Painkiller overuse causing epidemic of leaky gut

“Nearly 3 out of 4 patients with fatigue and brain fog end up having leaky gut, and overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pain relievers is a common culprit,” says Sara Gottfried, M.D., author of Women, Food, and Hormones. “NSAIDs [like ibuprofen and aspirin] damage the gut lining over time so it acts like a sieve instead of a wall.” This allows food particles to leak into other tissues, which can over-activate the immune system, causing fatigue, GI woes and more.

NSAIDs are often meant to be taken short-term, but the number of people using them at least three times a week for three or more months rose by 57% in recent years. That’s a problem, since a study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that 71% of folks who took NSAIDs daily for more than 90 days had visible injury to the small intestine.

Doctors can run blood and urine tests to ID leaky gut. But if you think you have it, the steps below can restore energy by allowing your gut to heal.

Cutting back on sugar and processed foods can speed healing, says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. He advises eating at least three servings of vegetables daily, opting for broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage or Brussels sprouts three to four times a week (their fiber and phytochemicals heal the intestinal lining).

Supplements can help. Bovine colostrum (derived from the milk produced by cows after giving birth) is rich in compounds that protect proteins in the gut wall. In one study, it reduced NSAID-related damage by 60%. To try: Sovereign Laboratories Colostrum-LD, Amazon.com. (Ask your doctor before supplementing, especially if you have a milk allergy).