About this condition
Intestinal permeability — commonly called 'leaky gut' — occurs when the tight junctions of the gut lining break down, allowing bacteria, food particles, and inflammatory compounds to enter the bloodstream. This triggers systemic immune activation and is recognized as a contributor to autoimmune disease, food sensitivities, skin conditions, mental health symptoms, and chronic inflammation.
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
Related conditions treated
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. Complete healing varies depending on how long the permeability has been present.