Leaky Gut (Increased Intestinal Permeability)

Leaky gut is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes too permeable, allowing partially digested food, toxins, and microbes to pass into the bloodstream. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms—digestive, skin-related, hormonal, immune, neurological, and emotional. According to the social media holistic community, Leaky Gut is seen as a root cause for chronic issues, but it’s also an symptom itself and reflects deeper problems in digestive fire, microbial balance, emotional stress or lifestyle overwhelm. For healing to be effective, both the damage and the rudimentary conditions that allowed the damage to occur must be addressed.

• Location of Symptom

  Primarily in the small intestine, but effects can ripple out systemically to the skin, immune system, brain, joints, sinuses, and hormones.

• Physiological Breakdown

  The gut lining is designed to absorb nutrients and keep larger, harmful substances out. It’s made up of tightly connected epithelial cells, held together by tight junctions. When these junctions loosen—due to stress, toxins, inflammation, or microbial imbalance—substances that don’t belong in the bloodstream leak through, triggering the immune system. This immune reaction can cause inflammation, histamine release, and autoimmune activation. The liver and lymphatic system also get burdened, and nutrients may not absorb properly—leading to deficiencies or fatigue.

• Common Signs

  Bloating, discomfort, or food reactions after meals

  Brain fog, anxiety, or mood swings

  Fatigue, especially after eating

  Skin flare-ups: acne, eczema, rashes

  Joint pain or inflammation

  Hormonal disruptions or irregular cycles

  New or growing food sensitivities

  Symptoms that worsen with stress or poor sleep

• Rudimentary Root Causes

  Gut dysbiosis (candida, parasites, pathogenic bacteria)

  Poor diet (processed food, refined sugars, industrial oils)

  Chronic emotional stress or trauma

  Low stomach acid or bile flow → incomplete digestion

  Overuse of alcohol, NSAIDs, antibiotics, PPIs

  Harsh detoxing or fasting without repair

  Nutritional depletion (low zinc, glutamine, fat-soluble vitamins)

  Phytoiatrogenic causes: Cold or drying herbs in already dry and cold terrain, Overuse of bitters, laxatives, or antifungals without rebuilding

• Primary Tissue State

  The following tissue state represents the current state that’s beneath the symptom:

  Dry/Atrophy: Thin mucosal lining = weakened barrier

• Organ Systems Affected

  Digestive: Absorption, microbial balance, mucosal protection

  Immune: Chronic inflammation, food sensitivities, autoimmunity

  Nervous: Mood, cognition, gut-brain axis

  Endocrine: Hormone metabolism, adrenal and thyroid function

  Integumentary: Skin reactivity and detox burden

  Lymphatic & Liver: Overloaded clearance pathways

Do you have symptoms in multiple systems (gut, skin, mood, hormones)? Do your symptoms fluctuate with stress or poor food choices? Have you taken antibiotics, NSAIDs, or done harsh detoxing? Are you more reactive to foods, supplements, or fragrances than before? Do you feel like you’re doing everything “right,” but still inflamed or exhausted?

Leaky gut is not the beginning or end point—it’s a message. Your body is asking for protection, repair, and deeper nourishment. If you’re noticing patterns of reactivity, sensitivity, and fatigue, I can help you restore your terrain, strengthen your barrier, and reconnect your gut to the rest of your healing.

Disclaimer

Each person’s condition has a unique root cause, and lifestyle, diet and herbal remedies must be tailored to the individual. The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized care. If you’d like support in understanding your specific situation, please reach out to me for guidance. If you are experiencing severe digestive pain, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss, please consult an emergency medical provider.