What Is The Gut Flush Plan Diet?

"The Gut Flush Plan," by nutritionist by Ann Louise Gittleman, details increasing news reports of the effects of yeast, parasites and super bugs, as well as holistic methods for eradicating these pathogens from your GI tract. Check with your medical adviser before making any dietary changes.

History

As a nutritionist, Gittleman thought her immune system was resistant to invading pathogens until she sustained an ongoing case of "gut grief" that included long term gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping, along with the anxiety that accompanies gastrointestinal distress. After educating and healing herself, she created the Gut Flush plan to assist her clients who were experiencing similar symptoms.

Yeast

Yeast is inevitable in the human body, according to Gittleman, but overgrowth can lead to intense fatigue, constipation, bloating, bladder and vaginal infections, cystitis and ear pain. To combat yeast overgrowth, which is often caused by repeated antibiotic use, compromised immunity, climate issues and fluctuating hormone levels, Gittleman advises eliminating products containing yeast and mold, as well as adding probiotics that create balanced bacteria levels in your GI tract. The MayoClinic.com reports encouraging evidence in favor of probiotic use against yeast overgrowth.

Parasites

Gittleman cites daycare settings, restaurant dining and global travel and logistics as primary causes for the spread of parasites like Giardia, schistosomiasis and tapeworm. She points out that some parasites are difficult to diagnose and can cause long term distress in the form of diarrhea, itchiness, insomnia, mysterious weight loss and recurring digestive ailments. The Centers for Disease Control reports that symptoms of Giardia can last longer than six weeks. Gut Flush program followers combat parasites by avoiding raw foods, dairy and gluten-based products while increasing fiber, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids.

Super Bugs

Super bugs, bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, are reported in the news under names like salmonella, E. coli, H. pylori and MRSA. Outbreaks can cause symptoms ranging from food poisoning and ulcers to complete immune system shut down. Although many consumers believe, "it can't happen to me," two-thirds of MRSA outbreaks occur outside of hospitals, and recreational water illnesses involving super bugs are on the rise. Gittleman advises those focusing on super bugs to eat a high-fiber diet while avoiding lactose-containing products that feed these pathogens. Supplements that Gittleman believes assist the immune system against super bugs include deglycyrrhized licorice, also known as DGL, mastic gum and aloe vera.

Food Sensitivities

Unexplained mood swings, persistent headaches and joint aches, mucus problems, puffy eyes and chronic fatigue can all be signs of food sensitivities, according to Gittleman. She advises sufferers to practice an elimination diet; the top three culprits are gluten, corn and milk products. Once the offending foods have been eliminated, supplementing with antioxidants can help the body cope with the aftereffects of allergic reactions and oxidative stress, says Gittleman.