Leaky Gut: What It Is and How to Test for It

Nestled within our abdomens is an expansive and amazing intestinal tract that covers over 4,000 square feet of surface area, absorbing water and nutrients from our food into our bloodstream. When it is working correctly, the lining of this tract acts as a gatekeeper, serving as a barrier against bacteria and other infectious agents within the gut and regulating which substances enter that bloodstream. This makes it a key element in our immune system.

Having a semi-permeable intestinal wall is normal. Having a hyperpermeable intestinal wall is not. A highly permeable intestinal wall means the lining of your digestive system (the mucosal layer) is letting more through than it should – AKA the gut is ‘leaky.’ Hence the term ‘leaky gut’.

For those with leaky gut, the gut lining can develop significant gaps or fissures, allowing partially digested food, toxins, and pathogens to infiltrate the underlying tissues and circulatory system. This breach can cause issues such as inflammation, food sensitivities, toxin overload and disrupt the gut flora—the normal bacterial population—which can then cause problems both within the digestive system and throughout the entire body.

Health Issues and a Leaky Gut

Leaky gut has been tied to celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, if left unchecked, this compromised gut barrier can lead to a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, which has been associated with the development of various other health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, and hyperlipidemia. Studies have also linked leaky gut to plenty of other issues (autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis, as well as arthritis, asthma, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even mental illness). Yet there is still so much unknown about leaky gut and the extent of its harmfulness, causing even greater concern, fueling even more questions, and making it seem very difficult to treat.

While there is debate as to how much leaky gut has to do with all those conditions, many healthcare practitioners do believe that addressing leaky gut can lead to overall health improvements and symptom relief.

Clearly leaky gut is no small matter.

What Causes It?

The underlying causes of leaky gut are many. Anything that causes a change in the gut biome can potentially be a culprit; examples can include a poor diet high in processed foods, sugars and saturated fats, excessively high stress, alcohol and drug abuse, and radiation therapy, among others. Essentially, because anything that causes inflammation wears down your gut lining, the number of potential causes can be huge. The only way to determine whether you have leaky gut and the underlying causes, is to test, don’t guess. Using functional labs is really the only way to go here.

Leaky Gut Symptoms

Think you might be suffering from a leaky gut? Here are a few of the main symptoms to look out for:

• Digestive problems like reflux, heart burn, bloating, gas, and diarrhea
• Chronic fatigue and mental fog
• Food sensitivities or intolerances
• Joint pain and inflammation
• Skin conditions like eczema and acne
• Autoimmune disorders
• Nausea
• Migraine
• Mood swings and depression

Any gastrointestinal issues are cause for pause, but if you find you are experiencing a few of the previously mentioned symptoms for a prolonged period of time, it’s time to figure out what’s causing it. Functional testing to the rescue!

How to Test for Leaky Gut

If you are experiencing the above symptoms, before you make any drastic and potentially damaging dietary or other lifestyle changes, test first. Functional testing is a vital first step in determining the root cause of your symptoms.

In the case of leaky gut, I highly recommend doing the Wheat Zoomer (At-Home Test) because it boasts 99% sensitivity and 100% specificity for leaky gut and wheat/gluten-related disorders.

You may be wondering, why a wheat test? Because this test doesn’t only determine wheat/gluten sensitivities. It can also help you determine if you are suffering from leaky gut, or have celiac (wheat allergy), multiple food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, or chronic inflammation.

Anything that causes inflammation in your gut is problematic and can potentially lead to greater issues such as leaky gut, nutrient deficiencies and other gastrointestinal problems. This test covers a range of markers to help you home in on what may be at the crux of your gut issues.

Once you’ve completed your test, you will need to schedule a one-on-one with a professional to discuss the results and come up with the next steps.

Book a Consultation

True and lasting health transformations occur when you address these core causes rather than merely treating the symptoms you are experiencing. I am committed to guiding you in crafting your perfect wellness journey, providing accountability to help you achieve your gut health goals and attain the results you seek. Let’s work together to find some answers and put you on a path to greater gut health!