Today, we are focusing on a condition called leaky gut.

A leaky gut can sometimes be elusive, so owners often fail to recognize it as a digestive problem when looking at their horse’s health profile.

In this episode, I dive into what a leaky gut is, explain how it starts, and discuss how you may be able to identify it. I also clarify why you need to be mindful when trying to detect it and share some health problems that may result from a leaky gut in horses.

The Connection Between Leaky Gut and Other Health Conditions

There is often a link between a leaky gut and various health conditions and symptoms beyond typical digestive issues. While it is not always possible to diagnose a leaky gut directly, the impact is pervasive, affecting the horse’s immune system, skin, muscular-skeletal system, and overall health. Toxicity, which underlies many equine diseases, usually stems from a leaky gut. A leaky gut also contributes to conditions like laminitis, where the toxicity exacerbates inflammation, particularly damaging the specialized laminae tissue in the hooves. Even though a leaky gut can be hard to pin down, the symptoms call for careful attention and management.

Understanding Leaky Gut and its Role in Digestion

A leaky gut primarily affects the hindgut. The hindgut includes the cecum and large intestine, which comprise a significant portion of a horse’s digestive system. Those organs host a vast community of bacteria that ferment carbohydrates, converting them into the vital energy that horses require. However, over-fermentation, often triggered by excessive starches and sugars, can lead to lactic acid production, which lowers pH levels. That acidic environment compromises the integrity of the gut, allowing toxins, bacteria, and undigested proteins to leak into the bloodstream, sparking a cascade of health issues.

Factors Influencing a Leaky Gut  

Many factors may contribute to a leaky gut, including diet (especially high-starch and high-sugar forage), stress, dewormers, medications, and age, all of which disrupt the delicate balance of the gut, raising acidity and harming gut function. 

Symptoms of a Leaky Gut

Horses with a leaky gut could show symptoms like weight loss, irritability, fatigue, colic, bloating, poor appetite, diarrhea, and skin issues. Identifying those symptoms and the potential risk factors will help you detect and address problems early.

Preventing Leaky Gut

Preventing a leaky gut involves meticulous dietary management, stress reduction, and minimizing exposure to toxins. That requires paying close attention to feed ingredients, avoiding stressors, and using medications wisely. 

Managing Leaky Gut

Probiotics and dietary changes can help restore your horse’s gut health and support their liver and kidneys. 

The Benefits of a Holistic Approach

Adopting a holistic approach and considering how different body systems are connected will make it far easier to manage a leaky gut effectively, boosting your horse’s overall health and increasing its resilience to diseases.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Sign up for my 4-part FREE series: Become Your Horse's Healer 

Today, I focus on vitamin C, one of my favorite nutrients. 

Vitamin C is super handy. It is not a miracle cure, but I have seen it work wonders for horses, so it is worth remembering. 

In this episode, I explain how and when to use Vitamin C. Most people use it to boost the immune system, but it is also great for keeping horse hooves healthy, so that is what we explore today.

Stay tuned to find out why Vitamin C is the one nutrient you should always keep close at hand.

Winter Laminitis and Hoof Health 

People often ask me questions about managing winter laminitis, pain, and inflammation in horses. While Vitamin C is not a direct anti-inflammatory, it stands out among nutrients for its versatility. It is essential for hoof repair and recovery, making it a staple for any tack room. When owners understand the importance of hoof trimming and do not rely only on supplements, they can better address chronic laminitis and hoof pain.

The Importance of Understanding Hoof Health 

Horse owners must know what a healthy hoof looks like and understand trimming techniques. Studying a horse's hooves can be complicated, but it is helpful. So rather than only relying on supplements or medications, it is far better for owners to learn about the long-term benefits of maintaining hoof health. 

Nutritional Considerations for Hoof Health

Although trimming issues can contribute to hoof pain, nutrition also plays a significant role. While minerals like selenium, biotin, zinc, and copper often get discussed for horses, Vitamin C tends to get overlooked because horses are able to produce it naturally. However, several issues, including stress, emotional strain, toxicity, inflammation, and various illnesses, may increase the demand for Vitamin C.

Understanding Vitamin C Deficiency 

Contrary to popular belief, horses can become deficient in Vitamin C, leading to various health issues. Soft soles, chronic bruising, and poor wound healing are common signs of a Vitamin C deficiency. By recognizing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, chronic infections, and swollen joints, horse owners can identify the potential deficiencies and address them accordingly.

Vitamin C and Hoof Health 

Vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen formation, and collagen is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the hoof wall and blood vessel walls. Vitamin C deficiencies can lead to weakened hooves, bruising, and slow wound healing. Supplementing with ascorbic acid can help to address the those deficiencies and promote overall hoof health.

Supplementation and Management 

When supplementing with vitamin C, you should start with a low dose and monitor how the horse responds. While Vitamin C can be helpful for therapeutic use, it is necessary to approach long-term supplementation with caution to avoid disrupting the mineral balance. Also, remember that when you supplement with Vitamin C, you need to balance it with other nutrients, like selenium, for optimal equine health.

Conclusion 

Understanding the multi-faceted role of Vitamin C in hoof health is essential for horse owners. When owners can recognize the signs of a Vitamin C deficiency and supplement appropriately, it can go a long way in helping to support their horses' overall well-being. Always remember to approach supplementation cautiously and prioritize a holistic approach toward equine health and nutrition.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Sign up for my 4-part FREE series: Become Your Horse's Healer 

Horses can be picky, and they prefer certain flavors more than others. This week, I share five healthy food options your horse will love.

Unfortunately, processed food has become unavoidable within the horse industry today. So, owners must be diligent about making the best food choices possible.

This episode will help you experiment with different tasty and nutritious food options. Join me as I explore several wholesome and enjoyable feed alternatives for your horse.

Whole Food Options for Horses

The current prevalence of processed food in the horse industry has steered many horse owners away from whole food choices. Many domesticated horses are confined to dry lots or rely on hay feeders, so they lack many vital phytonutrients they find when foraging naturally.

Spirulina: A Nutrient-Packed Superfood

Spirulina is a concentrated and bioavailable whole-food source of nutrition for horses. It is phytoplankton rich in protein, beta carotene, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids, with properties that aid in detoxification, cellular metabolism, and raising energy levels while regulating blood sugar and enhancing immunity. When incorporating spirulina into your horse's diet, it is best to start with small amounts, gradually increasing it to a tablespoonful a day. 

Cranberries: Tart Treats with Many Health Benefits

Cranberries contain antioxidants, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. They have anti-inflammatory properties and offer numerous other health benefits for horses, including immune support and better kidney health. Some horses may find the tart taste off-putting, but sweetened cranberries can provide a palatable alternative. I suggest you start with a quarter to half a cupful of cranberries daily.

Blueberries: A Superfood for Digestive Health and Immunity

Blueberries are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. They support digestive health, immune function, and muscle recovery in horses. Their high fiber content aids in regulating blood sugar and promoting hydration, while their anti-inflammatory properties contribute to overall well-being. Start with a handful per day, and notice any improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and immune function.

Chia Seeds: A Fibre-Rich Omega-3 Source

Chia seeds are dense in fiber and filled with Omega-3 fatty acids. They offer many benefits, including digestive health, satiety, bone strength, and hormonal balance in horses. Whether fed soaked or dry, chia seeds provide essential nutrients, including selenium, calcium, and magnesium. Start with a tablespoonful daily to increase your horse’s fiber intake and support its overall health.

Hemp Hearts: Complete Protein and Essential Fatty Acids

Hemp hearts, whether whole or dehulled, provide complete protein, essential fatty acids, and vital micronutrients for horses. Their anti-inflammatory properties, hormone-regulating effects, and digestive benefits make them an ideal addition to a horse’s diet. The benefits of these nutritionally dense seeds include improved skin health, better hormone regulation, and reduced inflammation. Start with a tablespoonful per day.

I suggest introducing one of these options at a time while observing your horse's preferences to gauge what they appreciate and enjoy most.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Sign up for my 4-part FREE series: Become Your Horse's Healer