What is leaky gut?<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n
It has to start at the cellular level. The wall of your intestine is made up of millions and millions of cells. These cells come together to create a watertight barrier that acts like a security system, deciding what is absorbed into your bloodstream and what is kept out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Intestinal](\"https:\/\/vitacru.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/intestin.webp\" "\\"Intestine\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHowever, in an unhealthy gut, the lining can weaken and \u00abholes\u00bb can form in this barrier. Toxins and bacteria, called endotoxins, can then seep into the body. This can trigger inflammation in the gut and throughout the body, leading to a chain reaction of problems such as bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, fatigue, headaches, and joint pain, to name just a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How are these \u00abholes\u00bb formed? According to Dr. Fasano, the main culprits are genes and diet. \u00abSome people may have a weaker barrier because they were born with it, or followed an unbalanced diet, low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fats, which can be the trigger for weakening the intestinal lining.\u00bb Age also plays a role, as with age, cells get damaged more easily and heal more slowly, or not at all, which can make the gut more vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, according to Dr. Davis, this permeability is caused by a diet rich in refined sugar, repeated use of medications and antibiotics, ingested pesticides, and more. These elements destroy our good bacteria and feed the bad ones that ascend in the digestive tract and cause an imbalance of the microbiome called SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The impact of a leaky gut on overall health is unclear <\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\u00abLeaky gut could be causing health problems or be a sign of something more serious,\u00bb explains Dr. Fasano. \u00abScience isn't there yet. For example, digestive diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease share many symptoms with leaky gut and are all related to chronic inflammation, but it's unknown how, or if, they are connected.\".<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certain studies suggest that a leaky gut may be associated with other autoimmune diseases (lupus, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis), chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies, asthma, acne, obesity, and even mental health conditions. However, we do not yet have clinical studies in humans demonstrating such a cause-and-effect relationship. <\/em>(2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00abThe problem is that it's difficult to measure the strength of a person's gut barrier, so we can't know for sure if leaky gut is actually present, nor what influence it might have elsewhere in the body,\u00bb explains Dr. Fasano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the term \u00abincreased intestinal permeability\u00bb is rarely heard in most medical offices, practitioners of alternative and integrative medicine have been working on gut healing for decades as an initial step in treating chronic illnesses. Other cultures around the world often recommend specific diets for people to feel better. One of the first steps taken by some practitioners is to remove foods that can cause inflammation and changes in gut flora. The most common foods include alcohol, processed foods, wheat, dairy, certain medications, and any foods that may cause allergies or sensitivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether intestinal permeability in humans causes the development of diseases outside the gastrointestinal tract is still controversial. However, it is always a good idea to follow a nutritious, unprocessed diet that includes foods that help calm inflammation (and avoid foods known to trigger it), which, at least in theory, can help rebuild the lining and rebalance the gut flora. Taking probiotics is also essential to restore good bacteria. This way of eating could help you feel better, without any side effects. It's definitely worth a try. (3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consult your therapist about which detox tools, cure<\/a>, plants, or diet would be appropriate to develop a strategy that works for you. For more information, see the Masterclass: The intestine and its microbiome.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n References<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Blog post on the Harvard Health Publishing\/Harvard Medical School website, November 21, 2018: https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/putting-a-stop-o-leaky-gut-2018111815289<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Path to a Healthier Gut <\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n