Leaky gut supplements

What is leaky gut and how does it affect your body?

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the tight junctions in the lining of the small intestine become loose. These junctions are supposed to control what passes from your gut into your bloodstream. When they malfunction, toxins, microbes, and undigested food particles can “leak” through.

A healthy gut lining forms a selective barrier, absorbing nutrients while keeping harmful substances out. But when it’s compromised, the immune system kicks into overdrive, triggering widespread inflammation and contributing to chronic issues like fatigue, bloating, autoimmunity, and brain fog.

Rather than just managing symptoms, identifying why the gut barrier is compromised is essential. Common drivers include chronic stress, poor diet, alcohol overuse, long-term medication use (especially NSAIDs and antibiotics), and imbalances in the gut microbiome.

What symptoms might signal a leaky gut?

The symptoms of leaky gut vary, but often overlap with other chronic conditions:

• Bloating or gas after meals
• Food sensitivities or intolerances
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue, especially post-meal
• Acne, eczema, or rosacea
• Joint pain or muscle aches
• Irregular bowel movements (constipation or diarrhoea)
• Seasonal allergies, autoimmune flares or thyroid dysfunction
• Mood issues such as anxiety or irritability

What causes a leaky gut and how does diet play a role?

The primary cause of leaky gut is chronic inflammation that damages the intestinal lining. This inflammation is often driven by:

Dietary triggers
• Gluten, refined sugar, alcohol, and processed foods
• Food sensitivities (especially dairy, soy, eggs, and nightshades)

Microbial imbalance
• Overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeasts (like Candida)
• Low levels of protective bacteria

Stress and lifestyle
• Chronic stress raising cortisol levels
• Poor sleep and lack of exercise

Environmental exposures
• Pesticides, chemicals, mould, and heavy metals

Medication use
• Frequent antibiotics, NSAIDs, acid-blocking drugs

Understanding the root cause of your gut lining damage is critical to choosing the right supplementation and approach.

What tests can help confirm leaky gut and guide treatment?

Although leaky gut isn’t traditionally tested in conventional medicine, functional lab testing can offer clear insights. At Forbes.health, we recommend:

• Gut microbiome analysis to evaluate bacterial balance, pathogens, and inflammation markers
• Zonulin levels via stool testing, which indicate intestinal permeability
• Food sensitivity panels to assess immune reactions to specific foods
• Cortisol rhythm testing (via saliva) to examine stress response patterns
• Comprehensive digestive markers including enzymes, short-chain fatty acids, and intestinal health

All of this can be done from home and is essential to personalise your gut healing journey.

What simple steps can help improve gut lining health?

If you’re starting out, here are daily actions that support your gut barrier:

• Remove highly processed and inflammatory foods
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine if tolerated poorly
• Eat fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir (unless histamine sensitive)
• Include prebiotic-rich vegetables (leeks, asparagus, garlic)
• Stay hydrated, but avoid drinking large amounts during meals
• Prioritise sleep and daily exercise
• Learn to regulate stress through breathwork, nature walks, or journaling

For some, adding adaptogens such as ashwagandha or holy basil may support adrenal balance and reduce stress-related gut impact.

How can you manage and repair leaky gut in the long term?

Long-term gut repair starts with identifying why the gut became permeable in the first place. We focus on these four phases:

• Remove inflammatory triggers, including food sensitivities and infections
• Rebalance the gut with targeted supplementation and food regulation (like a Metabolic Typing Diet)
• Repair the intestinal lining using nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, marshmallow root, and aloe vera
• Reinoculate with microbiome-supportive supplementation

Management isn’t about one single supplement—it’s about the right combination, based on your test results and symptoms.

How does Forbes.health help with leaky gut and gut healing?

At Forbes.health, we focus on root cause healing, not just symptom relief. Here’s how we guide your gut repair journey—entirely from the comfort of your home:

• Advanced functional lab testing shipped to your door
• Clear digital results, explained by your Functional Medicine Specialist
• Personalised supplementation and nutrition plans, including guidance on adaptogens and gut-repair nutrients
• Metabolic Typing Diet to match your food intake with your body’s natural fuel preference
• Regular check-ins and digital health tracking tools to monitor progress
• Retesting to ensure your gut has truly healed—not just improved symptoms

We’re here to help you connect the dots and give your gut the support it needs to fully recover.