Leaky Gut 101: How to Tell If Yours Is Leaking
Leaky gut isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a breakdown in the gut barrier that can trigger inflammation, immune reactions, and symptoms far beyond digestion. Here’s how to recognize it and where to start.
You’ve probably heard the term “leaky gut” thrown around but what does it actually mean? And how do you know if yours is leaking?
Let me break it down for you: Leaky gut means your gut wall has become more like a sieve than a strainer. It’s letting things through that don’t belong in your bloodstream and your immune system is NOT happy about it.
What Is Leaky Gut, Really?
Your gut lining is supposed to be a tight-knit wall of cells, like a bouncer at the door of your club. It decides what gets in (nutrients) and what stays out (toxins, bacteria, food particles).
When it’s damaged by inflammation, stress, sugar, meds, or toxins, those “tight junctions” loosen. Now junk gets through.
Cue: chronic inflammation, autoimmune flares, and a body that’s constantly reacting to everything.
Symptoms You Might Be Ignoring
Let’s play symptom bingo see if any of these sound familiar:
- Bloating (especially after healthy food)
- Fatigue that hits like a truck by 2PM
- Brain fog, poor memory, or difficulty concentrating
- Skin issues: acne, eczema, rashes
- Food sensitivities (suddenly reacting to everything)
- Joint pain, headaches, mood swings
- Autoimmune conditions
- Nutrient deficiencies despite a good diet
These are red flags that your gut wall might be compromised.
What Causes It?
- Antibiotics They wipe out good bacteria, leaving you vulnerable
- NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, etc.) These wreck your gut lining
- Alcohol Yes, even red wine
- Sugar and processed food Fuel the fire
- Stress Lowers protective mucus and messes with digestion
- Toxins From water, food, air, and cosmetics
It’s not just one thing it’s usually a perfect storm.
How to Start Fixing It
Start sealing that gut wall up like you’re patching holes in a sinking ship:
- L-glutamine An amino acid that helps rebuild the gut lining
- Collagen and bone broth Rich in gut-healing amino acids
- Zinc carnosine Underrated hero for gut repair
- Slippery elm, marshmallow root, aloe vera These soothe and coat
- Remove inflammatory foods: gluten, dairy, seed oils, refined sugar
✝️ A Little Soul Food
The Bible often talks about the “inner parts” and how God desires truth and healing there (Psalm 51:6). Your gut your innermost physical place is no exception. Healing it helps you live in clarity, not chaos.
💛 In Case You Skimmed
- Leaky gut is real and it’s very common.
- Symptoms aren’t just digestive they’re body-wide.
- Root causes = stress, meds, food, toxins.
- Healing starts with removing irritants and nourishing the gut lining.
Jamie Shahan, MSN, CRNA, RN
Empowering Holistic Health
Curator of forgotten wisdom with a modern understanding of why it works.
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