Symptoms of Leaky Gut
What Is Leaky Gut, Really?
The term “leaky gut” may sound informal, but it refers to a medically acknowledged condition known as impaired intestinal permeability. While some traditional settings may dismiss leaky gut as a vague or “catch-all” diagnosis, emerging research and clinical insights reveal that the integrity of the gut lining plays a critical role in systemic health.
Your gut lining is only one cell thick, forming a delicate but essential barrier between your digestive system and your bloodstream. When these cells are tightly joined, they keep toxins, food particles, and pathogens safely contained. But when they become separated—often due to inflammation, infections, or chemical triggers—unwanted substances pass into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses and systemic symptoms.
How Leaky Gut Affects the Body
The immune system is designed to recognize and neutralize threats. When undigested food proteins, bacteria, or environmental toxins slip through a “leaky” gut barrier, the immune system treats them as invaders. This immune overactivation can contribute to symptoms like:
Digestive Discomfort
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Cramping and irregularity
Cognitive and Mood Symptoms
- Brain fog
- Difficulty focusing
- Mood instability and fatigue
Skin and Inflammatory Issues
- Acne, eczema, or unexplained rashes
- Joint pain
- Generalized body aches
Immune and Autoimmune Reactions
- Seasonal allergies or worsening sensitivities
- Food intolerances that appear suddenly or multiply
- Increased risk of autoimmune disorders
What Causes Leaky Gut?
There is no single root cause—rather, leaky gut often develops as a result of multiple, overlapping factors:
- Past infections or food poisoning, even mild or unrecognized, can damage the gut lining.
- Imbalance in the gut microbiome may reduce protective functions normally carried out by beneficial bacteria.
- Certain medications, including NSAIDs like ibuprofen, may temporarily increase gut permeability.
- Food sensitivities, particularly to gluten or dairy, may both result from and contribute to ongoing intestinal damage.
How We Test for Leaky Gut at Nourish House Calls
At Nourish House Calls, we use advanced, functional testing to identify both the presence of leaky gut and the factors contributing to it. Our primary tool is the GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile, which evaluates:
- Zonulin levels, a biomarker linked to gut permeability
- Gut flora balance, including beneficial and harmful bacteria
- Inflammation and digestive function markers
We often pair this test with food sensitivity testing, which helps us determine if immune responses are being triggered by specific foods—and whether those responses might be a downstream effect of gut barrier dysfunction.
Personalized Treatment for Leaky Gut
Google and general search results may offer one-size-fits-all solutions for healing leaky gut, but the truth is—effective treatment must be individualized. Without personalized testing and expert guidance, many patients waste time and money on generic protocols that don’t address their root causes.
Our functional medicine approach targets:
- Gut microbiome restoration using targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobials when needed
- Nutritional strategies that eliminate aggravating foods and support gut lining repair
- Supplemental support, including amino acids, herbal therapies, and nutrient cofactors to enhance gut healing
- Lifestyle and stress reduction tools to lower inflammation and support immune balance
Most patients experience significant improvement within 3 to 6 months—with the right diagnosis and a customized care plan.
Think You Might Have Leaky Gut? Here’s Your Next Step
If you’re experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, unexplained fatigue, brain fog, or new food sensitivities, it may be time to explore whether impaired intestinal permeability is contributing to your symptoms.
We’re currently accepting new patients, and we offer a free 15-minute discovery call to help you explore whether our care model is the right fit for you.
Book your free call today at: https://p.bttr.to/3CS9l6Q
Learn more about us at: https://nourishhousecalls.com
Frequently Asked Questions
While “leaky gut” is not a traditional medical diagnosis, the concept of impaired intestinal permeability is supported by clinical research. Functional and integrative medicine providers commonly use this term to describe a disruption in the intestinal barrier.
Leaky gut has been associated with autoimmune conditions (such as Hashimoto’s and rheumatoid arthritis), inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivities, and even mood disorders. However, correlation does not imply causation, and each case must be evaluated individually.
Both scenarios can be true. Food sensitivities may arise after the gut becomes permeable, but in some cases, reactive foods (like gluten) may also worsen permeability. That’s why personalized testing is essential to determine root causes.
With targeted, personalized treatment, many people experience significant symptom improvement in 3 to 6 months. Chronic or complex cases may take longer, especially if multiple systems are involved.
Symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and brain fog are non-specific and could indicate a range of health issues. Functional testing provides a more accurate and efficient way to identify gut dysfunction and develop an effective treatment strategy.