The digestive system is also the only protection we have against endotoxins entering the colon and it also plays a crucial role in keeping bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Endotoxins are produced when undigested food reaches the colon, this causes a chronic low-grade inflammation in the intestinal wall, which in turn compromises the gut barrier, leading to the condition known as “leaky gut”. Once leaky gut is established, a lot of the endotoxin released gets into the bloodstream and can cause a lot of damage to any of our organs. Endotoxin itself is a highly inflammatory molecule and is known to cause tissue degeneration, including fibrosis, chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.
However, before any major, systemic issues start manifesting the endotoxin release will show on the skin first.
As we mentioned, digestive health is absolutely crucial for keeping both the colon and the small intestine as clean as possible. The small intestine is particularly vital to keep clean of bacteria so it can perform its functions - break down food, absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates etc), and get rid of left over waist.
If bacteria get in the small intestine and start colonizing, we are most likely dealing with a condition called SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) and this condition, among other things, is very strongly associated with rosacea. The causes for SIBO are complex but in general insufficient Gastric (stomach) acid, bile, and enzymes are some of the chemicals that control bacteria in the small intestine. Another mechanism of how bacteria get into the small intestine is through the ileocecal valve that connects the small intestine to the colon; periodically this valve can open and let some of the material from the colon creep back up. However, if sufficient stomach acid is being produced that acid is strong enough to keep these bacteria under control and keep it within the colon only.
Symptoms
SIBO may cause abdominal pain, bloating, uncomfortable fullness after eating, indigestion, loss of appetite, passing a lot of gas, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue but it could also be symptom free.
If you have SIBO, depending in the severity and the type of bacteria you may need a specialized treatment protocol. If you suspect SIBO please see your medical doctor and request testing.
Suggestions
As we mentioned stomach acid containing hydrochloric acid (HCL) and digestive enzymes are capable of protecting us from harmful bacteria overgrowth, however if there is stomach acid insufficiency SIBO and other problems may occur as well as an increased risk of endotoxins from indigested food entering the colon.
Taking Betaine HCL as a supplement may be extremely helpful in these situations.
Also, certain insoluble fibres like carrots and cooked mushroom for example literally sweeps the intestine clean since the bacteria cannot digest it very well. Often bacterial colonies can form really tough to break spots called biofilm attached to the wall of the colon. Eating enough of the right insoluble fibre will keep the colon clean of harmful bacteria and over time make the biofilm buildup detach and excrete.
Carrot salad recipe and how to prepare the mushrooms
Carrot Salad and Button Mushrooms
Well-cooked, white button mushrooms and the carrot salad, have bowel cleansing and hormone balancing effects. They both act like a natural antibiotic for the bowel. White button mushrooms are also aromatase inhibitors, can work like a natural antihistamine and are ant serotonin.
In several studies, the consumption of white button mushrooms decreases the progression of several cancers (prostate, breast)
Button mushrooms cooking directions:
- Cut up a pound of white button mushrooms (in quarters or halves)
- Boil for 1-4 hours (without the pot lid)
- Consume with some salt, butter or coconut oil.
- You can also consume with your favorite meat, eggs or cheese
- Store the rest for up to a week in your refrigerator.
Why boil the mushrooms for 1-4 hours?
Boiling the mushrooms will release the toxin hydrazine, in the steam. Hydrazine is a known carcinogen. Cooking for at least an hour, should release most all of the hydrazine.
Carrot salad
- Peel 2 medium size carrots.
- Grade and rinse the shredded carrots in water to remove as much beta-carotene as possible. You will see this as you drain the orange water. Remember you are eating the raw carrot primarily for its cleansing fibers.
- Add apple cider vinegar, salt and coconut or olive oil
- Eat daily, 30min away from meals
Source Kate Deering
THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. I AM NOT A DOCTOR, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING SUPPLEMENTS, DOING A DETOX OR CHANGING YOUR LIFESTYLE.