About this condition
Intestinal permeability — commonly called 'leaky gut' — refers to increased permeability of the gut lining, which some research links to inflammatory and immune activity elsewhere in the body. Naturopathic doctors with a focus in gut health look at dietary and lifestyle factors that may support the gut lining as part of a broader, individualized plan.
What a naturopathic doctor can do
- Intestinal permeability testing (lactulose/mannitol test)
- Comprehensive stool analysis
- L-glutamine — the primary fuel for intestinal epithelial cells
- Zinc carnosine for mucosal repair
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) and slippery elm
- Elimination diet to remove ongoing inflammatory triggers
- Microbiome restoration with targeted probiotics and prebiotics
- Identifying and removing the cause — NSAIDs, alcohol, stress, dysbiosis
Also known as
Common questions
Intestinal permeability is a well-established physiological phenomenon with significant peer-reviewed research. While 'leaky gut' is not a formal ICD diagnostic code, increased intestinal permeability is measurable and clinically relevant.
Common causes include chronic NSAID use, alcohol, antibiotic use, stress, gluten in susceptible individuals, gut dysbiosis, and a low-fibre diet.
With consistent treatment and removal of triggering factors, most patients see meaningful improvement in 6–12 weeks. The degree of improvement varies depending on how long the permeability has been present.