LEAKY GUT and IMMUNITY
Immune Smoothie Recipe!
by
Dr. Gabrielle Francis
It’s Dr. G, known by some as “The Smoothie Doctor!”. I know I am a Smoothie Pusher, but there is a really good reason for it. Smoothies are a great way to deliver massive amounts of incredible nutrients in a fairly economical way. Plus, many of us don’t eat breakfast or we eat the usual bagel or croissant. I know it is easier and perhaps tastier to start the day with something bread based, but it is not great for immunity.
Now that you have some downtime to focus on your health and well-being, I will share how to start your day with a nutritious Healthy Immune Smoothie. A Superfood Shake that builds your Immune System and offers protection against unwanted invaders!
Remember, every small thing you do is another step towards personal empowerment and confidence in your body’s ability to heal. You got this!
THE GUT/IMMUNE CONNECTION
First, I’ll explain a bit about the one of body’s first lines of Defense, The Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue or the Mucosal Associated Lymphatic Tissue. Let’s call this the GALT/MALT for short.
The GALT is the mucous membrane that lines the inside passages of our body. Much like the skin (the largest organ in the body), the GALT is let’s say our “inside skin”. I like to call it our “Border Wall”, determining what goes into our bloodstream and what stays out. This mucous membrane lining is in our nose, sinuses, lungs, respiratory passages, mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, bladder, urinary tract and vaginal lining.
Wow! All that? Yes, it lines all inside passages of our body.
It is made of several layers:
- The Epithelial Cell Layer
- The Mucosal Tissue Layer
- The Antibody Layer: (which we primarily acquire from being breast fed by our mothers)
- The Probiotic Layer: (which we acquire as we pass through our mother’s vaginal tract at birth.)
This complex Border wall is one of main lines of defense and immunity. When we eat, the nutrients are broken down by enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. Then they pass through small openings in the GALT where they arrive in the blood and are transported to other areas of the body. The bad guys like Viruses, Bacteria, Undigested Foods, Allergens, Environmental Toxins, and much more are not allowed to pass through. That is assuming the GALT is intact.
LEAKY GUT and IMMUNITY
Unfortunately, many of us, (including me) have a compromised GALT known as “Leaky Gut Syndrome”. This is a breakdown in the GALT integrity and a weakening of the Border wall. There are numerous things that cause “Leaky Gut”. Below is list of some of them.
THINGS THAT CAUSE LEAKY GUT:
1. Medications such as: Antibiotics, Steroids, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), Birth Control Pills, Chemotherapy Drugs, Stimulants, Anti-Depressants, and many more
2. Stress (UGH!
3. Infections such as Candida, Parasites, Bacteria and Viruse
4. Foods such as: Sugar, Wheat, Hydrogenated Fats, Food Additives,
5. Party Drugs, Alcohol, Coffee (Dr. G’s Weakness), Tea
And there are more… In other words, MODERN LIFE!
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY GUT IS LEAKY?
When the GALT is broken down or “Leaky”, we are not absorbing our nutrients very well. And the Microbes and Toxins that are not supposed to get into our bloodstream start to sneak across. This can lead to disruptions all along the border wall. Here is a list of symptoms of “Leaky Gut Syndrome” or a broken down GALT:
Respiratory: colds, flus, allergy, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis
Digestive: IBS, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, food intolerances, heartburn, reflux, GERD, ulcers, Chron’s, Colitis, Celiac
Urinary Tract: UTI, Cystitis, Incontinence, Kidney Infections
Vaginal Tract: Yeast and Bacterial Infections, Herpes, HPV, Vaginal Atrophy, Dryness
Skin: acne, eczema, psoriasis, dryness, aging skin, allergies
Immune: Frequent infection and immune issues, Autoimmune diseases
So, as you can see, the health of the GALT is essential to good health. It is the foundation for all good things entering and for the health of our Immune System. It is the Border Wall which is going to determine who gets in and who stays out. Obviously, this is important in today’s Virus environment.
HOW TO REPAIR THE GALT/MALT:
The Immune Smoothie does just that and more. I will list how the Immune Smoothie Ingredients help the GALT and I will also give you some foods that can also help in case the Smoothie Bundle is not in your Budget right now.
The Epithelial Layer is fed by Glutamine, NAC and Glucosamine. All of these are in the GI Revive Powder.
FOODS: White Rice, Bone Broth, Boullion
The Mucosal Layer is fed by Mucilaginous Herbs such as Aloe, Licorice, Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, Okra. This is all in the GI Revive Powder.
FOODS: Okra, Aloe, Licorice, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds
The Antibody Layer is fed by Whey Protein. The Whey is the anti-body from the Cow. It is very similar to the Anti-Body we get from breast milk.
FOODS: Whey Protein, Sheep and Goat Yogurt or Kefir, All sheep and goat dairy
The Probiotic Layer is fed by Probiotics. See Probiotic Synergy.
FOODS: Yogurt, Kefir, Kimchi, Miso or Fermented Soy.
OTHER INGREDIENTS IN IMMUNE SMOOTHIE:
Green/Red foods
Organic Superfood mixes that have Green Foods rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients and Chlorophyll for detoxing. Red Foods are rich in berries and Red Superfoods as well as red, orange and yellow veggies which provide the immune system with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and many antioxidants and free radical fighters.
Omega Oils:
Cod Liver Oil is especially high in the rich anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fats, Vitamin A and Vitamin D.
Flax Oil (For vegetarians)
Healthy Immunity Smoothie Recipe:
Ingredients: (included in bundle)
- GlucoBalance (Vanilla, Chocolate) 1 scoop
- Rainbow Greens 1 TB
- Gut Revive 1 TB
- Probiotic Plus 1/2 tsp
- Arctic Cod Liver Oil 1 TB
Optional Super Food Boosters: (add 1-2 for additional goodness)
- Daily Super Food Wellness or Immunity Boost 1 scoop
- Pomegranate Powder 1 tsp
- Wheatgrass or Matcha Powder 1⁄2 tsp
- Spices: Turmeric, Ginger, or Cinnamon 1⁄2 tsp
Instructions:
- Mix the above ingredients into16 oz of purified water
- You may add 1⁄2 cup of frozen organic berries, oranges or carrot juice
- Optional: You may add 1⁄2 cup of yogurt, rice milk, almond milk or soymilk
- Citrus Fruits, Carrot Juice, Turmeric and Ginger are great additions for extra immune support.
Guidelines:
- All ingredients should be refrigerated.
- The smoothie is best as a meal replacement for breakfast.
- It has nearly 20 grams of protein.
- Take at least 30 minutes to drink it. It is a meal.
People! Every little thing you do to educate yourself and empower yourself will restore a sense of peace and serenity. Do not feel you need to do all of these things or that you need to purchase the bundle. Try eating some of the recommended foods if the smoothie is not for you right now.
The big idea is that you must focus your attention on the positive things that you are doing! Every little thing is helping to support you and defend you.
I hope you find serenity and small things that can bring you joy as we face this challenge together. We got this!
Big Love
Dr. G (the Smoothie Doctor)
Dr. Gabrielle Francis is a New York City based Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, and Naturopathic Doctor.
Learn More about her practice, The Herban Alchemist HERE!
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