Leaky Gut & Food Intolerances

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition in which the lining of the intestines becomes damaged, allowing harmful substances to "leak" through into the bloodstream.

These substances can include toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles. The resulting inflammation can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue.

There are many potential causes of Leaky Gut, including poor diet, alcoholism, infections, stress, and certain medications. When the gut barrier is compromised, it can lead to a variety of health problems, such as food allergies, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases.

Leaky gut is also associated with a number of autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and type 1 diabetes. In fact, some researchers believe that leaky gut may be the cause of these conditions along with other factors.

For example, studies have shown that people with celiac disease are more likely to have a leaky gut than those without the condition.

If you suspect that you may have a leaky gut, it is important to get the appropriate testing such as blood or stool test where we can test for zonulin which is an indication of leaky gut.

This testing can also reveal potential causes of leaky gut: high histamine, low DAO, antibodies to intestinal cells, and immune activation to bacteria.

A food intolerance is when your body has difficulty digesting a particular type of food. This is different from a food allergy, which is when your body has an immune reaction to a specific food. While food intolerances are not life-threatening, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Food intolerances are often caused by lack of enzymes that help to break down the offending food. For example, someone who is lactose intolerant may lack the enzyme lactase, which breaks down milk sugar.

People with food intolerances can often eat small amounts of the offending food without experiencing any symptoms. However, if they eat too much or eat it too often, they may start to experience bothersome symptoms.

Food sensitivities occur when the immune system reacts to a particular protein in food. Common signs and symptoms of food sensitivities include gastrointestinal distress, skin reactions, fatigue and headaches and even joint pain.

Not to be confused with food intolerances which are more common or food allergies are more serious, as they can result in anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.

Testing for food sensitivities can also help connect the dots when it comes to chronic or unexplained symptoms. Doing an elimination diet or avoiding that food may also help you reach your health goals faster.

A targeted, whole-person plan can calm inflammation, repair the gut lining, and reduce symptoms like bloating, brain fog, joint pain, rashes, and fatigue. By pairing smart nutrition with stress, sleep, and microbiome support, many people see steadier energy, clearer skin, better mood, and more resilient digestion. We’ll also talk through specific tests and treatments on your discovery call so you know exactly what’s next.

Safety first: seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, black or bloody stools, persistent vomiting, unintentional rapid weight loss, signs of dehydration, or fever with severe GI symptoms. If you have known celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, eating disorder history, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or take anticoagulants, steroids, or immunosuppressants, let us know–some protocols and supplements need adjustment. We’ll pace changes (diet, probiotics, binders) to avoid flares or “die-off” reactions.

Your small intestine is lined with tiny “gates.” When they loosen, bits of food and bacterial fragments can slip into the bloodstream and bother your immune system. That irritation can show up as gut problems–or as skin, joint, mood, or energy issues.

Increased intestinal permeability is well-described in the medical literature and linked to several conditions. The internet hype can be messy, but the biology is real–and workable.

Allergies are fast, immune-mediated (IgE) and can be dangerous. Intolerances are trouble digesting a food (like lactose). “Sensitivities” are slower immune responses that can drive symptoms but aren’t life-threatening.

Usually no. We remove key triggers short-term, heal the gut, then re-test foods to expand your menu. The goal is tolerance, not restriction.

Often yes, but not always. Certain SIBO patterns, immunosuppression, or severe histamine issues may need different strains–or a “prebiotic-first” approach.

Not everyone. But if you have celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or active autoimmunity, a gluten-free trial (done the right way) can be very helpful.

Big time. Stress chemistry loosens those gut “gates,” changes motility, and reshapes the microbiome. Breath work, sleep, and nervous-system supports are part of care.

Many people notice changes in 2–6 weeks. Deeper repair and food re-introductions often take 8–16+ weeks, depending on starting point and consistency.

Sometimes simple steps solve a lot. When needed, we may discuss targeted labs (e.g., celiac serology, breath tests for SIBO, stool panels). We’ll review options on your discovery call.

Often we use short-term supports (digestive enzymes, zinc carnosine, omega-3s, fiber/prebiotics, evidence-based probiotics). Doses and duration are personalized.

Learn more about Digestive Disorders, IBS / IBD, Leaky Gut & Food Intolerances, SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), & Metabolic Syndrome.