Work with an Online GUT Health Clinic
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged. This allows undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to "leak" into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including digestive issues, fatigue, joint pain, skin conditions, and even mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Over time, leaky gut gut can also contribute to the development of more serious chronic health conditions.
Our Approach to Leaky Gut
At The Functional Gut Health Clinic, we offer a comprehensive, root-cause approach to healing leaky gut. We focus on functional testing, personalized protocols, and foundational lifestyle strategies to repair your gut and enhance long-term digestive health.
Functional Testing to Identify Leaky Gut and Its Root Causes
We start by using advanced functional lab tests to confirm leaky gut and uncover the underlying causes contributing to it. This can include the lactulose-mannitol urine test, which measures intestinal permeability, or stool tests like the GI-MAP that identify pathogens, dysbiosis, inflammation markers and zonulin, a marker for leaky gut. We look for common root causes like bacterial infections (e.g., SIBO), Candida, parasites, and food sensitivities that may be contributing to increased intestinal permeability.Dietary Changes to Reduce Inflammation
Diet is key to reducing inflammation and repairing the gut lining. Once we identify triggers, we implement targeted dietary changes to reduce gut inflammation. We eliminate foods that are known to damage the gut lining, such as gluten, dairy, processed foods, and sugar. We also incorporate healing foods like bone broth, omega-3-rich foods (wild salmon, chia seeds), and fermented vegetables to support gut repair and reduce inflammation. Diet recommendations are personalized based on food sensitivity testing, if needed, to ensure your gut has space to heal.Supplementation to Support Gut Healing
To speed up healing, we use targeted supplements to repair the gut lining and restore microbial balance. These may include:
- L-glutamine to repair and rebuild the intestinal wall
- Bovine immunoglobulins to support gut barrier function, reduce inflammation and neutralize harmful pathogens and toxins.
- Soil-based probiotics to support healthy bacteria and crowd out harmful pathogens
- Digestive enzymes to improve digestion and prevent further damage to the gut
- Quercetin, licorice root or aloe vera to reduce inflammation and support tight junction function, helping to seal the gut liningStress Reduction for Gut Repair
Chronic stress can weaken the gut lining and exacerbate leaky gut. We emphasize the importance of managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, and gentle exercise. We also address hidden stressors, like hormone imbalances or unresolved infections, which may contribute to inflammation and gut dysfunction.Building a Strong Foundation for Long-Term Gut Health
Healing a leaky gut requires building a strong foundation for lifelong gut health. We help you establish sustainable habits, such as stress management, adequate rest (7-8 hours of sleep), and regular exercise. Our focus is on creating an environment where the gut can heal and function optimally in the long term, preventing future flare-ups of leaky gut or associated conditions.
By addressing both the symptoms and root causes of leaky gut, our approach ensures you achieve lasting relief and maintain optimal gut health for years to come.
Common Questions about Leaky Gut
What are the symptoms of leaky gut?
Symptoms of leaky gut can include bloating, food sensitivities, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues like eczema or acne, and mood disorders such as anxiety or depression.
How can I heal leaky gut naturally?
Natural interventions for leaky gut include repairing the gut lining with nutrients like L-glutamine, eliminating trigger foods, and introducing probiotics to support gut health. These steps can reduce inflammation and improve overall digestive function.
Can leaky gut affect mental health?
Yes, leaky gut has been linked to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. The gut-brain connection plays a significant role in mental health, and healing the gut can help improve mood and emotional well-being. Learn more about the gut-brain connection.
What our clients are saying
“Thank you so much. I’d had moments of true despair, however now as my symptoms abate and my energy returns I’m overwhelmed by how fortunate I am to have found Mikaela and Bella. For this I will never be able to thank you enough.”
★★★★★
Emma (Kentucky, USA)
I feel cured, I can eat almost whatever I want without experimenting abdominal pain, I can go out with friends without being stressed about my guts. Thank you Christina, you literally changed my life.”
★★★★★
Benjamin (Occitanie, France)
Our team of gut health specialists
Lasting recovery requires a strong foundation. At the Functional Gut Health Clinic, we help you establish sustainable habits like adequate sleep, regular exercise, and effective stress management to help you overcome leaky gut and its root causes. Our goal is to create an environment where your gut can heal and thrive, reducing the risk of future flare-ups, and achieving long term gut healing.
Leaky Gut Knowledge Base Articles & Resources
Leaky Gut - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
> What is a leaky gut?
> How did my gut get ‘leaky’?
> How does leaky gut cause food sensitivities?
> What about autoimmunity?
> How can I get tested?
> How do I plug-up my leaky gut and get back to my vibrant life?
Is a Gut Infection the Hidden Cause of Your IBS?
> What is a gut infection?
> Factors that increase your risk of getting a gut infection
> What symptoms to look out for and why a hidden gut infection is often the cause of IBS
> The go-to tests with use with clients and why a previous “clean” result might be misleading
> How to treat a gut infection and why many people fail
Top 5 Root Causes of IBS Based on Testing
> What exactly is a ‘root cause’ and why is it so important for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
> The top 5 root causes of IBS that your doctor probably isn’t testing for
> Why you likely have more than one root causes contributing to your IBS symptoms
If you’re looking to work with a team of gut health experts, we’re here to help.
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