Leaky Gut
When the gut barrier breaks. Intestinal permeability allows bacteria, toxins, and undigested food to enter your bloodstream—triggering inflammation throughout the body.
What Is Leaky Gut?
Healthy Gut
The intestinal lining is a single layer of cells connected by "tight junctions." This barrier is selective—allowing nutrients through while blocking bacteria, toxins, and large protein molecules.
Leaky Gut
Tight junctions open up or cells are damaged. Now undigested food proteins, bacteria (LPS), and toxins leak into the bloodstream. The immune system attacks these "invaders," causing systemic inflammation.
⚠️ What Causes Leaky Gut
Gluten
Triggers zonulin release in everyone—opens tight junctions. Especially harmful for sensitive individuals.
NSAIDs
Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen directly damage the gut lining and increase permeability.
Antibiotics
Kill protective bacteria. Dysbiosis leads to increased permeability.
Chronic Stress
Cortisol directly damages tight junctions. Stress is a major driver.
Alcohol
Damages gut cells and disrupts the microbiome. Even moderate use can increase permeability.
Glyphosate
Herbicide on conventional crops damages tight junctions and kills beneficial bacteria.
Dysbiosis
Overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria produces toxins that damage the gut lining.
Infections
Parasites, candida, pathogenic bacteria can all damage the intestinal barrier.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Low zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, glutamine impair gut barrier repair.
The Autoimmune Connection
Research by Dr. Alessio Fasano shows that intestinal permeability is a prerequisite for autoimmune disease. The sequence: genetic susceptibility + leaky gut + environmental trigger = autoimmunity.
1. Genetic Risk
Certain genes predispose to autoimmunity (like HLA genes)
2. Leaky Gut Opens Door
Increased permeability allows antigens to contact immune system
3. Trigger + Attack
Immune system confuses self with invader—autoimmune attack begins
Signs of Leaky Gut
Digestive
- • Bloating
- • Gas
- • Diarrhea or constipation
- • IBS symptoms
Immune
- • Food sensitivities (multiple)
- • Frequent infections
- • Allergies worsening
- • Autoimmune symptoms
Brain
- • Brain fog
- • Fatigue
- • Anxiety/depression
- • Memory issues
Skin
- • Acne
- • Eczema
- • Rosacea
- • Rashes
Joint/Muscle
- • Joint pain
- • Muscle aches
- • Headaches
Nutrient
- • Multiple deficiencies
- • Despite good diet
- • Malabsorption signs
🧪 Testing for Leaky Gut
Zonulin
Protein that regulates tight junctions. High levels indicate increased permeability. Blood or stool test.
Lactulose/Mannitol Test
Drink two sugars, measure in urine. Lactulose shouldn't pass through—if it does, gut is leaky.
LPS Antibodies
Antibodies to bacterial endotoxin (LPS). If present in blood, LPS is leaking through.
Food Sensitivity Testing
Multiple food reactions suggest leaky gut. IgG antibodies to many foods is a red flag.
✅ Healing Leaky Gut (The 5 Rs)
1. Remove
Eliminate triggers: gluten, dairy, processed foods, NSAIDs, alcohol, stress.
2. Replace
Add digestive support: stomach acid (HCl), enzymes, bile if needed.
3. Reinoculate
Restore beneficial bacteria: probiotics, fermented foods, prebiotics.
4. Repair
Heal the lining: L-glutamine, zinc, vitamin A, bone broth, collagen.
5. Rebalance
Address lifestyle: sleep, stress management, exercise, social connection.
Key Supplements
- • L-Glutamine (5-10g/day)
- • Zinc (15-30mg)
- • Vitamin A
- • Vitamin D
Metabolic Connections
Gut Health
Leaky gut is a breakdown of the intestinal barrier
Autoimmune
Leaky gut is a prerequisite for autoimmune disease
Inflammation
LPS and food proteins trigger systemic inflammation
Zinc
Essential for tight junction integrity
Glutathione
Protects gut lining from oxidative damage
Stress
Cortisol directly damages tight junctions