What is Leaky Gut?

Leaky gut refers to increased intestinal permeability. In simple terms, the lining of your gut isn’t as tight as it should be, allowing partially digested food particles and inflammatory compounds to cross into the bloodstream.

There is lab testing for this. One marker often measured is zonulin, which can indicate increased gut permeability.

But clinically, here’s what I look for:
• Frequent bloating or gas
• Food reactions you can’t explain
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Skin issues

One of the biggest challenges? Reactions are often delayed. You might eat something and not feel the effects for hours — even up to a day later — so you don’t connect the dots.

You can run a food sensitivity test (different from a skin prick allergy test). These look at delayed immune responses.

Or you can start simpler.

Remove the most common inflammatory foods for 3 weeks. Focus on gut repair — adequate protein, bone broth, micronutrients, sleep, stress management. Then reintroduce foods one at a time and watch how you feel.

Test if you need to.

But don’t forget, an elimination and reintroduction protocol is powerful, inexpensive, and often faster.

#jjvirgin #leakygut #metabolism #microbiome @cultureapothecary

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