Leaky Gut 101: What It Is + Why It Matters
our gut is a powerful system that influences everything from immunity + skin health to mood + hormones. one of the most common (+ often misunderstood) gut issues is leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability.
here’s the breakdown.
what is leaky gut?
your gut lining acts like a filter — allowing nutrients to pass into your bloodstream while keeping harmful things (like toxins, pathogens + undigested food particles) out.
when the gut lining becomes damaged or inflamed, the tight junctions that hold the cells together loosen up. this allows those harmful substances to “leak” into your bloodstream — triggering an immune response + inflammation throughout the body.
why does this happen?
leaky gut can be triggered by several common stressors, including:
poor diet (especially ultra-processed foods, sugar, gluten + industrial seed oils)
chronic stress
overuse of antibiotics or NSAIDs
alcohol
dysbiosis (imbalance of good vs. bad gut bacteria)
environmental toxins
unmanaged food sensitivities
why this matters
when the gut barrier is compromised, it doesn’t just affect digestion — it impacts whole-body health.
leaky gut has been linked to:
bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea
fatigue + brain fog
skin issues (acne, eczema, rosacea)
autoimmune flares
hormonal imbalances
mood disorders like anxiety and depression
nutrient deficiencies (due to malabsorption)
basically, if your gut isn’t well, the rest of your body feels it too.
how to begin supporting your gut lining
you don’t have to do a complete life overhaul to start healing. small, consistent changes matter + create sustainable, lasting changes.
eat more whole foods + reduce processed, inflammatory foods
add gut-healing nutrients like bone broth, collagen, L-glutamine + zinc
include fermented foods (like sauerkraut or kefir) + prebiotic-rich foods (like leeks, garlic + asparagus)
manage stress through mindfulness, walking, or journaling
give your gut breaks with 12–14 hour overnight fasts (which is really stopping eating a few hours before bed)
identify + reduce potential food triggers (common ones include gluten, dairy + soy)
leaky gut might sound intimidating, but it’s more common than you think — + reversible with the right support. when you nourish your gut, you’re prioritizing whole-body health + creating a solid foundation for clearer skin, balanced hormones, stronger immunity + more energy.
disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or supplement routine.