Leaky Gut is a form of dysbiosis, an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine that can lead to an array of uncomfortable symptoms in the short term: excess gas, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation, and increased inflammation throughout the body. In the long run, even more serious consequences can appear if left untreated.

Risk factors include low stomach acid, long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), IBS, poor pancreatic function, Crohn’s disease, liver disease, Celiac disease, diabetes, obesity, and older age. Non-GI symptoms can look like brain fog, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and skin conditions. Long-term symptoms may include a lack of absorption of important nutrients such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D, leading to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.

Our guts have several built-in mechanisms to prevent bacterial overgrowth-gastric acid and bile secretion, digestive enzymes, a healthy intestinal mucosal layer, and normal intestinal motility all play a role in preventing excessive colonization of the small intestine by bacteria, but if any one of these is compromised, you can become susceptible to developing Leaky Gut. To add insult to injury, Leaky Gut can significantly interfere with these processes and functions, so if you are already starting with an unhealthy gut, Leaky Gut only compounds the problem. It can also leads to increased intestinal permeability and certain strains of bacteria can produce toxic substances that can increase inflammation not only in the gut, but throughout the body.