• Digestive Disorders

How to Get Rid of Leaky Gut for Good

Have you ever finished a meal only to be met with uncomfortable bloating or stomach pain shortly after?

Maybe you've noticed that certain foods no longer agree with you, leading to days filled with fatigue and discomfort.

If these scenarios sound familiar, you might be experiencing symptoms of a digestive condition called leaky gut syndrome (LGS).

This condition can be challenging to deal with, but it can be treated and managed with the right strategies. 

Read on to discover the best ways to get rid of leaky gut while taking proper care of your overall health.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome (LGS) — also known as increased intestinal permeability — is a serious condition that develops when the lining of the small and large intestines becomes damaged.

It usually develops as a result of an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which allows undigested food particles, bodily waste, and bacteria to leak through the intestines into the bloodstream. 

Once these substances enter the bloodstream, they can trigger an unnecessary immune response, which can lead to allergic reactions and other health concerns.

Symptoms of leaky gut

The disruption of the gut barrier can cause the following symptoms:

• Digestive issues, including chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, or bloating 

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Skin conditions, such as eczema, acne, or rosacea 

• Chronic fatigue 

• Food sensitivities

• Blood in the stool

• Fever or night sweats

• Unexplained weight loss

If you develop any of these symptoms, consult your doctor for a professional diagnosis. 

Causes of Leaky Gut

Several factors can cause LGS to develop, including:

• Poor diet: A diet high in processed foods and takeout, refined sugars, and gluten can irritate the intestinal lining, which can increase your risk of developing leaky gut. 

• Chronic stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and impair gut barrier function, leading to inflammation and damage. It can also cause stomach ulcers, which may contribute to LGS.

• Certain medications: Certain medications and treatments — like antibiotics, chemotherapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — can cause inflammation and lesions in the gut. 

• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can irritate and erode the gut lining and increase the production of harmful bacteria, which can damage the intestines.

• Infections: Certain bacterial infections — such as E. coli or salmonella — can lead to gut inflammation and damage. Overgrowth of yeast can also damage the intestinal wall.

• Autoimmune disorders: Some diseases — like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and HIV/AIDS — attack the gastrointestinal tract, which can worsen leaky gut syndrome.

• Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins — such as pesticides and heavy metals — can also damage the gut lining.

How is Leaky Gut Diagnosed?

Diagnosing leaky gut syndrome can be challenging because not all healthcare professionals recognize it as a distinct medical condition.

However, certain tests and clinical assessments can help determine if your intestinal lining is at risk of developing digestive conditions. 

Your doctor will typically start this assessment by taking your medical history, including any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Next, they will perform a physical evaluation to identify any signs that suggest underlying issues — such as skin rashes, swollen joints, or abdominal tenderness.

Depending on the outcome of this evaluation, your doctor may recommend further testing. This could involve:

• Intestinal permeability tests: The lactulose-mannitol test is a common evaluation that involves consuming two indigestible sugars and taking a urine test after a certain period. Your doctor will test the urine for these sugars to assess how permeable your gut is.

• Blood tests: Certain blood tests can identify the presence of antibodies that might indicate gut inflammation and damage.

• Stool tests: These can help assess the overall health of the gut microbiome and detect infections or imbalances in gut bacteria that contribute to symptoms.

Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on the results of these tests and recommend appropriate next steps, including treatment and preventative strategies.

What are the Treatment Options for Leaky Gut?

Treatment options for leaky gut primarily involve repairing the intestinal lining, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance to the gut microbiome. 

Let’s take a look at the common treatment methods for this condition.

Dietary changes 

Making dietary changes is often the first-line treatment for leaky gut. These changes typically involve:

• Eliminating irritants: Reduce or avoid foods that irritate the gut or contribute to an imbalance. These may include processed foods, sugars, dairy — especially if you’re lactose intolerant — and gluten.

• Incorporating gut-healing foods: Foods like bone broth — which contains collagen and amino acids — and fermented products provide natural probiotics and can help repair the intestinal lining.

• Increasing fiber intake: Consuming a variety of fiber-rich foods helps support a healthy gut microbiome and promotes bowel regularity, which can reduce digestive discomfort.

• Eating more anti-inflammatory foods: To help reduce gut irritation, include more foods high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids — such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fatty fish (like salmon) — in your meals.

Pre- and probiotic supplements 

For more severe gut imbalances and cases of leaky gut, pre- and probiotic supplements may be useful.

Probiotics contain live beneficial bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of gut flora, which can improve intestinal barrier function.

Prebiotics are fibers that feed the good bacteria in your gut and support overall intestinal health.

Before using pre- or probiotic supplements to treat and heal leaky gut, consult your doctor to ensure it is the most appropriate treatment option for your condition.

Lifestyle modifications 

Various lifestyle habits can cause the gut to become inflamed or irritated. Adopting the following changes can help prevent that: 

• Reduce stress: Engaging in regular stress-reducing activities — such meditation and regular exercise — can significantly improve your gut health.

• Get enough sleep: Ensuring you get enough restful sleep each night helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining and supports your overall health. Adults should ideally get between seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

• Avoid harmful substances: Limit alcohol consumption and avoid the use of NSAIDs when possible, as these can damage the gut lining and aggravate your symptoms.

Medical treatments 

In severe cases or when dietary and lifestyle modifications aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend medical treatment to help you manage your symptoms. This could include:

• Addressing underlying conditions: Treat any underlying health issues that may be contributing to an increased risk of leaky gut, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Adjusting your medication: If your current medications — like antibiotics or NSAIDs — are contributing to gut issues, your doctor may suggest alternatives.

When Should You See a Doctor About Leaky Gut?

While the symptoms of LGS can often be managed with diet and lifestyle changes, there are certain situations where it is crucial to seek professional medical advice. These include:

• Experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms that don’t improve with treatment, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas

• Developing new food allergies or sensitivities 

• Feeling chronically fatigued or generally unwell 

• Developing worsening symptoms of autoimmune disorders

• Experiencing symptoms of nutritional deficiencies despite following a healthy diet, including anemia, skin rashes, and brittle nails 

• Experiencing persistent or worsening skin conditions – including eczema, acne, and psoriasis

• Developing digestive issues after using NSAIDs or antibiotics 

• Feeling like your overall health is deteriorating without an apparent reason

These symptoms are often side effects of leaky gut or other digestive tract disorders that require medical treatment.

Your doctor can provide you with a professional diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options to help manage your symptoms. 

Where Can You Learn More About Leaky Gut and Similar Conditions?

LifeMD can help you manage any unpleasant symptoms you may be experiencing due to LGS.

A team of medical professionals can assist you with medications, prescriptions, and advice to cope with painful or uncomfortable symptoms.

You can consult with board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners online and skip the waiting room. Make your appointment today.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

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