Leaky Gut Explained: The Root Cause of Digestive Issues & How to Heal

You may have heard that "the gut is the root cause of many issues your body may experience." Let's break down what this means and how it happens.

How Your Gut Normally Works

Your gut (gastrointestinal system) is a connected pathway from your stomach through your intestines to your colon. As food and drinks pass through this system, it:

Breaks down what you consume
Releases digestive enzymes
Absorbs key nutrients to fuel your body

A diverse, balanced diet delivers different beneficial microorganisms that support digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.

When Your Gut Becomes "Leaky"

When your intestinal lining becomes damaged from cracks and holes, it develops increased permeability – or what's commonly called "leaky gut." This condition allows things that shouldn't enter your bloodstream to pass through.

Common causes of increased intestinal permeability include:

Poor diet choices
Excessive smoking
Alcohol consumption

The Consequences

With a weakened intestinal lining, undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria can leak into your bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation and immune responses throughout your body, potentially leading to intestinal, auto immune diseases and various other health problems.

Gut Microbiome Supporting Foods

Gut-supporting foods help nourish beneficial bacteria below are five areas you can incorporate into your diet.

Fermented Foods

· Yogurt

· Kefir

· Kimchi

· Sauerkraut

· Miso

· Kombucha

Prebiotic Foods

· Garlic

· Onions