Many people experience bloating, fatigue, food reactions, or brain fog, and wonder if their gut health could be contributing to the problem. One of the most common questions we hear at Nourish House Calls is, “How do I know if I have leaky gut?” While the term may sound informal, the condition behind it is real. It is medically known as increased intestinal permeability, which means the gut lining is no longer functioning correctly.

Your digestive tract is protected by a thin layer of cells that act as a barrier. This barrier determines what is absorbed and what remains in the intestines. When the lining becomes irritated or weakened, small gaps can form. These gaps allow food particles, toxins, and bacteria to move into the bloodstream, which can trigger a wide range of symptoms throughout the body.

Common Signs You May Have Leaky Gut

Although every person experiences different symptoms, several signs often appear together. If you notice two or more of these symptoms regularly, it may be worth examining your gut health more closely.

Digestive Issues

Many people with leaky gut start to experience changes in digestion. These can include gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort after meals. Some people notice these symptoms suddenly, while others feel like their digestion has become gradually more sensitive over time.

Fatigue and Brain Fog

When unwanted particles pass through the gut wall, the immune system becomes more active. This can lead to inflammation that affects mood, energy, and cognition. Brain fog, difficulty focusing, or feeling unusually tired during the day may be signs that the gut barrier is stressed.

Skin and Immune Reactions

The gut and skin are closely connected. Acne, rashes, eczema, or unexplained redness may develop when the gut lining is irritated. Seasonal allergies or increasing food sensitivities can also become more noticeable, since the immune system is working harder.

Joint or Muscle Discomfort

Some people experience body aches or joint stiffness that do not match their normal activity level. This can be related to inflammation triggered by a disrupted gut barrier.

What Causes Leaky Gut?

There is rarely one single cause. Most people develop leaky gut syndrome due to a combination of factors. These can include a history of food poisoning, chronic stress, poor sleep, frequent antibiotic use, imbalanced gut bacteria, or foods that irritate the lining, such as gluten or dairy. Certain medications, such as ibuprofen, may also temporarily increase gut permeability.

Understanding your personal triggers is a crucial step in the healing process. This is why individualized testing is more accurate than guessing based on symptoms alone.

How We Confirm Leaky Gut at Nourish House Calls

Symptoms provide helpful clues, but testing gives a clearer picture. At Nourish House Calls, we utilize functional stool testing, including the GI Effects Comprehensive Profile. This test examines markers associated with gut barrier integrity, including zonulin, inflammation, microbial balance, digestion, and immune activity.

Many patients pair stool testing with food sensitivity testing, which helps identify foods that may be contributing to gut irritation. When testing is combined with your medical history and symptoms, it becomes much easier to identify the root cause and create a targeted recovery plan.

What To Do If You Suspect You Have Leaky Gut

The most effective way to heal leaky gut is through a personalized approach. General protocols found online often miss important details that are unique to your body. In our practice, treatment may include gut-focused nutrition plans, targeted probiotic and prebiotic support, herbal therapies, and nutrients that help repair the gut lining. Lifestyle strategies, such as improving sleep and managing stress, also play a significant role. Most patients begin to notice improvements within a few months when the plan is tailored to their needs and supported by accurate testing.

Suppose you believe your symptoms may be related to leaky gut. In that case, we offer a complimentary 15-minute discovery call to help you determine whether our functional medicine approach is the right fit for you.

FAQs

1. Can symptoms alone confirm a leaky gut?

Not completely. Symptoms can indicate gut irritation, but testing provides a more precise and accurate picture of what is happening inside the digestive system.

2. Is leaky gut permanent?

In most cases, no. With the proper treatment and lifestyle approach, many people experience significant improvement and a more substantial gut barrier over time.

3. Can stress cause leaky gut?

Yes. Chronic stress can weaken the digestive lining and disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, which makes the barrier more vulnerable.

4. What tests are best for diagnosing leaky gut?

Functional stool testing, which includes zonulin, microbiome balance, inflammation, and digestive markers, is one of the most reliable methods for evaluating gut permeability.

5. How long does it take to heal a leaky gut?

Many people notice positive changes within three to six months, although the exact timeline depends on the severity of the imbalance and the number of systems affected.