Last Updated on 30 April 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Leaky gut syndrome, also called increased intestinal permeability, happens when the lining of the small intestine becomes too porous. This allows harmful substances like toxins, bacteria, and bits of undigested food to enter the bloodstream. When this occurs, it can cause problems such as digestive issues, fatigue, food sensitivities, and immune system stress.
To manage leaky gut, most people need to make changes to their diet, manage stress, and use specific nutrients that support the gut lining and healthy bacteria in the digestive system.
Key Takeaways
Leaky gut syndrome means the gut lining becomes too loose and lets harmful substances into the bloodstream
Causes include processed food, stress, medications, infections, and poor gut bacteria balance
Symptoms may include bloating, fatigue, joint pain, skin irritation, and food sensitivities
Treatment includes dietary changes, stress reduction, probiotics, and gut-healing supplements
Naturopaths and Nutritionists can provide testing and support to help you heal your gut
Introduction to Digestive Health
Your digestive system is a key part of your overall health. It breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, supports your immune system, and removes waste. When your gut is healthy, it keeps harmful things out while letting good nutrients in.
Modern diets, stress, infections, and certain medications can weaken your gut lining. Supporting gut health through better food choices and lifestyle changes can improve energy, mood, and overall wellbeing.
Understanding the Intestinal Barrier
The gut lining is made up of tightly joined cells that act as a barrier. These cells decide what enters your body and what stays out. They protect you from toxins, bacteria, and food particles that could cause harm.
What Happens When the Barrier Breaks Down
If these tight junctions become weak or open, unwanted substances can leak through. This triggers inflammation and stress in the body. A strong intestinal barrier is key to good gut health.
What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome is a term used when the intestinal lining becomes too porous or damaged. It allows large particles to cross into the bloodstream, which can confuse the immune system and trigger inflammation.
Doctors and researchers now recognise that increased intestinal permeability may play a role in several chronic conditions, including digestive issues, fatigue, and autoimmune problems.
Common Causes of Leaky Gut
Several factors can damage the gut lining, including:
Eating processed food, sugar, and unhealthy fats
Long-term stress that affects digestion and immunity
Regular use of antibiotics, painkillers, or reflux medications
Gut infections like candida, parasites, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals
Poor balance of good and bad gut bacteria
Removing these triggers is one of the first steps in supporting gut repair.
Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For
Leaky gut can show up in different ways. Common signs include:
Bloating, gas, or loose stools
Feeling tired or foggy after meals
Brain fog or mood changes
Skin issues like eczema or acne
Joint pain and stiffness
Food reactions or new sensitivities
Autoimmune flare-ups
If you experience several of these symptoms often, it may be time to explore whether leaky gut is the cause.
The Role of the Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome is the group of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in your digestive tract. A healthy balance of these microbes helps with digestion, immune function, and gut lining strength.
When bad bacteria grow or good bacteria are lost, this is called dysbiosis. It can make the gut lining weaker and lead to more inflammation and poor absorption.
The Gut–Immune System Connection
Most of your immune system lives in your gut. This is where your body decides what’s safe and what needs to be attacked.
When your gut lining leaks, your immune system may react to normal food or bacteria. This can cause body-wide inflammation or lead to autoimmune issues over time.
Diagnostic Testing for Leaky Gut Syndrome
Naturopaths and other integrative practitioners may recommend tests to check for gut problems:
The lactulose/mannitol test measures how sugars are absorbed through the gut
Zonulin testing shows if the tight junctions in your gut are too loose
Stool testing looks at gut bacteria, parasites, and inflammation
Organic acid testing gives a picture of how your body breaks down nutrients
These tests help tailor a gut-healing plan based on your results.
Treatment and Gut Repair Protocols
Most gut-healing programs follow a process known as the 5Rs:
Step 1: Remove
Take out foods, medications, or infections that irritate your gut.
Step 2: Replace
Add digestive enzymes and nutrients your body may be missing.
Step 3: Reinoculate
Rebuild good bacteria using probiotics and prebiotics.
Step 4: Repair
Use nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc, and omega-3s to strengthen the gut lining.
Step 5: Rebalance
Reduce stress, get good sleep, and improve lifestyle habits that support long-term healing.
Dietary Foundations for Gut Healing
Changing your diet is one of the most important parts of gut repair. A gut-friendly diet should:
Remove processed food, sugar, alcohol, and gluten
Include fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi
Add collagen-rich foods like bone broth
Use fibre-rich vegetables to feed good gut bacteria
Try elimination diets if needed, with professional support
Nutritionists and Naturopaths can help you make a plan that suits your body and lifestyle.
Herbal and Supplement Support
Supplements and herbal remedies can speed up gut healing. Common supports include:
Slippery elm and marshmallow root to calm the gut
Curcumin to reduce inflammation
Quercetin to strengthen gut lining cells
Probiotics to restore healthy bacteria
Zinc and L-glutamine to repair the lining
Not everyone needs every supplement. The best choices depend on your test results and symptoms.
The Importance of Stress Management
Stress affects your gut more than many people realise. It can lower stomach acid, reduce enzyme production, and weaken your gut lining.
Breathing exercises, walks in nature, gentle movement, and time away from screens can all help lower stress. Stress management is just as important as diet when healing your gut.
Professional Support for Leaky Gut
You don’t need to figure this out on your own. Naturopaths and Nutritionists can help identify what’s behind your symptoms and guide you through a step-by-step healing process.
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our team uses functional testing, food planning, and gut-focused supplements to help you rebuild your digestive health and feel better long-term.
FAQs About Leaky Gut Syndrome
1. What is leaky gut syndrome and how does it affect the body?
Leaky gut syndrome means the lining of your gut becomes too thin and lets harmful things into your blood. This can cause tiredness, stomach problems, and a stressed-out immune system.
2. What are the first signs of leaky gut to watch out for?
Early signs of leaky gut often include bloating, gas, or feeling tired after eating. You might also notice skin rashes or food sensitivities.
3. How do I know if I have leaky gut or something else?
Many gut issues can look the same, so testing is the best way to know for sure. A trained health professional can check your symptoms and run stool or gut tests.
4. Can leaky gut cause autoimmune disease?
Leaky gut can confuse the immune system and make it overreact. This may lead to or worsen autoimmune problems in some people.
5. What diet helps repair the gut lining?
A gut-healing diet includes fresh foods, vegetables, and bone broth. Avoiding sugar, alcohol, gluten, and processed foods gives your gut a better chance to heal.
6. How long does it take to heal a leaky gut?
Most people feel better after a few weeks of following a gut-healing plan. Full healing may take a few months depending on your symptoms.
7. Are there tests to confirm if I have leaky gut?
Yes, some tests can check how well your gut lining is working. These include zonulin tests, stool tests, and sugar absorption tests.
8. Can children have leaky gut?
Yes, kids can get leaky gut too. Signs may include skin rashes, mood changes, or stomach pain after meals.
9. Is stress a major factor in leaky gut development?
Stress can weaken your gut by changing how your body works. Managing stress is an important part of healing your gut.
10. Can supplements really help fix the gut lining?
Some supplements can help the gut heal faster. Things like glutamine, zinc, and probiotics are often used to support gut health.
11. What role do Naturopaths play in managing leaky gut?
Naturopaths help find what’s causing your gut problems and guide your healing. They often use tests, nutrition, and gut-friendly treatments.
12. Is there a link between skin issues and leaky gut?
Leaky gut can cause body-wide inflammation that shows up on the skin. Eczema and acne often get worse when your gut isn’t healthy.
13. Should I eliminate gluten if I suspect leaky gut?
Gluten can make leaky gut worse in some people. Trying a gluten-free diet may help, but it’s best to do this with a health professional’s support.
14. Do fermented foods help repair the gut?
Fermented foods give your gut more good bacteria. Adding foods like kefir or sauerkraut may support gut healing.
15. Can I prevent leaky gut from returning after healing?
Yes, you can keep your gut healthy by eating well, reducing stress, and avoiding trigger foods. Regular check-ins with your health practitioner also help.
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