Your Gut May Be More “Open” Than You Think
How food and lifestyle can support a healthy gut barrier.
One of the goals I have with this weekly blog is to talk about things I see with my clients.
Unfortunately, digestive problems are common.
Whether you are aware or not, 80% of your immune system lives in the large intestine. If you have chronic issues with your digestion, this increases your risk for many other types of illness.
Many people have heard of leaky gut, but may not really understand what it actually means for their body.
Intestinal Permeability: What Is “Leaky Gut”?
Your intestinal lining acts like a selective barrier, allowing nutrients to pass into the bloodstream while keeping harmful substances, pathogens, and larger particles contained in the gut.
When this barrier becomes more permeable, larger molecules can cross between intestinal cells more easily than they should. This is commonly referred to as increased intestinal permeability or “leaky gut.”
What can contribute to increased permeability?
Chronic inflammation-especially inflammation in the intestinal lining
Intestinal infections or dysbiosis-loss of beneficial microbes with overgrowth of less desirable organisms
Celiac disease and other inflammatory conditions-particularly important in celiac disease, where gluten directly triggers intestinal damage.
Ultra processed food/excessive alcohol intake-excess alcohol, highly processed foods, certain food additives, and diets low in fiber can confuse the immune system where the body attacks itself trying to determine what the pollutants are and see them as invaders.
Certain medications, including NSAIDs-NSAIDs like ibuprofen damage the gastrointestinal lining; some other medications can also alter the microbiome
Chronic psychological or physiological stress-can alter gut motility, microbiota, immune activity, and intestinal-barrier function.
Poor sleep and circadian disruption - can influence gut-barrier integrity and inflammation.
Low stomach acid or impaired digestion - may contribute indirectly by altering microbial balance and digestion.
Underlying intestinal disease -including inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.
You generally cannot see or feel intestinal permeability itself.
It doesn't necessarily cause obvious digestive symptoms.
Instead, it may show up alongside symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, food sensitivities, fatigue, or systemic inflammatory symptoms.
The BIGGEST OFFENDER in the United States for Intestinal Permeability comes directly from the way we farm. Industrial farming strips the soil of most of the nutrients. In addition, the pesticides, herbicides, and specifically the toxin found in ROUND UP have been proven to cause cancer in both animal and human studies, GLYPHOSATE.
For more on this find link below.
** On a personal note—When traveling, with Celiac Disease, I am able to eat heirloom wheats and grains in countries like Italy where they do not use GLYPHOSATE in the food system WITH NO PROBLEMS. I am obviously not a Physician, please check with your own Naturopathic Physician or Functional Medicine Practitioner before choosing to try this yourself.
Making this practical in your own life:
Start by removing/reducing-
Ultra-processed foods — packaged snacks, fast food, refined oils, artificial additives.
Alcohol — one of the more important gut-barrier irritants to remove.
Gluten, if sensitive — especially if there is celiac disease, suspected gluten sensitivity, or clear symptoms after eating gluten.
High-glyphosate-exposure foods — particularly conventional wheat-based foods (bread, crackers, cereals, pasta) and conventional oats. Choose organic versions when practical, especially for these foods.
Excess added sugar — especially sugary drinks, desserts and highly refined carbohydrates.
NSAIDs when medically avoidable — such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which are harmful to the intestinal lining. Don't stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with your clinician.
Foods that clearly trigger symptoms — even if they're considered "healthy." Individual tolerance matters.
If bloating, digestive issues, inflammation, or chronic symptoms keep coming back, it’s time to look deeper.
Let’s find your triggers, address the root causes, and build a personalized plan that helps your body heal and thrive.
Schedule your personalized nutrition consultation today.
