You might’ve heard the term leaky gut and found yourself wondering, “What on earth is a leaky gut? How do I know if I have one? What can I do about it?” Or maybe you’ve brought it up with your doctor and had the whole idea dismissed or even laughed at.
The more technical terms for leaky gut are increased intestinal permeability or intestinal hyperpermeability. Although it’s been talked about in natural health circles for a long time, it’s only in the last few years that more solid research has begun to back it up in mainstream medicine, linking it to things like inflammation, autoimmune issues, and fatigue.
I’m going to share a little geeky science now, not to overwhelm you but to help you picture what’s going on in your gut if you have increased permeability. Once you understand it, it will feel much easier to let go of the foods that may be making things worse.
When you start looking closely at your body, you’ll be fascinated by its innate intelligence. Everything seems to have been created for a reason.
Estimates vary, but the surface area of your gut is surprisingly large, possibly up to 400m². It’s covered in tiny folds and projections that help absorb nutrients and is designed to protect you, letting in what your body needs and keeping the rest out.
If you look closely at this lining, you’ll discover it’s a single layer of cells that absorb nutrients from your food and pass them into the bloodstream. These cells are lined by a thin layer of mucous and friendly microbes. Interconnecting the cells are tiny gatekeepers called tight junctions and they carefully control what gets through.
If these tight junctions are damaged, substances that were meant to stay inside your gut - like bits of undigested food, toxins, or bacteria - can leak into your bloodstream. Since these molecules don’t belong in the blood, your immune system treats them as intruders and launches an inflammatory response. This can lead to low-grade, widespread inflammation, which might show up as sore joints, skin issues, fatigue, or other vague symptoms that are hard to pin down. It’s your body’s way of trying to protect you, but when this kind of inflammation becomes chronic, it gradually wears you down and affects your overall wellbeing.
We’re still learning what damages these tight junctions, but a few things have been linked to problems. These include:
You can test for leaky gut, but the tests can be expensive and, in most cases, I don’t think they’re necessary. The treatment approach is essentially the same as for addressing chronic inflammation, balancing your gut microbiome, and improving overall health: remove damaging foods, address any underlying infections, and eat in a way that supports healing. Whether or not you have a test confirming leaky gut, these are the steps your body needs. And honestly, running endless diagnostic tests can be exhausting, both emotionally and financially. Unless a test result is going to change your treatment plan, it may not be worth it. Also, if you suspect leaky gut, please don’t lose heart. The cells lining your gut renew themselves every 3 to 5 days, which means your body is already trying to heal.
Here is a simple 3-step plan to help you start supporting this natural repair process and begin building a healthier gut in just a few weeks...
This excerpt is just one piece of a much bigger picture. If you're curious to learn more, make sure you get yourself a copy of my book Drowning Lifeguards.
Also, if you’re wanting to explore the emotional and mental weight of fatigue - the hidden stories we carry in our bodies - you might enjoy this little piece from my book: Beautiful People Do Not Just Happen
In the meantime, keep listening to your body. It’s wiser than you think!
PS. Just so you know, I am an Amazon Associate which means I will earn from any books you purchase here.
Photo by Oscar Keys / Unsplash
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