Leaky Gut: The Gateway to Systemic Inflammation

If you've been researching gut health, you may have come across the term "leaky gut." But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important?

Leaky Gut 101

The lining of your gastrointestinal tract, or gut, serves as a barrier that separates the contents of your gut from the rest of your body. This gut lining is made up of cells called ‘enterocytes’, and in between these enterocytes are tiny little gateways called ‘tight junctions’. It is through these cells and junctions that different substances and particles can pass through your digestive tract and into your bloodstream.

When your gut is healthy and functioning properly, this permeability is highly selective—it only lets certain things through and keeps everything else out. Increased intestinal permeability, or "leaky gut," occurs when this lining becomes damaged and more permeable than normal, allowing bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles to leak into the bloodstream.

When these foreign substances enter the bloodstream, your immune system can mistake them for invaders and launch an attack, triggering inflammation throughout your body. Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to a wide range of health problems, including food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, and even mental health issues.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Leaky Gut

The symptoms of leaky gut can vary from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:

• IBS-related symptoms (abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reflux)

• Headaches

• Joint pain

• Brain fog

• Fatigue

• Skin issues (acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis)

Additionally, several autoimmune conditions have been associated with increased intestinal permeability, including:

• Type 1 diabetes

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)/Lupus

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• and more

Main Causes of Leaky Gut

While there are many factors that can damage the intestinal lining and contribute to the development of leaky gut, some of the most common offenders include:

• Poor diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, and aggravate the intestinal lining. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and leaky gut.

• Chronic stress: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which over time can damage the gut and make it more permeable.

• Medications: Improper or chronic use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can damage gut tissue and contribute to leaky gut.

• Environmental toxins: Exposure to toxicants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and plastics can damage the intestinal lining and lead to leaky gut.

Healing Leaky Gut

The good news is that leaky gut is a reversible condition. Here are some steps you can take to restore proper intestinal permeability and heal your gut:

• Eat a healthy diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.

• Manage stress: Incorporate stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your daily routine.

• Take care of your gut microbiome: Eat fermented foods and take a high-quality probiotic and fiber supplement to support healthy gut bacteria.

• Avoid environmental toxins: Choose organic produce when possible and use natural cleaning and personal care products to reduce your exposure to toxins.

If you're struggling with symptoms of leaky gut, working with a functional medicine practitioner can help you identify the root causes of your symptoms and develop a personalized plan for healing. There’s no need to suffer alone — schedule a consultation today!