Leaky Gut Syndrome – What is leaky gut? Symptoms, Treatment & Diet

The term “leaky gut” has gained a lot of attention in recent years.

Also known as increased intestinal permeability, it’s a condition in which gaps in your intestinal walls start to loosen. This allows larger substances, such as bacteria, toxins and undigested food particles, to pass across the intestinal walls into your bloodstream.

Studies have shown that increased intestinal permeability may be connected to several chronic and autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and celiac disease.

This article takes a look at leaky gut syndrome and its causes. It also includes a list of foods that aid digestive health and a sample meal plan for one week.

What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky Gut Syndrome - What is leaky gut? Symptoms, Treatment & Diet

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that affects your digestive system.

The digestive system consists of many organs that collectively break down food, absorb nutrients and water and remove waste products. It also acts as a barrier between your gut and bloodstream to prevent harmful substances from entering your body.

Most nutrient and water absorption occurs in your intestines. Your intestines have tight junctions, or small gaps, that allow nutrients and water to pass into your bloodstream.

How easily substances pass across the intestinal walls is known as intestinal permeability.

In leaky gut syndrome, these tight junctions loosen, potentially allowing harmful substances like bacteria, toxins and undigested food particles to enter your bloodstream.

This is thought to trigger widespread inflammation and stimulate an immune reaction.

Yet, there is little evidence to prove that leaky gut syndrome is a serious problem. As a result, it’s not recognized as a medical diagnosis by mainstream physicians.

On the other hand, many alternative practitioners believe leaky gut syndrome is linked to various conditions, including autoimmune diseases, migraines, autism, food sensitivities, skin conditions, brain fog and chronic fatigue.

Increased intestinal permeability exists and occurs alongside many diseases. However, it’s not clear if it’s a symptom or underlying cause of chronic disease.

What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?

The exact cause of leaky gut syndrome is a mystery.

However, increased intestinal permeability is well known and occurs alongside several chronic diseases, including celiac disease and type 1 diabetes.

Zonulin is a protein that regulates tight junctions. Research has shown that higher levels of this protein may loosen tight junctions and increase intestinal permeability.

Two factors may stimulate higher zonulin levels — bacteria and gluten.

There is consistent evidence that gluten increases intestinal permeability in people with celiac disease.

However, research in healthy adults and those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity shows mixed results. While test-tube studies have found that gluten can increase intestinal permeability, human-based studies have not had the same effect.

Aside from zonulin, other factors can also increase intestinal permeability.

Research shows that higher levels of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 13 (IL-13), or the long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, may increase intestinal permeability.

Furthermore, low levels of healthy gut bacteria may have the same effect. This is called gut dysbiosis.


Foods to Eat

As leaky gut syndrome isn’t an official medical diagnosis, there is no recommended treatment.

Yet, you can do plenty of things to improve your digestive health.

One is to eat a diet rich in foods that aid the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. An unhealthy collection of gut bacteria has been linked to poor health outcomes, including chronic inflammation, cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The following foods are great options for improving your digestive health:

  • Fermented vegetables: Kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh and miso.
  • Sprouted seeds: Chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds and more.
  • Healthy fats: Avocado, avocado oil, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil.
  • Fish: Salmon, tuna, herring and other omega-3-rich fish.
  • Meats and eggs: Lean cuts of chicken, beef, lamb, turkey and eggs.
  • Herbs and spices: All herbs and spices.
  • Cultured dairy products: Kefir, yogurt, Greek yogurt and traditional buttermilk.

Foods to Avoid

Avoiding certain foods is equally important for improving your gut health.



  • Wheat-based products: Bread, pasta, cereals, wheat flour, couscous, etc.
  • Gluten-containing grains: Barley, rye, bulgur, seitan, triticale and oats.
  • Processed meats: Cold cuts, deli meats, bacon, hot dogs, etc.
  • Baked goods: Cakes, muffins, cookies, pies, pastries and pizza.
  • Snack foods: Crackers, muesli bars, popcorn, pretzels, etc.
  • Junk food: Fast foods, potato chips, sugary cereals, candy bars, etc.
  • Dairy products: Milk, cheeses and ice cream.
  • Refined oils: Canola, sunflower, soybean and safflower oils.
  • Artificial sweeteners: Aspartame, sucralose and saccharin.
  • Sauces: Salad dressings, as well as soy, teriyaki and hoisin sauce.
  • Beverages: Alcohol, carbonated beverages and other sugary drinks.

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