If you have frequent digestive issues, it can be tricky to identify the culprit. While it’s possible that you just ate something that disagreed with you, there may also be something going on in your gut that requires your attention. One such condition that GI experts are taking a closer look at is leaky gut. And the signs of a leaky gut can be tricky to spot.
“Leaky gut” is not an official medical term, says Pratima Dibba, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan. “It is a hypothetical diagnosis alluding to intestinal permeability.” In someone who has leaky gut (or gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction, to get technical), “the gut lining becomes less effective at acting as a barrier,” explains Amy Davis, R.D., L.D.N., a registered dietitian based in New Orleans, LA. “When this happens, larger particles like undigested food components and bacteria can pass across the intestinal walls into the bloodstream. This is a problem because it can lead to inflammation and immune issues.”
Meet the experts: Pratima Dibba, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan; Amy Davis, R.D., L.D.N., a registered dietitian based in New Orleans, LA.
In fact, Dr. Dibba says that leaky gut may be a key contributor to conditions like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, a leaky gut may disturb the balance of good bacteria living in the gut, increasing the amount of bad bacteria, and prompting an inflammatory response.
Here, discover the possible signs of a leaky gut, plus the simple strategies that may help heal the gut lining and improve your overall gut health.
Possible signs of leaky gut
“The symptoms of leaky gut are not super specific, which can make it hard to identify,” says Davis. Still, the experts we spoke to say that the most common ones include:
How to boost gut health
Dr. Dibba notes that the best treatment for symptoms of leaky gut will likely depend on the underlying condition, whether that’s IBD, celiac disease, or another chronic gastrointestinal problem, as leaky gut tends to happen concurrently with these other illnesses. Connecting with your doctor and getting the right treatment is key to easing symptoms.
Still, “diet and lifestyle changes can help repair the gut lining and reduce the symptoms associated with leaky gut,” says Davis. The first thing to do is make some changes in the kitchen. “Eat adequate fiber and whole foods and avoid processed foods and those high in sugar,” suggests Dr. Dibba. “Also minimize irritants to the gut lining like smoking, heavy alcohol use, spicy foods, acidic foods, and caffeine.”
Davis adds that taking steps to manage stress, prioritizing sleep, and drinking enough water may also help support your microbiome and overall gut health. “Reducing inflammation, supporting the gut microbiome, and addressing underlying stressors or nutrient gaps can help restore normal gut barrier function over time,” she says. Again, if you’re experiencing stomach concerns, connect with your healthcare provider who can better cater a treatment plan for you.
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