Many people suffer from intestinal ailments, such as intestinal bowel diseases and intestinal bowel syndrome. Over and over researchers find that altered gut microbiomes and intestinal lining alterations (e.g., "leaky gut") may be involved. A recent study from MIT found that the amino acid cysteine promotes healing of the small intestinal lining.
Once again, a person's diet may be the answer. Cysteine is found in many high-protein foods. Foods that are rich in cysteine include: poultry, eggs, beef, fish (e.g., salmon, halibut, tuna), whole grains, soybeans, and some nuts (almonds).
While the study was conducted in mice, the researchers felt the results also applied to humans.
From Medical Xpress: A cysteine-rich diet may promote regeneration of the intestinal lining
A diet rich in the amino acid cysteine may have rejuvenating effects in the small intestine, according to a new study from MIT. This amino acid, the researchers discovered, can turn on an immune signaling pathway that helps stem cells to regrow new intestinal tissue.
This enhanced regeneration may help to heal injuries from radiation, which often occur in patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. The research was conducted in mice, but if future research shows similar results in humans, then delivering elevated quantities of cysteine, through diet or supplements, could offer a new strategy to help damaged tissue heal faster, the researchers say. ...continue reading "Healing the Small Intestine and the Amino Acid Cysteine"