Leaky gut
Leaky gut
Medically reviewed by:
Dr John Freeman
What is leaky gut?
Leaky gut—clinically referred to as increased intestinal permeability—describes a state in which the intestinal lining becomes less selective about what passes through it. While it is not recognised as a standalone medical diagnosis, intestinal permeability is a well‑described physiological phenomenon in scientific literature and is increasingly linked to inflammation and chronic disease.
When the gut lining is compromised, microscopic gaps can form between intestinal cells. These gaps allow bacteria, toxins, and partially digested food particles to pass into the bloodstream, potentially triggering immune activation and systemic inflammation.
The gut lining and why it matters
The intestinal lining is a highly specialised barrier designed to perform two critical tasks simultaneously:
Absorb essential nutrients from food
Prevent harmful substances from entering the bloodstream
This barrier is made up of tightly joined epithelial cells, a protective mucus layer, immune cells, and beneficial microbes. Together, they act as gatekeepers between the gut and the rest of the body.
When this barrier functions well, digestion, immunity, hormone signalling, and even mental health are supported. When it becomes damaged, the risk of inflammation and disease rises.
Gut microbiota and leaky gut
Your gut microbiota—the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in your digestive tract—plays a central role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining.
A healthy microbiome:
Produces short‑chain fatty acids that nourish gut cells
Regulates immune responses
Supports mucus production
Protects against pathogenic bacteria
When dysbiosis occurs (an imbalance in gut microbes), inflammation increases and the gut barrier weakens. This process is commonly seen in conditions such as SIBO, SIFO, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Common symptoms associated with leaky gut
Leaky gut may present differently from person to person. Commonly reported symptoms include:
Abdominal pain, bloating, and gas
Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits
Fatigue and brain fog
Headaches or migraines
Joint or muscle pain
Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, or rosacea
Causes of leaky gut syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that a variety of factors can cause. These include:
Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and alcohol can lead to leaky gut syndrome. These substances can damage the gut lining, making it more permeable.
Stress: Chronic stress can also lead to leaky gut syndrome. When stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, triggering inflammation and damaging the gut lining.
Medications: Some medications, such as NSAIDs and antibiotics, can cause leaky gut syndrome. These medications can promote inflammation and weaken the gut lining.
Infections: bacterial or viral infections can also lead to leaky gut syndrome. These infections can damage the gut lining and cause inflammation. Leaks in the gut allow toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to various health problems.
Autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease: These disorders are thought to be caused, at least in part, by leaky gut syndrome.
Autism: There is a strong link between autism and leaky gut syndrome. It is thought that the autistic brain cannot properly break down and eliminate toxins, which can lead to neurological problems.
Neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: Neurological conditions have been linked to leaky gut syndrome. It is thought that the build-up of toxins in the brain may contribute to the development of certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Cancer: Leaky gut syndrome has been linked to several different types of cancer, including colon and pancreatic cancer. It is thought that the toxins and bacteria that enter the bloodstream through a leaky gut may contribute to cancer development.
Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression: There is a strong link between mental health and leaky gut syndrome. It is thought that the toxins and bacteria that enter the bloodstream through a leaky gut may contribute to the development of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
SIBO: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a condition in which bacteria have overrun the small intestine. This can cause malnutrition and digestive problems and contribute to leaky gut syndrome. SIBO can also cause other inflammatory illnesses, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Risks for leaky gut syndrome
While the exact causes of leaky gut syndrome are not yet known, there are a variety of risk factors that have been identified, including:
a family history of autoimmune disorders
chronic stress
a diet high in sugar and processed foods
excessive alcohol consumption
The connection between leaky gut syndrome and other health conditions
There is a strong link between leaky gut syndrome and other health conditions, such as:
autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease
allergies
asthma
skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis
mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression
neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
It is unclear whether leaky gut syndrome is the root cause of various illnesses or merely one of their symptoms. However, some evidence links elevated intestinal permeability to the onset of inflammatory bowel disease and type 1 diabetes.
The gut-brain axis is also an area of scientific study, and there is evidence that a leaky gut may exacerbate mental health disorders. However, more research must be done to confirm these assertions.
Leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune disease
There is a strong link between leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to various symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and skin problems.
The leaky gut syndrome is thought to play a role in the development of autoimmune disease. The increased intestinal permeability allows toxins and other harmful substances to escape from the intestines and enter the bloodstream. These substances can trigger an immune response, leading to autoimmune disease.
Leaky gut syndrome and food sensitivities
Leaky gut syndrome is also linked to food sensitivities. When the intestines are permeable, larger food molecules can escape from the intestines and enter the bloodstream. The body then reacts to these foreign substances as if they were toxins. This can lead to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Leaky gut syndrome and food sensitivities
There is no specific treatment for the leaky gut syndrome. However, there are a few things that you can do to help lessen your symptoms and improve your overall health.
Key strategies include:
Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber and probiotics.
Taking supplements, such as glutamine, can help heal the gut lining.
Avoid foods that trigger inflammation, such as processed foods, sugar, and gluten.
Treating underlying conditions such as SIBO or SIFO
Getting enough rest and managing stress levels.
Supplement ingredients shown to improve leaky gut include:
Glutamine
L-Glutamine nourishes and supports gut cell regeneration which occurs every 48hrs. L-Glutamine is a major fuel source for enterocytes (intestinal cells and brain cells). L-glutamine is a unique amino acid that serves countless major functions in your body. L-glutamine has been widely studied and found to support gut health.
Supports muscle mass
Fuels the cells of the gut to function
Supports the integrity of the gut lining
Reduction in bloating
Zinc
A lack of zinc is directly linked to damage of the gut membrane barrier. Studies have shown that zinc can assist in tightening a leaky gut.
Zinc also supports:
Immune system
Gut health
Gut lining
Thyroid function
Reduction in bloating
Skin health
DGL licorice
DGL licorice soothes your stomach lining and supports adrenal glands. The licorice we formulate with is deglycyrrhizinated. This means it has minimal effect on your blood pressure compared to regular licorice and is safer for long-term use.
DGL licorice supports:
Reduction in acid reflux
Mucus lining production in the stomach and intestines
Reduction in heart burn
Healing of ulcers
Reduction in bloating
Marshmallow root
Marshmallow root has been studied and found to improve mucous membrane health.
Coats the digestive tract with a protective lining to support a balanced inflammatory response in the gut
Restore cell junctions
Soothe the stomach lining
Promote regular bowel movements
Quercetin
Quercetin can enhance intestinal barrier function and modulates gut microbiota composition. The activities of tight junction proteins at the gut epithelium enhance barrier functions and reduce inflammation, protecting the host from colonic diseases. Quercetin is a naturally occurring free radical scavenger that supports healthy immune system function. Studies suggest that quercetin affects the progress of microbiota-associated diseases. Notably, quercetin supplementation increased gut microbial diversity, which may improve gut protection.
Berberine
Berberine is another powerful natural ingredient that effectively treats leaky gut syndrome. It works by helping to repair the intestinal lining and improve gut motility.
Supplements for leaky gut
A healthy gut is essential for overall health and well-being, but poor diet and lifestyle choices can lead to leaky gut syndrome. If you’re suffering from a leaky gut, taking a supplement that contains clinically proven ingredients to help repair can help improve your symptoms and support your digestive health.
Glutamine, zinc citrate, marshmallow root, and quercetin are all shown to support intestinal health and recovery. They work together to repair the gut barrier, reduce inflammation and improve gut motility.
Berberine is another powerful herb that effectively treats leaky gut syndrome. It works by helping to repair the intestinal lining and improve gut motility. In addition, berberine has strong antibacterial properties that can help control the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Powerful essential oils also help support gut motility. These oils work by stimulating the movement of the intestines, helping to clear out any unwanted bacteria. In addition, they help reduce inflammation and protect the cells of the intestines. As a result, they can play a vital role in restoring gut health and preventing leaky gut syndrome.
Taking a leaky gut supplement designed by gut experts based on clinical evidence will help you get your gut health back on track so you can feel your best.
FixBIOME offers clinician-designed, evidence-based formulations that support gut barrier repair, microbial balance, and healthy motility as part of a structured post-antimicrobial gut-healing protocol.
The bottom line
Leaky gut reflects a breakdown in the gut’s natural barrier system. While not a formal diagnosis, increased intestinal permeability is widely recognised in research and linked to inflammation, immune dysfunction, and chronic disease.
By addressing root causes, restoring microbial balance, and supporting the gut lining with evidence‑based nutrition and supplementation, many people experience meaningful improvements in digestive and overall health.
If you suspect leaky gut, consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate testing and treatment approach.
The FixBIOME Gut Reset Course is a practitioner-designed, clinically dosed protocol created to resolve gut issues at their root.
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