Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, occurs when the gut lining becomes irritated and the barrier between the gut and bloodstream becomes less selective.
This can contribute to immune activation, sensitivities, bloating and inflammation.

It is not a diagnosis — it’s a functional shift in the gut lining that can be rebuilt.

Why Intestinal Permeability Develops

Key contributors include:

  • chronic stress

  • dysbiosis

  • SIBO

  • yeast overgrowth

  • inflammatory foods or irritants

  • NSAIDs or long-term medication use

  • post-infectious changes

  • low stomach acid

  • hormone fluctuations

  • nutrient deficiencies (zinc, glutamine, omega-3s)

Permeability is almost always a response to something deeper.

Common Symptoms

Digestive symptoms:

  • bloating

  • gas

  • cramping

  • loose stools or diarrhoea

  • constipation

  • reflux

Whole-body symptoms:

  • headaches

  • joint pain

  • fatigue

  • skin issues

  • food sensitivities

  • histamine reactions

Symptoms often improve when the gut lining is soothed and the triggers are identified.

Links to Other Gut Patterns

Leaky gut commonly overlaps with:

  • dysbiosis

  • SIBO

  • histamine intolerance

  • food sensitivities

  • IBD (during flares)

  • chronic stress

Supporting the gut lining often reduces reactivity and improves tolerance.

Stress & the Gut Barrier

The gut lining is highly sensitive to stress hormones.
Fight-or-flight states can:

  • weaken the mucosal barrier

  • reduce blood flow to the gut

  • increase permeability

  • heighten sensitivity

This is often why symptoms fluctuate based on emotional load.

Testing Options

A stool test can reveal:

  • inflammation

  • zonulin (barrier marker)

  • secretory IgA

  • enzyme function

  • microbial patterns linked to permeability

Not everyone needs testing — many cases can be identified through symptoms.

Supporting Leaky Gut Long-Term

Effective support includes:

  • reducing irritation and inflammation

  • rebuilding mucosal integrity

  • balancing the microbiome

  • supporting digestive secretions

  • calming the gut–brain stress reflex

  • reintroducing foods safely

  • using targeted nutrition where helpful

The goal is stronger resilience, not endless restriction.

This Page in One Sentence

Leaky gut is a sign that the gut lining needs soothing and support — and it improves when inflammation, digestion, the microbiome and stress physiology are addressed together