Is Leaky Gut real? What the science says and how to heal it naturally

Is Leaky Gut real? What the science says and how to heal it naturally

Is Leaky Gut Real? What the Science Says and How to Heal It Naturally

"Leaky gut" is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot — but is it real? And what does it mean for your digestion and overall health?

Let’s break down what the research says and how to support your gut lining naturally.

What Is Leaky Gut?

Leaky gut, also called increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the tight junctions in the gut lining become compromised. This allows particles like toxins, food proteins, and bacteria to "leak" into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune responses.

While it’s still debated in conventional medicine, research increasingly links leaky gut to conditions like:

  • IBS

  • Autoimmune disease

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Food sensitivities

  • Skin issues (e.g. eczema or acne)

Signs You Might Have a Leaky Gut

  • Bloating or digestive discomfort after meals

  • Brain fog or fatigue

  • Skin flare-ups

  • New or worsening food sensitivities

  • Joint aches or autoimmune flares

What Causes It?

  • A poor diet (high in sugar, alcohol, or ultra-processed food)

  • Chronic stress

  • Frequent use of antibiotics or NSAIDs

  • Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria)

  • Infections like Candida or parasites

How to Support and Heal a Leaky Gut

1. Remove Irritants
Avoid ultra-processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and gluten or dairy (if sensitive).

2. Repair with Nutrients
Zinc, L-glutamine, collagen, and omega-3 fats all support gut wall repair.

3. Rebuild the Microbiome
Include fermented foods, a high-quality probiotic, and prebiotic fibres from plants.

4. Reduce Stress
Stress impacts the gut lining. Try meditation, breathwork, gentle exercise and prioritising sleep.

5. Be Patient
Healing the gut takes time. Small, consistent changes work better than extreme diets.

Final Thoughts

Leaky gut may not be a formally recognised condition in every doctor’s office, but its symptoms are very real — and treatable. If you feel inflamed, foggy or reactive to many foods, supporting your gut lining might be the missing piece.

Explore gut-healing guidance at www.gutheaven.co.uk or message @the_ibs_whisperer with your questions

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