What Does “Leaky Gut” Really Mean?

What does “leaky gut” mean?

First, let’s take a look at what a healthy gut lining is supposed to look like. The intestinal lining of our gut is supposed to work as a filter to keep substances like bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles inside our GI tract so that they do not leak into our bloodstream. It also facilitates the absorption of important nutrients. Your immune system is smart, it’s always on high alert looking for pathogens that may try and cross the tight junctions of the GI tract.

Leaky gut, also called increased intestinal permeability, occurs when various external factors cause cell damage of our intestinal lining.

Ideally, only nutrients should be small enough to fit through the tight gap junctions in our gut lining while toxic particles are passed through the digestive tract to be eliminated. When the body senses these foreign particles leaking through, our immune system will send in the troops to try and attack.

What are the root causes of Leaky Gut?

There are a few root causes that occur with this condition, including:

• Chronic stress

• Alcohol & drug abuse

• Food allergies

• Overuse of NSAIDS or antibiotics

• High amounts of inflammatory foods (refined sugar, saturated and trans fats, processed foods, etc.)

What are the signs and symptoms of Leaky Gut?

Signs and symptoms vary, but can include:

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Cramping

• Joint pain

• Brain fog

• Depression

• ADD / ADHD

• Anxiety

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Allergies

• Skin problems

• Weight gain

• Autoimmune diseases

How to heal Leaky Gut and improve gut health

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to healing our guts. Everyone’s gut is extremely different. The best way to prevent or heal leaky gut is by making positive and consistent diet and lifestyle changes. Nothing is going to change overnight, it will take time for the gut to heal just as it has taken time for the gut to be damaged.

This is why we take a personalized approach through customized nutrition and comprehensive lab testing to not only address what is happening in your gut, but WHY!

Get personalized help for gut healing and improving gut health

You’ve come to the right place! Apply to work with our team of nutrition coaches so we can assess your root cause and customize a game plan for success here.