What Is Leaky Gut?

Leaky Gut Syndrome, also called intestinal hyperpermeability, occurs when the tight junctions in the intestinal lining become looser than normal. This allows substances such as undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to enter the bloodstream, which can activate the immune system and increase systemic inflammation.

While the term “leaky gut” sounds simple, the effects are far-reaching. It can impact digestion, immunity, hormone balance, skin health, and energy levels, making a key difference in overall wellness.

Everyone’s gut is permeable — this allows nutrients from the food you eat to pass into the bloodstream and nourish the body. For some people, however, this permeability becomes excessive, a condition often referred to as Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Why does Leaky Gut happen?

There isn’t a single cause for leaky gut. Instead, it develops over time due to multiple stressors on the digestive system. Common contributors include:

• Highly processed foods — sugar, refined oils, and additives
• Chronic stress — impacting digestion and gut barrier integrity
• Antibiotic use — which can disrupt the microbiome
• Infections or surgery — that damage the gut lining
• Food sensitivities — like gluten, dairy, or soy
• Environmental toxins — including pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals

These factors can weaken the intestinal barrier and alter the gut microbiome, which in turn drives inflammation throughout the body.

Signs & Symptoms of Leaky Gut

Wondering if leaky gut might be affecting you? Here are the most common signs:



• Bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort

• Expanding food sensitivities over time

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Skin issues (eczema, acne, rashes)

• Joint pain or muscle aches

• Autoimmune conditions (Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)

• Mood changes such as anxiety, depression, or irritability

If you notice several of these symptoms, leaky gut may be a significant piece of your health puzzle.

How to Heal Leaky Gut: The 5R Framework

Functional medicine provides a structured approach to leaky gut healing. The 5R Gut Healing Program helps restore gut integrity, reduce inflammation, and support long-term gut health:

1. Remove – Eliminate foods, toxins, and stressors that irritate the gut, such as processed foods, alcohol, infections, and food sensitivities

2. Replace – Support digestion with enzymes, stomach acid, and bile salts if needed.

3. Reinoculate – Restore a healthy gut microbiome with probiotics and prebiotics.

4. Repair – Provide nutrients to heal the gut lining, including L-glutamine, zinc, collagen, and omega-3s.

5. Rebalance – Address lifestyle factors like stress management, sleep, and movement to maintain lasting gut health.

Healing your gut isn’t a quick fix — it’s a journey — but the results can be life-changing. For clients who suspect leaky gut, I often recommend targeted gut and hormone testing.

These tests help uncover:

• Intestinal permeability
• Microbiome imbalances
• Hidden infections
• Hormone disruptions linked to gut health
  

Leaky gut can feel overwhelming, but you can find relief. By removing triggers, restoring the microbiome, repairing the intestinal lining, and rebalancing lifestyle factorssymptoms like bloating, fatigue, and brain fog can improve dramatically.

If you suspect leaky gut, don’t wait — support is available, and your gut (and your overall health) will thank you. Schedule a New Client Consult and we’ll talk through your history, goals, and what might really be going on—so you can walk away with a custom plan that helps you feel better fast.

FAQs About Leaky Gut

Can leaky gut cause weight changes?
Yes, leaky gut can contribute to weight fluctuations. Inflammation and gut imbalances can affect metabolism, digestion, and nutrient absorption, which may lead to unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

Is leaky gut a recognized medical diagnosis?
Leaky gut, also called intestinal hyperpermeability, is recognized in functional medicine but is not yet an official diagnosis in conventional medicine. That said, research increasingly supports its role in inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and digestive issues.

Can children have leaky gut?
Yes, children can develop leaky gut, often due to poor diet, chronic stress, infections, or antibiotic use. Addressing gut health early can help prevent long-term issues.

How long does it take to heal leaky gut?
Healing time varies depending on the severity and underlying causes. Many people notice improvements in symptoms within weeks, but full gut restoration may take several months with a consistent 5R functional medicine approach.

Can supplements alone fix leaky gut?
Supplements can help support gut healing, but they work best as part of a holistic plan that includes removing irritants, restoring microbiome balance, repairing the gut lining, and addressing lifestyle factors.