Few can resist the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, but for some, especially those with Leaky Gut Syndrome, the decision whether to continue or to give up coffee can be confusing. In this article we explore how coffee may affect Leaky Gut Syndrome and gut health in general.
Leaky Gut Syndrome is a common term used to describe dysfunction of the barrier of the intestinal lining of the gut.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut that may be triggered by coffee include: diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, changes to stool and acidity.
What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky Gut Syndrome may be caused by intestinal inflammation from Celiac or Crohn’s disease, or by ulceration caused by excessive use of NSAID medications such as Ibuprofen which has been shown to cause structural abnormalities of the epithelium. The epithelium is the layer of cells that line the small and large intestine. One of the primary functions of the epithelium is to protect the contents of the digestive tract from escaping before they are sufficiently broken down.
For example; if casein or gluten proteins escape before being broken down, they may enter the bloodstream and cross over the blood brain barrier in the form of casomorphin or gluteomorphin, causing a spaced out morphine-like effect, often seen in children on the Autism Spectrum.
Environmental toxins such as Glyphosate and pesticides may also contribute to the breakdown and dysfunction of the intestinal barrier as may antibiotics. The integrity of the gut lining depends on a healthy microbiome, which antibiotics destroy leaving the barrier susceptible to pathogens from foods, yeast overgrowth and fungi to name a few.
Does Coffee Cause Leaky Gut?
While coffee does not directly cause the breakdown of the intestinal lining itself, it can create inflammation in the gut. In a study entitled, Cross reactions between Gliadin and Different Food and Tissue Antigens, in those avoiding gluten, coffee was associated with creating immune reactivity, along with cow’s milk, milk chocolate, milk butyrophilin, whey protein, casein, yeast, oats, corn, millet and rice. Immune reactivity means inflammation, so coffee is best avoided if you suffer from Leaky Gut Syndrome, at least while the gut is resting and healing.
The internal microbiota needs to be in the best possible shape to protect the gut from pathogens and inflammation that might jeopardize the integrity of the barrier itself. So anything that threatens the general health of the gut should be removed from the diet during the healing process. And unfortunately for coffee lovers, because of its potential for inflammation, this includes coffee.
How Is Leaky Gut Syndrome Treated?
Leaky gut Syndrome is best treated by resting the digestive tract and supporting gut health This may be done by:
- Fasting, or periods of abstaining from food.
- Strengthening good digestive health by increasing prebiotic and probiotic foods.
- Avoiding all inflammatory foods.
- Supplementing with traditional Chinese herbs such as Ashwhaganda and ayurvedic herbs such as Turmeric or Curcumin that are anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants as well as having specific gut healing properties.
Alternative Coffee-like Drinks that Support the Gut
For those who love a warm coffee-like morning drink, mushroom coffees and mushroom herbal products such as Lion’s Mane or Chaga may be a better choice. Lion’s Mane contains beta-glucan (a prebiotic), antimicrobials and is anti-inflammatory, as is Chaga coffee.
Turmeric coffee has also become a popular choice. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants and has been shown to have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.
How to Make Turmeric Coffee
You can make a brew of turmeric coffee by mixing some powdered Tumeric with a little coconut oil and stirring it into a paste. You may add a little maple syrup and cinnamon to reduce the pungency. Keep this in the fridge and add a teaspoon to your favorite hot frothed milk and enjoy with a sprinkle of black pepper or cinnamon.
Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties and its calming effects. It has a delicious coffee-like taste and it’s good for you. It is believed to improve concentration, energy and sleep, so this is one coffee you can drink before bed !
Roast Dandelion root coffee is a wonderful coffee alternative. In herbal medicine, dandelion root is considered a liver tonic and it is also rich in antioxidants. The flavor is strong and aromatic. Be sure to get the roasted root and not the leaves which are more like herbal tea. You may take it with milk of your choice and drink it freely during the day.
Once the gut lining has had time to heal with the aid of Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbs, prebiotics and probiotics, dietary adjustments and lifestyle support, small amounts of organic coffee may be reintroduced, slowly and with observation.
Rebecca Bermeister
