What is Leaky Gut Syndrome and Its Causes

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Published on: 09 Jan 2026

Bloated after almost every meal? Suddenly reacting to foods, you used to love? Or maybe breakouts, bathroom runs, and brain fog have left you wondering what's really off with my body?

It could all be symptoms of a LEAKY GUT. Do you know what's more frustrating? Leaky gut syndrome isn't a recognized medical diagnosis (yet), so it often flies under the radar in conventional checkups.

But that doesn't mean it isn't a 'real' health concern. Let's see how to identify a leaky gut and what to do to heal it naturally.

What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Please don't fall for the literal meaning of leaky gut. It doesn't imply that your gut is leaking.

Your gut lining is a selective filter for the body. Zonulin (a protein) controls its selectivity by regulating the tight junctions of the intestinal cells (think of them as gates). Its job is to let good stuff (nutrients, vitamins) pass through into your bloodstream and keep the bad guys (toxins, undigested food, harmful bacteria) at bay.

Now, what if somehow the filter gets tiny holes and becomes worn out or damaged? Even unwanted substances can leak into your bloodstream. That's basically the leaky gut syndrome.

Leaky gut syndrome affects the permeability (ability to pass) of the gastrointestinal lining, allowing even toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream. That's why it's also called increased intestinal permeability.

What Causes the Gut to "Leak"?

Although it has always been a controversial topic and isn't universally recognized, emerging research suggests that it is a real phenomenon. Here is the list of causes of the leaky gut syndrome:

Dietary Factors

Certain dietary factors can damage the intestinal lining, affecting its functionality, including:

Skipping a balanced diet and having a high dependency on junk foods, processed sugars, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Having a low-fiber diet. Fibre is the favorite food of your gut bacteria and significantly impacts their balance.

Certain deficiencies, like zinc and Vitamin A, can impair gut barrier maintenance.

Hypersensitivity to any food (like soy, gluten, or dairy) can trigger the autoimmune zonulin response, resulting in barrier damage.

Medical Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome

Sometimes, a leaky gut, more than a severe disorder itself, is a sign of underlying chronic conditions. Here are the conditions clinically proven to damage the gut barrier and increase its permeability.

Causes of a Leaky Gut	What It Means	How They Trigger
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)	Disorders like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis trigger chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.	Inflammation directly damages the intestinal lining, increasing permeability.
Celiac Disease	Hypersensitivity of the small intestine to gluten (a protein found in wheat and other grains).	Trigger an autoimmune response, which modulates the gut lining permeability
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D)	Frequent, loose, or watery stools, often accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping.	Results in low-grade inflammation and altered gut flora may disrupt the epithelial barrier.
Infections	Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella, HIV) can directly injure the gut lining.	Can lead to temporary increases in permeability.

Lifestyle Factors

And here's the catch. It's not just about food or diseases. Even your lifestyle can quietly wear down your gut wall.

Long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen can damage the gut lining.

Anti-cancer therapy (chemo and radiation) often damages rapidly dividing cells, including healthy gut epithelial cells, causing barrier dysfunction.

Physiological stress, smoking, and over-alcohol consumption trigger inflammation, which may result in gut dysfunction.

Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut (That You Might Be Ignoring)

A leaky gut affects not only your gut or digestive organs but your entire body. Here are the signs and symptoms of a leaky gut.

Digestive Issues: Bloating, diarrhea, constipation, blood in your poop

Upset Stomach: Frequent ulcers, burning sensation, and weight loss

Skin Signs: Dull skin, acne, and breakouts

Immune Concerns: Abdominal pain, frequent colds, fatigue, night sweats

Neurological Effects: Brain fog, confusion, mood swings

The severity and symptoms vary among individuals depending on their medical history.

Is There a Test for Leaky Gut?

This may come as a surprise, but there is no single definitive test for leaky gut syndrome.

Yes, no gold-standard clinical test that confirms leaky gut syndrome. Even the experts use a combination of approaches and diagnoses to evaluate, including:

Lactulose-Mannitol Test	Urine test to check the permeability of the gut lining.
Zonulin Test	Measures zonulin levels in the blood.
Stool Analysis	Determines the presence of infections, parasites, and microbiome imbalance.

Can Leaky Gut Be Fixed? If Yes, How

The good news? The leaky gut syndrome is reversible. To heal your gut naturally, simply follow a triple-action approach (dietary, lifestyle, and supplements). Here's a quick guide to achieve it:

Dietary Recommendations

Eat more high-fiber and anti-inflammatory foods to balance your gut bacteria.
Cut down on highly processed foods, fats, artificial sugars, or any other food allergies (if any).
Add probiotics to your diet through fermented foods or supplements (if required).

Lifestyle Modifications

Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sound sleep every day.

Limit NSAIDs, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Practice stress-relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga.

Best Supplements for Leaky Gut

If you are struggling with severe symptoms, combine lifestyle with recommended supplements for leaky gut.

Bovine Colostrum: Natural remedy for leaky gut, strengthens gut lining, and reduces inflammation.

L-glutamine: Supports and maintains gut barrier function.

Zinc: Prevents the leakage of harmful bacteria and undigested foods.

Digestive Enzymes: Enhances proper digestion and absorption.

Probiotics: Balance the gut environment by boosting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Zeolite Detox: Flushes out toxins from gut and intestine.

Vitamin E Tocotrienols: Reduce inflammation and promote gut bacterial balance.

Bottom Line

A leaky gut may not be officially recognized by every doctor yet, but it's real and can have a severe impact on you. The only good news? It's reversible. Your body can itself repair the gut lining (unless its severe).

Just listen to your body. Don't ignore the signs! Start small and consistently. The right diet, smart lifestyle shifts, and gut-healing nutrients can make a significant difference.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What does leaky gut feel like?

If you have leaky gut, you'll keep on struggling with diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Quite often, you'll feel drained out or running low on energy.

Q2. What foods should I avoid to manage a leaky gut?

If you have a leaky gut, avoid foods such as wheat-based breads, gluten, processed meats, and baked goods.

Q3. How to fix leaky gut?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle and consider adding supplements like bovine colostrum and glutamine to support your overall well-being.

Q4. How long does leaky gut take to heal?

It depends on the cause of your leaky gut. Generally, it may take from a few days to a few weeks to notice visible changes.

References:

Fasano A. Zonulin and its regulation of intestinal barrier function: the biological door to inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. Physiol Rev. 2011 Jan;91(1):151–175. doi:10.1152/physrev.00003.2008. Accessed August 28, 2025. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21248165/

Camilleri M. Leaky gut: mechanisms, measurement and clinical implications in humans. Gut. 2019 Aug;68(8):1516–1526. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318427. Accessed August 28, 2025. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6790068/

Aleman RS et al. Leaky Gut and the Ingredients That Help Treat It: A Review. Molecules. 2023 Jan 7;28(2):619. doi:10.3390/molecules28020619. Accessed August 28, 2025. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9862683/

Zhang P. Influence of Foods and Nutrition on the Gut Microbiome and Implications for Intestinal Health. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(17):9588. doi:10.3390/ijms23179588. Accessed August 28, 2025. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9455721/

Lacy BE et al. Leaky gut syndrome: myths and management. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2024 Aug;20(5):264-272. PMID: 39193076. Accessed August 28, 2025. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11345991/