerous chemicals have also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. [4] 13. Petroleum distillates Used in mascara, these ingredients come from oil refineries and often contain impurities linked to cancer. 14. Siloxanes These, and similar ingredients labeled as "methicones", soften and smooth skin. They also disrupt your hormones and interfere with fertility and libido. 15. Sodium Lauryl (Laureth) Sulfate You'll find this one in most shampoos, soaps, and cleansers. It may contain 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen, and ethylene oxide, a chemical known to harm your nervous system. The California EPA has even identified it as a possible developmental toxin. [5] 16. Toluene Used in nail polish, toluene is also used in paint thinners. Research suggests it interferes with the human immune system and may be tied to the development of malignant lymphoma. 17. Retinol, or Retinyl Palmitate/Acetate These vitamin A compounds are not safe for skin use. Sunlight breaks them down and creates free radicals that increase the risk of skin cancers. Avoid all skin and lip products with any of these vitamin A chemicals. 18. Fungicides Used in dandruff shampoos, these ingredients wreak havoc when rinsed down the drain and into nature. Researchers report that one fungicide, climbazole, kills tiny organisms like algae and stops growth in larger plants and fish. [6] 19. Nanoparticles Many cosmetics now use nanoparticles to deliver chemicals to the surface or even into the skin. Many of these products have not been evaluated for safety. Some are even used in sprays that make it possible for particulates to enter your lungs and blood stream. Best Options for Natural Skin Care Even though the cosmetic industry is largely unregulated, with a few mindful steps, you can protect, heal and restore your skin. Many natural products including olive oil, coffee berry, and green tea can treat and prevent premature aging of your skin from UV exposure. [7] Here's what to do… First, don't buy or use any cosmetic product, cream, sunscreen, ointment, or lotion that has any of the ingredients listed above. This may take a little work, but you and your family will be far better off in the long run. Next, do a little research online. Take a little time and research products that not only claim to use natural, organic products, but have ingredient lists that support their marketing. Find out where you can buy these. Many of the best, safest, and "real" natural skin lotions and cosmetics can be bought online, saving you time and travel. For your most delicate skin, I personally recommend Parfait Visage®, an all-natural facial cream that contains no synthetic preservatives. For more information and as a great comparison label, view this ingredient list of a natural and organic skin care product. References: FDA. Cosmetics. Suzuki, David. Dirty Dozen Cosmetic Chemicals to Avoid. FDA. 1,4-Dioxane A Manufacturing Byproduct. Breast Cancer Fund. Phthalates. Suzuki, David. Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Richter E1, Wick A, Ternes TA, Coors A. Ecotoxicity of climbazole, a fungicide contained in antidandruff shampoo. Environ Toxicol Chem. 2013 Dec;32(12):2816-25. doi: 10.1002/etc.2367. Bowe WP, Pugliese S. Cosmetic benefits of natural ingredients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014 Sep;13(9):1021-5; quiz 26-7. The post 19 Chemicals to Avoid in Skin Care – Organic Skin Care appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Join the conversation and voice your opinion! Comment on this Article Now! More from Dr. Group's Blog: The Role of Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome Do You Know These Sources of Vitamin B-12? The 5 Best Foods for Leaky Gut Do Probiotics Fight Lactose Intolerance? Research Confirms Probiotics Support Immune System Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts. Our mailing address is: Global Healing Center 2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108 Houston, TX 77018 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

How to be great!

My good pal Lewis Howes just released The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy. When we met over a year ago, I had no idea we would become such great friends and I would learn so much from him.

We've shared business & life advice, he invited me to be on his amazing podcast to help spread the word about good food, we've even shared mega stages together speaking to audiences and the rest is history! 

I asked Lewis a few personal questions to share with you, so you can get a glimpse into how he operates in his daily life. Spoiler alert: He's a green juice lover too – it's the key to being great, ya know?! And there's a fun giveaway for a signed copy of his book just for you. Check it all out here (and make sure you leave a comment by Friday for your chance to win!).

You can also be great, first of all by not poisoning the neighborhood children this weekend during Halloween!

If you are planning a get together or need healthy snacks for the big night, I've got you covered.

• Apple Pie Chia Pudding (New breakfast or dessert recipe!)
• Creamy Kale & Artichoke Dip
• Roasted Pumpkin Spice Nuts
• Healthy 7 Layer Dip
• Thai Pumpkin Soup
• Halloween Sweet Potato Black Quinoa Coffins

Happy Halloween!!!

Xo,

Vani 

P.S. Oh and don't forget this nice list of organic and non-GMO treats without artificial food dyes, trans fats and preservatives.

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Group's recent blog posts. View this email in your browser. The Role of Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome Published October 26, 2015 The gut is generally only attended to when digestion becomes upset, yet many don't realize the gut serves far more than digestion. Research into the gut microbiome is revealing startling results, showing its effects on the immune system, obesity, allergies, and mood. Nutrition plays a firm role in gut flora quality and quantity. In fact, certain foods contain "prebiotics" that feed beneficial gut bacteria. The more beneficial bacteria we have, the greater likelihood our health will benefit. On the flipside, a diet high in refined sugars and trans fats may hinder our gut microbiome and influence practically every aspect of our health. The Many Benefits of Probiotics Probiotics have wide-ranging benefits, but many of them are still poorly understood. Here are some of the many researched effects of probiotics. Probiotics and Colon Health Undigested polysaccharides, or carbohydrates, are commonly consumed in the human diet. These carbohydrates are metabolized into short-chain fatty acids by the gut microbiome. This, in turn, leads to production of compounds that downregulate cytokines in the colon. [1] This could possibly explain why some research shows fiber may support colon health. The question is, could probiotic bacteria possibly reduce the risk of colon cancer? Perhaps, but it may also be related to the other components in fiber-rich foods that could be providing benefit. More research is needed to determine the answer. Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Probiotics have shown some positive effect for patients with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. [2] Animal models show supplementation with probiotics may reduce the incidence of colitis, for example. [3] The aryl hydrocarbon receptor facilitates detoxification in the gut, and one source of AHR ligands is tryptophan. This amino acid is metabolized by gut Lactobacillus bacteria, thus protecting the gut from bacterial translocation. Can increasing your tryptophan and probiotic intake influence IBS or IBD? Potentially, but the research in that regard is not yet conclusive. Probiotics and Obesity The effect of probiotics on obesity is an interesting one. In fact, some experts believe probiotic administration should be essential for patients with obesity. [4] Bacterial degradation in the gut of indigestible carbohydrates produce specific metabolites that are responsible for regulating satiety hormones. [5] One silent threat that may be influencing obesity rates around the world is artificial sweeteners. It's been said that artificial sweeteners alter gut bacteria and induces glucose intolerance. Research has shown that antibiotics may reduce this effect generated by artificial sweeteners, possibly showing that gut bacteria may play a role. Probiotics and Fatty Liver Fatty liver disease is an issue that is becoming more widespread, particularly the non-alcoholic form. Probiotics may provide some benefit in this regard, potentially reducing irritation associated with the disease as well as decreasing disease duration. [6] Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by choline- and methacholine-deficient diets have been reversed upon administration of antibiotics, again revealing the role of bacteria in the disorder. Again, this is where we need to see increased scientific scrutiny to determine the roles of probiotics. Probiotics and Respiratory Disease Asthma, allergies, and general respiratory disorders have risen dramatically in recent years, with research showing probiotics may provide improvement in these conditions. [7] It's theorized that by introducing Bacteroides and dietary fiber into the diet, activation of antigens promoting asthma may decrease. With this evidence, we can no longer blame asthma on simple external factors, like pollution. Are You Getting Enough Probiotics? If you're eating a typical modern diet, chances are you're not getting enough probiotics daily. Even if you are following a healthy lifestyle, it can be difficult getting enough good bacteria in your diet due to the limited food sources. You can supplement, like with our probiotic supplement FloraTrex™, and also consume fiber-rich foods to help supply the probiotics with plenty of "food." In addition, you want to make sure you are consuming little refined sugars to ensure you're keeping a good balance of good and bad bacteria. What do you do to ensure good probiotic intake? Please let us know in the comments! References: Rodes L, Khan A, Paul A, et al. Effect of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on gut-derived lipopolysaccharides and inflammatory cytokines: an in vitro study using a human colonic microbiota model. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2013 Apr;23(4):518-26 George Aragon, MD, Deborah B. Graham, MD, Marie Borum, MD, EdD, MPH, and David B. Doman, MD, FACP, FACG. Probiotic Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2010 Jan; 6(1): 39–44. Nanda Kumar NS1, Balamurugan R, Jayakanthan K, et al. Probiotic administration alters the gut flora and attenuates colitis in mice administered dextran sodium sulfate. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Dec;23(12):1834-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2008.05723.x. David A. Johnson, MD. The Wide-Ranging Role of the Microbiome. MedScape. Forssten SD1, Korczyńska MZ, Zwijsen RM, et al. Changes in satiety hormone concentrations and feed intake in rats in response to lactic acid bacteria. Appetite. 2013 Dec;71:16-21. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2013.06.093. Tannaz Eslamparast, 1 Sareh Eghtesad, 2 Azita Hekmatdoost, 3 and Hossein Poustchi. Probiotics and Nonalcoholic Fatty liver Disease. Middle East J Dig Dis. 2013 Jul; 5(3): 129–136. Vliagoftis H1, Kouranos VD, Betsi GI, Falagas ME. Probiotics for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008 Dec;101(6):570-9. doi: 10.1016/S1081-1206(10)60219-0. The post The Role of Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Join the conversation and voice your opinion! Comment on this Article Now! More from Dr. Group's Blog: Do You Know These Sources of Vitamin B-12? The 5 Best Foods for Leaky Gut Do Probiotics Fight Lactose Intolerance? Research Confirms Probiotics Support Immune System BPA-Free Does NOT Mean Safe Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts. Our mailing address is: Global Healing Center 2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108 Houston, TX 77018 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Dr. Group's recent blog posts. View this email in your browser. Do You Know These Sources of Vitamin B12? Published October 22, 2015 You might not know it, but you owe your life to bacteria. That's because they are the only creatures on the planet that create vitamin B12, a vitamin you cannot live without. If you become deficient in B12, your mental health suffers, your metabolism slows, you feel fatigued, and you can develop heart disease, osteoporosis, and anemia. So it's important you get enough and know where to get it. Vegans are especially at risk, but surprisingly they can get it readily these days from supplements. 5 Sources of Vitamin B12 Curious as to what's the best sources of vitamin B12? Here's a list of the 5 sources of B12 and the best ways to get it. Food Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in meat, dairy, fish, and poultry. According to the USDA, the richest forms of natural B12 come from clams, beef liver, trout, salmon, tuna, milk, yogurt, and cheese. [1] And since your body can only absorb as much B12 as your body produces intrinsic factor (a protein that makes B12 digestion possible), you need to get plenty of these foods if you're not vegan. There are no plant sources for vitamin B12. So for vegans and vegetarians, deficiency can be a problem. But they are not the only ones suffering from B12 deficiency. It's estimated 40% of the American people are B12 deficient. [2] So for many, it's time to turn to other sources. B12 Shots B12 injections have been used in place of dietary B12 to treat extreme B12 deficiency and to deliver B12 in cases where the body no longer makes intrinsic factor, such as with the condition known as pernicious anemia. These shots deliver B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. These are medicinal forms of B12. While B12 shots do provide an effective dose of the vitamin, they come with two drawbacks. One, who wants to get a shot? Also, the shot commonly delivers cyanocobalamin, a form of B12 the liver must break down before it can be used. This process steals methyl groups from the body (read more about methylation here) and forces the body to deal with toxic cyanide molecules. Not such an appealing option anymore, is it? B12 Gels Another medicinal form of B12 comes in the form of an intranasal gel. You rub this gel on the inside of your nose, absorbing through the membranes in your nose directly into your blood. One study found 90% of veterans treated for B12 deficiency preferred the gel to the shot. [3] B12 Supplements You can find a wide variety of vitamin B12 supplements on the market. One of the most common forms is a vitamin B complex. This supplement form usually comes in tablets and includes all eight of the B vitamins. The downside for B12 in this form is again the use of cyanocobalamin. The cyanide molecule may make it more stable for tablet delivery, but does introduce an added toxin the liver must deal with. Sublingual B12 Right now, sublingual B12 has become very popular. With this supplement, you put the tablet, lozenge, or liquid under your tongue and let it dissolve, or for a liquid, hold it in your mouth to allow for absorption. In a matter of seconds, B12 absorbs through the membranes in your mouth and enters directly into your bloodstream. The type of B12 generally used for sublingual B12 are the two forms your body uses–methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. This means once it's absorbed, your body can put it to immediate work. Plus, methylcobalamin is a methyl donor, so your body gets an additional methyl group in addition to the B12 you need. A Final Thought When it comes to B12, you don't really have a lot of options. Get it through your diet, or go for a supplemental form. Sublingual B12 has several advantages. It doesn't hurt like a shot does, it delivers the B12 forms your body can immediately use, it's as effective as a tablet or pill, and it avoids digestion. This means if you're older and don't produce as much intrinsic factor, or have reduced intrinsic factor due to illness, you'll probably get more B12 than you would if you took a pill or tablet. Do you take vitamin B12? Let us know what kind and how it works for you in the comments. References: National Institutes of Health. Vitamin B12: Health Risks from Excessive Vitamin B12. NIH. Judy McBride. B12 Deficiency May Be More Widespread Than Thought. United States Department of Agriculture. Suzuki DM1, Alagiakrishnan K, Masaki KH, Okada A, Carethers M. Patient acceptance of intranasal cobalamin gel for vitamin B12 replacement therapy. Hawaii Med J. 2006 Nov;65(11):311-4. The post Do You Know These Sources of Vitamin B12? appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Join the conversation and voice your opinion! Comment on this Article Now! More from Dr. Group's Blog: The 5 Best Foods for Leaky Gut Do Probiotics Fight Lactose Intolerance? Research Confirms Probiotics Support Immune System BPA-Free Does NOT Mean Safe Lactobacillus acidophilus: The Health Benefits of Probiotics Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts. Our mailing address is: Global Healing Center 2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108 Houston, TX 77018 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Organic.org

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Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Pumpkins Posted: 22 Oct 2015 11:20 AM PDT While you sip on that pumpkin spice latte, consider these unusual pumpkin facts about your favorite fall produce. Maybe you want to know why pumpkins fit so effortlessly into sweet and savory dishes, like pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin pie. Perhaps you are curious about how early American settlers used this foreign gourd for cooking, or why we carve faces into pumpkins on Halloween. Pumpkins haven't always been as popular as they are today. In fact, pumpkins were hardly eaten by people for a considerable part of the 19th century. Hard to believe considering pumpkin spice seems take over our taste buds every fall season. No food is above a little help from pumpkin spice: Pumpkin flavored yogurt, coffee, candies, and even English muffins are cropping up on our supermarket shelves. This fall season while you snack on your artisanal pumpkin [insert food here]; consider the facts about this versatile, tasty treat to discover how pumpkins went from the bottom to the food chain to the top of fall food trends over the past several hundred years 1.  45 Different Varieties of Pumpkins While the round orange pumpkin is the most recognizable pumpkin, pumpkins come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some of the cleverly named pumpkin varietals include, Halloween in Paris from France, Cinderella (the varietal cultivated by the Pilgrims), and Wee-Be-Little a miniature pumpkin varietal. 2. Irish Jack-O-Lanterns The tradition of carving pumpkins originated in Ireland. The Irish would carve jack-o-lanterns out of turnips to scare away evil spirits during the Celtic holiday Samhain, the night when spirits of the dead would walk the earth. 3. October = Pumpkin Month 80 percent of the pumpkin crop in the U.S. is available during October. That is roughly 800 million pumpkins out of the 1 billion pumpkins grown in the U.S. each year. 4. "Pumpkin Capital" of the World Morton, Illinois is the self-proclaimed pumpkin capital of the world. Illinois is one of the largest producers of pumpkin in the United States with 90 to 95 percent of its crop being used for processed pumpkin foods. 5. Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds contain more protein than peanuts and are a wonderful roasted with spices or salt. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top of salads or eat as a snack on their own. 6. Pumpkins are 90 Percent Water Admittedly, this is less of a surprising fact when you consider that pumpkins come from the same family as the watermelon and cucumber. [via The Daily Meal]

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A sudden twist of events. WE DID IT!

I had my bags packed and ready to go to deliver over 250,000 petition signatures with several consumer advocacy groups to Subway headquarters this week but all my plans came to an abrupt halt.

Subway just announced that they have committed to eliminating the use of antibiotics in ALL of their meat in the U.S. – and they also provided a timeline.

It's never felt so good to cancel my plans!

We did it! This is a huge victory!

None of this could have happened without you and the incredible consumer advocacy groups I've been working with.

Working together we can move mountains and we've just moved the largest fast food chain in the world. This announcement is going to send shock waves through the entire meat industry! It will take time, but major progress is being made.

Read about the juicy details and events that led up to this breaking announcement here.

It's people like you that are willing to take the simple act of signing a petition and sharing it, that is truly changing the food landscape in this country.

Just a few short months ago, Subway was silent on this issue and didn't want to take a stand, and now everything has changed because of you making your voice heard!

No matter who you are – vegan, vegetarian, or organic foodie – you could be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria, which kills about 23,000 Americans every year.

Getting the overuse of antibiotics off of our farms is a crucial step in preventing thousands of illnesses caused by superbugs.

The power of consumer activism continues to amaze me.

I thank Subway on behalf of many for addressing this very critical public health issue. Can't wait to see the other dominos start to fall. Who do you want to see next? Tell me in the comments of this post!

Sending you all a virtual HIGH FIVE and lots of love!!! Thank you for making history with me, once again!

Xo, 

Vani

P.S. If you've got information about the food industry you can't share publicly, we are always open to hearing from you – I want to learn everything I can to project the public interest. Simply reply to this email or use this contact form and select "whistle-blow" as the reason. I thank you for your courage in advance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Group's recent blog posts. View this email in your browser. The 5 Best Foods for Leaky Gut Published October 20, 2015 While it goes without saying that food plays a huge role in our lives, you might not know that poor eating choices can cause gut irritation. Leaky gut syndrome, or intestinal hyperpermeability, can happen when your gut becomes inflamed by dietary, metabolic, and even environmental factors. Instead of the necessary nutrients passing back from the intestines to the bloodstream, partially digested food or toxins can escape through swollen pores. Could it be that eating the right foods may help reduce the severity of leaky gut? 5 Best Foods for Leaky Gut You're probably already thinking about how diet can help in this situation, and you're right in doing your research. Here are 5 of the best foods to eat for a leaky gut. 1. Fermented Foods Fermented foods contain bacterial cultures which can go a long way in restoring gut health. [1] These cultures, also called probiotics, contain the good bacteria your gut needs to keep bad bacteria in check. There are many options out there, but some popular ones are sauerkraut and kimchi. Keep in mind, though, some fermented foods can contain high levels of sodium. This may not be much of a concern for otherwise healthy individuals. 2. Coconut Coconut products are especially good for a leaky gut because they contain medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). These are more easily digested than other fats. [2] In addition to being great for digestion, coconut kefir—a fermented yogurt-like food—also contains probiotics. 3. Non-Starchy Vegetables Full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, non-starchy vegetables are a great choice for easing irritation and are easier to digest than starchy ones. Making sure you eat a variety of them—especially dark green leafy vegetables—every day can help make sure your gut stays in tip-top shape. 4. Meat While vegan or vegetarian diets are two extremely healthy choices and ones that I recommend, if you do eat meat, make sure you're getting grass-fed or pasture-raised. Organic meat is your second-best option. Just always make sure your choice is free of hormones and antibiotics like most conventional factory-farmed options. Meat from grass-fed animals contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are great at reducing gut irritation. [3] Again, I don’t recommend consuming meat for a number of health and environmental reasons; however, animal sources are one of the most popular, hence their mention. 5. Low-Glycemic Fruits High in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruit is a great choice for leaky gut, but you want to make sure you are eating low-glycemic fruits. [4] Fruits like berries are better options since sugar can irritate the gut. The Benefit of Diet for Leaky Gut Changing your diet for the better can play a huge role in successfully managing leaky gut syndrome. Be sure to work in accord with recommendations by your doctor, making sure you let him or her know what changes you're making in your meal plan. Also, you may want to ask your doctor about probiotics to see if they may provide benefit. Often, beneficial bacteria can provide some support in this health situation. What choices would you make for the better? Tell us about them in the comments below. References: Selhub, E. et al. Fermented foods, microbiota, and mental health: ancient practice meets nutritional psychiatry. Journal of Physiological Anthropology. 33 (2). Martena, B. et al. Medium-chain triglycerides. International Dairy Journal. 16 (11). Simopoulos, A. P. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 21 (6). Jenkins, D. et al. Glycemic index: overview of implications in health and disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 76 (1). The post The 5 Best Foods for Leaky Gut appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Join the conversation and voice your opinion! Comment on this Article Now! More from Dr. Group's Blog: Do Probiotics Fight Lactose Intolerance? Research Confirms Probiotics Support Immune System BPA-Free Does NOT Mean Safe Lactobacillus acidophilus: The Health Benefits of Probiotics What is Sublingual B-12? Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts. Our mailing address is: Global Healing Center 2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108 Houston, TX 77018 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences