Leaky Gut Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Fix It

What is leaky gut and why it matters

Bloating, food sensitivities, brain fog, skin flare-ups—sound familiar? It could be leaky gut. This condition affects how well you digest food, how your immune system behaves, and how much energy you have each day. Here’s what causes it, how it affects the body, and what actually helps.

Leaky gut syndrome happens when the lining of your intestines becomes too porous. Tiny gaps open up between the cells of the gut wall, letting toxins, bacteria, and undigested food slip into the bloodstream. The immune system reacts, triggering inflammation and a whole bunch of symptoms.

What causes it?

It's not just one thing. Poor diet, heavy drinking, chronic stress, too many painkillers (like ibuprofen), gut infections, and low levels of healthy bacteria can all weaken the gut lining. Processed food, sugar, gluten, and alcohol are some of the biggest offenders.

Common signs

Leaky gut shows up differently in everyone. The most common signs include:

- Bloating and gas
- Brain fog
- Skin issues (eczema, acne)
- Joint pain
- Constant fatigue
- Food intolerances
- Digestive problems
- Mood swings or low mood

The gut–body connection

Once those unwanted substances leak out, your immune system goes into overdrive. That can lead to full-body inflammation, which is linked to IBS, autoimmune disease, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and more. Your gut isn't just about digestion—it's part of almost everything your body does.

How to repair it

Remove what’s harming your gut

- Cut the junk: Avoid processed food, sugar, gluten, and alcohol.

Add what helps your gut heal

- Eat to heal: Bone broth, oily fish, sauerkraut, kefir, chia seeds, spinach, and sweet potato all help.

- Try supplements: L-glutamine, zinc, collagen, and probiotics can support repair.

- Lower stress: Your gut reacts to your mood. Deep breathing, walking, or meditation can actually help calm inflammation.

Need more help?

If you're ticking off half the symptoms list, it might be time to talk to a doctor or nutritionist who understands gut health. They can help pinpoint triggers, recommend tests, and guide you through what actually works for your body.

Final thoughts

Leaky gut is real, and it’s more common than you think. Fixing it isn’t about weird detoxes or fad diets—it’s about cutting out what’s hurting you and giving your gut what it needs to function properly.

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Important information and sources

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new wellness practice, especially if you have a medical condition. Content provided by HealthPlanSpain.

Sources:

NIH – Intestinal Permeability and Its Role in Disease

NIH – Leaky Gut and the Connection to Autoimmunity

Harvard Health – Gut Health and the Microbiome

Cleveland Clinic – Leaky Gut Syndrome Overview