Leaky Gut Syndrome: What Is Known and Unknown?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLeaky Gut and Gut PermeabilityGI Tract and Other OrgansSelf-ManagementTreatmentNext in Leaky Gut Syndrome GuideLeaky Gut Syndrome: Symptoms and Ties to Other Disorders

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Table of Contents

Leaky Gut and Gut Permeability

GI Tract and Other Organs

Self-Management

Treatment

Next in Leaky Gut Syndrome Guide

Leaky gut syndrome is not a recognized medical condition. There is no approved diagnosis or treatment method for it. People who discuss leaky gut think the gut lining has become more permeable (“leaky”), allowing substances and microbes to pass from the gut into the bloodstream and perhaps farther into the body.

The gut lining can become more permeable in various gastrointestinal conditions. This permeability might be linked to abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. People who experience these symptoms need to work with their healthcare providers to understand the underlying cause and how it should be treated.

skynesher / Getty Images.

Defining Leaky Gut Syndrome and Gut Permeability

The organs of thedigestive systemhave an inner lining. That lining has many roles, including absorbing nutrients and other substances from foods and drinks. It is also a barrier that prevents potentially harmful substances from passing through it and into intestinal tissue.

When this lining has gaps, it becomes more permeable. Some things passing through the digestive system may then work their way past the lining and into the intestinal tissue. These substances could then move on to enter the bloodstream.

Undigested food particles, bacteria, or toxic substances can enter body tissues this way. This is why it’s important that the digestive system’s lining stays as intact and as undisturbed as possible.

Do Providers Recognize Leaky Gut Syndrome?

That doesn’t mean that intestinal permeability is not possible or is not a problem. The gut lining, in general, has a certain amount of permeability. It has to allow nutrients to pass through it. However, significant permeability isn’t common or believed to cause a wide variety of symptoms outside of the digestive system.

Leaky gut is also something that is not diagnosable withstool testsorblood tests. No test is universally recognized as reliable in diagnosing intestinal permeability. Some specialized testing is being studied, but there isn’t enough information yet to use these tests in patients with any certainty.

Associated Symptoms and Conditions

Even though leaky gut is not a recognized condition, it is known that the intestinal lining can become damaged and become more permeable.

Some symptoms often associated with leaky gut are:

Some conditions have been connected to permeability in the inner layer of the digestive system. Less is known about whether or not it can be said for certain that the permeability either affects or plays a role in the cause of these conditions. These include:

Link Between the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract and Other Organs

There is little evidence that permeability in the intestines affects organs outside the digestive tract. Research has not supported the idea that a leaky gut could lead to symptoms or cause conditions outside the digestive system.

However, extraintestinal symptoms and conditions (those in other parts of the body) are still sometimes believed to be linked to a leaky gut, even without good evidence. Some of these symptoms include:

How to Self-Manage Leaky Gut Syndrome

Make Dietary Changes

One way to manage leaky gut is tomake dietary changes. This can include removing foods that have a negative impact on the gut microbiome (the community of microbes that live in the gut), while adding in foods that will have a positive effect.

Overall, eating a lower-fat diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and fiber while reducing excess fats, carbohydrates, and sugar may help improve digestive health.

Starting a new way of eating can be challenging. Making small changes weekly is one strategy that may help. It may also be helpful tokeep a food diaryin a journal or through an app. Tracking symptoms after meals could also give some clues as to foods that might be more or less helpful with symptoms.

Food groups that people with intestinal permeability might consider avoiding include:

Foods that might be included in the diet to help improve intestinal permeability include:

Manage Stress

Psychological stress can affectgut healthand the gut microbiome, as well as increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. Poor mental health, in turn, can lead to making unwise dietary choices that do not support gut health. Managing stress whenever possible is also important in maintaining good digestion.

Staying hydrated, getting quality sleep, and stopping smoking are other things that may help in reducingirritation and/or inflammation in the gut.

Consider Adjunctive Therapies

Leaky gut is not a recognized condition and cannot be diagnosed based on blood or stool tests. It’s important to know this to get appropriate care and reject products and people claiming to diagnose and treat leaky gut. If you think you have a more permeable gut that’s causing symptoms, working with board-certified healthcare professionals may help.

Some of the modalities that might be used in addition to what a gastroenterologist or a dietitian may suggest could include:

Leaky Gut Syndrome Treatment Under Provider Supervision

There is no approved treatment for people suspected of having or known to have intestinal permeability. However, healthcare providers such asgastroenterologistsand dietitians may suggest ways to help decrease permeability.

Probiotics(beneficial gut microbes) have not been proven to help on a widespread basis, but there are two specific circumstances in which they were studied. A trial was done in adults with obesity. Probiotics that contain two different strains of a bacteria calledBifidobacteriumhelped these people with intestinal permeability.

The other example is from a mouse study. It involved a proprietary strain of probiotics called VSL#3. The mice with medication-induced colitis had less intestinal permeability when given VSL#3.

VLS#3 has been used in people with ulcerative colitis, but whether it will be effective for any particular person is unknown. A person could try it to see if it helps, but it is expensive, and little evidence supports its usefulness.

You might see a registered dietitian to manage gut permeability. In some cases, a dietitian will recommend a diet that has been shown to have a beneficial effect on overall health, such as theMediterranean diet.

A mental health professional may also help manage the emotional aspects of leaky gut. Having a wide variety of symptoms without a specific cause can postpone a diagnosis and treatment, affecting emotions. There is no evidence about what type of therapy might be most helpful, but a mental health professional experienced in people with chronic illness may be able to make suggestions.

Getting Health Care for Leaky Gut Without InsuranceNot having insurance can be challenging when seeking health care. However, options are available. It may take time,some searching, and making a few phone calls, but there could be free or low-cost care available in your area, such as:Emergency rooms will provide care regardless of your ability to pay.Nonprofit groups may have services available or assist with payments.Pharmacy/drugstore clinics may be able to provide care at low costs and offer same-day appointments.State, town, or city health centers may offer low-cost or free care.Teaching hospitals may have reduced rates.Urgent care clinics may provide care at lower costs for people who don’t have insurance.

Getting Health Care for Leaky Gut Without Insurance

Not having insurance can be challenging when seeking health care. However, options are available. It may take time,some searching, and making a few phone calls, but there could be free or low-cost care available in your area, such as:Emergency rooms will provide care regardless of your ability to pay.Nonprofit groups may have services available or assist with payments.Pharmacy/drugstore clinics may be able to provide care at low costs and offer same-day appointments.State, town, or city health centers may offer low-cost or free care.Teaching hospitals may have reduced rates.Urgent care clinics may provide care at lower costs for people who don’t have insurance.

Not having insurance can be challenging when seeking health care. However, options are available. It may take time,some searching, and making a few phone calls, but there could be free or low-cost care available in your area, such as:

Summary

“Leaky gut” is not a recognized medical condition. There is no accepted way to diagnose or treat leaky gut syndrome. However, the gut can become more permeable, leading to a risk of symptoms inside and outside of the digestive tract.

People experiencing digestive issues should see a healthcare provider for symptom relief and a possible diagnosis. This includes people already living with a digestive or immune-mediated condition who are experiencing new or ongoing symptoms.

14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chae YR, Lee YR, Kim YS, Park HY.Diet-induced gut dysbiosis and leaky gut syndrome.J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024;34(4):747-756. doi:10.4014/jmb.2312.12031Di Vincenzo F, Del Gaudio A, Petito V, Lopetuso LR, Scaldaferri F.Gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and systemic inflammation: a narrative review.Intern Emerg Med. 2024;19:275-293. doi:10.1007/s11739-023-03374-wLacy BE, Wise JL, Cangemi DJ.Leaky gut syndrome: myths and management.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2024;20(5):264-272.Wallace MB, Vazquez-Roque M, Bojarski C, Schulzke JD.Imaging the leaky gut.Gastroenterology. 2014;147(5):952-954. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2014.09.027Fritscher-Ravens A, Schuppan D, Ellrichmann M, et al.Confocal endomicroscopy shows food-associated changes in the intestinal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterology. 2014;147(5):1012-20.e4. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2014.07.046Vanuytsel T, Tack J, Farre R.The role of intestinal permeability in gastrointestinal disorders and current methods of evaluation.Front Nutr. 2021;8:717925. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.717925.Farshchi MK, Azad FJ, Salari R, Mirsadraee M, Anushiravani M.A viewpoint on the leaky gut syndrome to treat allergic asthma: A novel opinion.J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22:378-380. doi:10.1177/2156587216682169Mandarano AH, Giloteaux L, Keller BA, Levine SM, Hanson MR.Eukaryotes in the gut microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.PeerJ. 2018;6:e4282. doi:10.7717/peerj.4282Obrenovich MEM.Leaky gut, leaky brain?Microorganisms. 2018;6(4):107. doi:10.3390/microorganisms6040107Chen G, Chen ZM, Fan XY, et al.Gut-brain-skin axis in psoriasis: a review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(1):25-38. doi:10.1007/s13555-020-00466-9Kogan M, Castillo CC, Barber MS.Chronic rhinosinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome: a case report.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2016;15(3):44-54.Campos M.Leaky gut: What is it, and what does it mean for you? Harvard Health Blog.Madison A, Kiecolt-Glaser JK.Stress, depression, diet, and the gut microbiota: human-bacteria interactions at the core of psychoneuroimmunology and nutrition.Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2019;28:105-110. doi:10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.011Guerreiro CS, Calado Â, Sousa J, Fonseca JE.Diet, microbiota, and gut permeability—the unknown triad in rheumatoid arthritis.Front Med (Lausanne). 2018;5:349. doi:10.3389/fmed.2018.00349Additional ReadingMargolis KG, Cryan JF, Mayer EA. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: From Motility to Mood. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(5):1486-1501. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.10.066.

14 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chae YR, Lee YR, Kim YS, Park HY.Diet-induced gut dysbiosis and leaky gut syndrome.J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024;34(4):747-756. doi:10.4014/jmb.2312.12031Di Vincenzo F, Del Gaudio A, Petito V, Lopetuso LR, Scaldaferri F.Gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and systemic inflammation: a narrative review.Intern Emerg Med. 2024;19:275-293. doi:10.1007/s11739-023-03374-wLacy BE, Wise JL, Cangemi DJ.Leaky gut syndrome: myths and management.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2024;20(5):264-272.Wallace MB, Vazquez-Roque M, Bojarski C, Schulzke JD.Imaging the leaky gut.Gastroenterology. 2014;147(5):952-954. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2014.09.027Fritscher-Ravens A, Schuppan D, Ellrichmann M, et al.Confocal endomicroscopy shows food-associated changes in the intestinal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterology. 2014;147(5):1012-20.e4. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2014.07.046Vanuytsel T, Tack J, Farre R.The role of intestinal permeability in gastrointestinal disorders and current methods of evaluation.Front Nutr. 2021;8:717925. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.717925.Farshchi MK, Azad FJ, Salari R, Mirsadraee M, Anushiravani M.A viewpoint on the leaky gut syndrome to treat allergic asthma: A novel opinion.J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22:378-380. doi:10.1177/2156587216682169Mandarano AH, Giloteaux L, Keller BA, Levine SM, Hanson MR.Eukaryotes in the gut microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.PeerJ. 2018;6:e4282. doi:10.7717/peerj.4282Obrenovich MEM.Leaky gut, leaky brain?Microorganisms. 2018;6(4):107. doi:10.3390/microorganisms6040107Chen G, Chen ZM, Fan XY, et al.Gut-brain-skin axis in psoriasis: a review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(1):25-38. doi:10.1007/s13555-020-00466-9Kogan M, Castillo CC, Barber MS.Chronic rhinosinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome: a case report.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2016;15(3):44-54.Campos M.Leaky gut: What is it, and what does it mean for you? Harvard Health Blog.Madison A, Kiecolt-Glaser JK.Stress, depression, diet, and the gut microbiota: human-bacteria interactions at the core of psychoneuroimmunology and nutrition.Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2019;28:105-110. doi:10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.011Guerreiro CS, Calado Â, Sousa J, Fonseca JE.Diet, microbiota, and gut permeability—the unknown triad in rheumatoid arthritis.Front Med (Lausanne). 2018;5:349. doi:10.3389/fmed.2018.00349Additional ReadingMargolis KG, Cryan JF, Mayer EA. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: From Motility to Mood. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(5):1486-1501. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.10.066.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Chae YR, Lee YR, Kim YS, Park HY.Diet-induced gut dysbiosis and leaky gut syndrome.J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024;34(4):747-756. doi:10.4014/jmb.2312.12031Di Vincenzo F, Del Gaudio A, Petito V, Lopetuso LR, Scaldaferri F.Gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and systemic inflammation: a narrative review.Intern Emerg Med. 2024;19:275-293. doi:10.1007/s11739-023-03374-wLacy BE, Wise JL, Cangemi DJ.Leaky gut syndrome: myths and management.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2024;20(5):264-272.Wallace MB, Vazquez-Roque M, Bojarski C, Schulzke JD.Imaging the leaky gut.Gastroenterology. 2014;147(5):952-954. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2014.09.027Fritscher-Ravens A, Schuppan D, Ellrichmann M, et al.Confocal endomicroscopy shows food-associated changes in the intestinal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterology. 2014;147(5):1012-20.e4. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2014.07.046Vanuytsel T, Tack J, Farre R.The role of intestinal permeability in gastrointestinal disorders and current methods of evaluation.Front Nutr. 2021;8:717925. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.717925.Farshchi MK, Azad FJ, Salari R, Mirsadraee M, Anushiravani M.A viewpoint on the leaky gut syndrome to treat allergic asthma: A novel opinion.J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22:378-380. doi:10.1177/2156587216682169Mandarano AH, Giloteaux L, Keller BA, Levine SM, Hanson MR.Eukaryotes in the gut microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.PeerJ. 2018;6:e4282. doi:10.7717/peerj.4282Obrenovich MEM.Leaky gut, leaky brain?Microorganisms. 2018;6(4):107. doi:10.3390/microorganisms6040107Chen G, Chen ZM, Fan XY, et al.Gut-brain-skin axis in psoriasis: a review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(1):25-38. doi:10.1007/s13555-020-00466-9Kogan M, Castillo CC, Barber MS.Chronic rhinosinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome: a case report.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2016;15(3):44-54.Campos M.Leaky gut: What is it, and what does it mean for you? Harvard Health Blog.Madison A, Kiecolt-Glaser JK.Stress, depression, diet, and the gut microbiota: human-bacteria interactions at the core of psychoneuroimmunology and nutrition.Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2019;28:105-110. doi:10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.011Guerreiro CS, Calado Â, Sousa J, Fonseca JE.Diet, microbiota, and gut permeability—the unknown triad in rheumatoid arthritis.Front Med (Lausanne). 2018;5:349. doi:10.3389/fmed.2018.00349

Chae YR, Lee YR, Kim YS, Park HY.Diet-induced gut dysbiosis and leaky gut syndrome.J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024;34(4):747-756. doi:10.4014/jmb.2312.12031

Di Vincenzo F, Del Gaudio A, Petito V, Lopetuso LR, Scaldaferri F.Gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and systemic inflammation: a narrative review.Intern Emerg Med. 2024;19:275-293. doi:10.1007/s11739-023-03374-w

Lacy BE, Wise JL, Cangemi DJ.Leaky gut syndrome: myths and management.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2024;20(5):264-272.

Wallace MB, Vazquez-Roque M, Bojarski C, Schulzke JD.Imaging the leaky gut.Gastroenterology. 2014;147(5):952-954. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2014.09.027

Fritscher-Ravens A, Schuppan D, Ellrichmann M, et al.Confocal endomicroscopy shows food-associated changes in the intestinal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterology. 2014;147(5):1012-20.e4. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2014.07.046

Vanuytsel T, Tack J, Farre R.The role of intestinal permeability in gastrointestinal disorders and current methods of evaluation.Front Nutr. 2021;8:717925. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.717925.

Farshchi MK, Azad FJ, Salari R, Mirsadraee M, Anushiravani M.A viewpoint on the leaky gut syndrome to treat allergic asthma: A novel opinion.J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22:378-380. doi:10.1177/2156587216682169

Mandarano AH, Giloteaux L, Keller BA, Levine SM, Hanson MR.Eukaryotes in the gut microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.PeerJ. 2018;6:e4282. doi:10.7717/peerj.4282

Obrenovich MEM.Leaky gut, leaky brain?Microorganisms. 2018;6(4):107. doi:10.3390/microorganisms6040107

Chen G, Chen ZM, Fan XY, et al.Gut-brain-skin axis in psoriasis: a review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(1):25-38. doi:10.1007/s13555-020-00466-9

Kogan M, Castillo CC, Barber MS.Chronic rhinosinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome: a case report.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2016;15(3):44-54.

Campos M.Leaky gut: What is it, and what does it mean for you? Harvard Health Blog.

Madison A, Kiecolt-Glaser JK.Stress, depression, diet, and the gut microbiota: human-bacteria interactions at the core of psychoneuroimmunology and nutrition.Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2019;28:105-110. doi:10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.011

Guerreiro CS, Calado Â, Sousa J, Fonseca JE.Diet, microbiota, and gut permeability—the unknown triad in rheumatoid arthritis.Front Med (Lausanne). 2018;5:349. doi:10.3389/fmed.2018.00349

Margolis KG, Cryan JF, Mayer EA. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: From Motility to Mood. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(5):1486-1501. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.10.066.

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