Is Leaky Gut Impacting Your Health?

We’ve all heard the saying, “All disease begins in the gut.” With today’s fast-paced lifestyle and highly processed diets, it’s easy to see how our digestive system can quickly become the root cause of many health issues.

Symptoms like bloating, digestive discomfort or pain, loose stools, or constipation are often the first signs that something is off. But it doesn’t stop there—poor gut health can also contribute to skin conditions, allergies, immune dysfunction, autoimmune diseases, and even mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Diets high in processed and packaged foods, refined grains (especially wheat and gluten), sugar, and saturated fats—and low in fibre, fruit, and vegetables—can lead to inflammation in the gut. Add chronic stress into the mix (which we’ll cover more in a future blog), and the perfect storm is created for disrupting gut health.

What is Leaky Gut?

Lining our digestive tract are structures called villi—tiny, finger-like projections covered in even smaller microvilli. These help break down food and absorb water and nutrients into the bloodstream. All of this happens across a single-cell layer of tissue that spans an area as large as 400m²—so it’s critical to keep it strong and healthy.

Our beneficial gut bacteria (also known as commensal bacteria) play an essential role in protecting this barrier. They fight off harmful pathogens, prevent bad bugs from adhering to the gut wall, and even produce antimicrobial compounds. They also help us digest and absorb nutrients, partly by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that fuel the cells lining the gut.

When this protective barrier becomes compromised—due to diet, stress, or inflammation—the tight junctions between cells can loosen. This is what we call “leaky gut.” It allows undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to pass through the intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream. The body sees these foreign invaders as threats, triggering an immune response that leads to systemic inflammation—and often a cascade of health issues.

How Do You Know if You Have Leaky Gut?

While symptoms can be suggestive, the most accurate way to assess gut health is through functional microbiome stool testing. This advanced testing can reveal a detailed picture of what's going on inside your gut.

Key markers include:

• Zonulin – a protein that regulates the tight junctions in your gut lining. Elevated levels may indicate increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut).

• Calprotectin – a marker of intestinal inflammation, which can reflect gut damage or ongoing immune activity.

• Secretory IgA (SIgA) – your gut's first line of immune defense. Low or high levels can point to immune dysfunction in the gut mucosa.

• Pancreatic elastase and other digestive markers – to evaluate how well you're digesting and absorbing food.

• Pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and viruses – testing can identify harmful organisms that may be damaging your gut lining.

• Commensal (beneficial) bacteria – reveals the health and diversity of your gut microbiome and whether it's resilient or imbalanced.

This type of testing provides valuable insight into the health of your gut, guiding a more precise and personalised treatment plan.

5 Key Nutrients to Support a Leaky Gut

If you're dealing with symptoms of leaky gut, the good news is that your body has an incredible ability to heal—especially when supported with the right nutrients. Here are five of my go-to gut-healing allies:

1. Glutamine

This amino acid is fuel for the cells that line your intestines. It helps seal the gut lining by repairing the tight junctions and reducing inflammation. It's especially useful during times of high stress, illness, or gut irritation.

2. Zinc

Zinc is essential for tissue repair and immune function. It helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining and has been shown to tighten the junctions between intestinal cells, reducing permeability.

3. Turmeric (Curcumin)

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It helps calm gut inflammation, supports immune balance, and protects the gut lining from oxidative stress, making it a valuable tool in gut healing.

4. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm acts like aloe vera on a sunburn, but for your gut. It coats and soothes the digestive tract, providing a protective barrier that reduces irritation and inflammation. This makes it helpful for symptoms like reflux, heartburn, and general gut discomfort while supporting the healing of the mucosal lining.

5. Strain-Specific Probiotics

Targeted probiotic strains can play a powerful role in restoring gut health and preventing further damage. Here are three key strains to know:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG – Supports immune regulation and helps reinforce the gut barrier by reducing permeability.

• Lactobacillus plantarum 299v – Known for its ability to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular stools.

• Saccharomyces boulardii – A probiotic yeast that helps fight off pathogenic bacteria, supports healthy gut flora during and after antibiotic use, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help reduce diarrhea and improve overall gut resilience.

If you suspect that leaky gut might be playing a role in your health concerns, you're not alone—and the good news is, healing is absolutely possible. By supporting your gut lining, feeding your beneficial microbes, and reducing inflammation, you can restore balance from the inside out.

As always, work with a qualified health practitioner to develop a personalised plan tailored to your needs. Your gut is your foundation—nourish it, and the rest of your body will thank you.

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