Leaky gut…what is it & can I fix it?
I see this a lot in clinic, and there are still so many people who don’t really know what this term actually means. You may have heard of leaky gut, but what does it actually mean?
Leaky gut refers to increased intestinal permeability. The lining of the digestive tract acts as a protective barrier, allowing nutrients to pass into the bloodstream while keeping larger particles, toxins, and unwanted microbes safely contained within the gut. When this barrier becomes compromised, substances that would normally remain inside the digestive tract may pass through more easily, potentially triggering inflammation and immune responses.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to increased intestinal permeability, including chronic stress, poor diet, certain medications, infections, alcohol, environmental toxins, and imbalances within the gut microbiome (known as dysbiosis). Also, genetics can play a role.
Many people experiencing leaky gut may experience symptoms such as bloating, food sensitivities, abdominal discomfort, altered bowel habits, fatigue, brain fog, skin conditions, or ongoing inflammation. Unfortunately, these symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, which is why identifying the underlying cause is so important. Nutrient deficiencies can be common where there is leaky gut, particularly deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, Zinc and B vitamins and magnesium.
In my clinic, I use a step-by-step approach when I suspect leaky gut. Looking for the above mentioned symptoms as well as looking at the timeline of health events to support this suspicion.
From here, I give my clients choices as to how they want to support their intestinal integrity. Food as medicine is always the foundation, but also to support this, strain specific probiotics, polyphenols and amino acids can be as valuable to get on top of symptoms.
However in some cases having real data to confirm the different factors associated with leaky gut can be super helpful. And one key tool I use in my clinic to investigate gut health is the MMM Stool Analysis (Microbiomix Metagenomic Mapping).
Rather than guessing, this comprehensive test provides valuable insight into the overall health and function of the gastrointestinal tract. It assesses the balance of beneficial bacteria, identifies dysbiosis, evaluates digestive function, looks for markers of inflammation, and measures indicators associated with intestinal permeability and mucosal health.
Understanding what is happening within the intestinal tract allows me to create a personalised plan that targets the root causes rather than simply managing symptoms. Depending on the findings within the report, support may include dietary changes, microbiome restoration, digestive support, stress management, and nutrients that help nourish and repair the gut lining.
While food intolerance testing (such as IgG or IgE testing) may occasionally provide additional information, the MMM Stool Analysis is often prioritised first. This is because food reactions are frequently secondary to underlying intestinal integrity dysfunction, AKA leaky gut. By addressing dysbiosis, inflammation, and compromised gut barrier function, many individuals find that food sensitivities and digestive symptoms improve naturally over time.
Supporting your digestive health is not about quick fixes or restrictive diets. Instead, it is about understanding the unique factors influencing your health and creating a targeted strategy to help restore balance from the inside out.
Want to know more? Make sure to reach out!