Quick answer: Avoid and Annihilate is the first phase of the Leaky Gut Protocol. The goal is to remove factors that may be inflaming or damaging your gut: identify food sensitivities with an elimination diet, address gut infections with your provider, review medications, and reduce everyday toxin exposure from plastics, personal care products, cookware and cleaners.
The goal of Phase 1
Remove the factors contributing to gut inflammation and damage, so the gut has a chance to recover. Overview: the four-phase approach.
Step 1: Identify food sensitivities
Food sensitivities can drive gut inflammation. I recommend an elimination diet as part of this protocol (see what is the elimination diet).
The basic steps
- Identify common trigger foods to remove
- Remove them for the elimination period
- Reintroduce them one at a time (see phased reintroduction)
- Build a long-term plan based on what you learn
Step 2: Address gut infections
Harmful bacteria, yeast and parasites can disrupt the microbiome. Work with your provider on testing and treatment.
Step 3: Review medications
NSAIDs and antibiotics can affect the gut lining. Talk with your doctor before changing any medication.
Step 4: Reduce toxin exposure
Plastics
- Store food in glass or stainless steel
- Avoid single-use plastics
- Use a water filter instead of bottled water
- Bring your own containers
Personal care products
- Read labels
- Avoid triclosan, parabens, phthalates and bisphenols when you can
The kitchen
- Choose organic produce when practical, especially for thin-skinned produce
- Cook with stainless steel or cast iron
- Replace worn non-stick pans and avoid overheating them
- Cook at lower temperatures
Household cleaners
- Read labels and choose plant-based brands
- Simple vinegar and baking soda cleaners work for many jobs (never mix vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide in the same container)
Why this matters for healthy aging
Reducing the inflammatory load from food triggers and environmental chemicals helps limit the oxidative stress and chronic inflammation that accelerate aging.
When to see a naturopathic doctor
- Ongoing bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation
- Food reactions that seem to be multiplying
- Fatigue, skin flares or joint aches alongside gut symptoms
- You want a personalized gut plan instead of guessing
See a medical provider promptly for blood in your stool, black stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fever, or trouble swallowing.
Want help finding the root of your gut symptoms?
A free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Kneessi. No cost, no obligation. In-office in Odenton, MD or by telehealth.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step in healing leaky gut?
Removing triggers such as food sensitivities, infections and irritating medications, with guidance.
Do I need to do an elimination diet?
It is part of this protocol, but discuss it with your provider if you have a history of disordered eating.
Which chemicals should I avoid?
Bisphenols, phthalates, parabens and triclosan are common ones to limit.
Is non-stick cookware safe?
Avoid overheating it and replace worn pans; stainless steel and cast iron are good alternatives.
Sources
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an individual evaluation. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements or changing medications, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a health condition.
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