Back to blog page
November 7, 2025
Many people experience chronic bloating, fatigue, or skin irritation without understanding why. These seemingly unrelated symptoms can sometimes point to an issue deep within the digestive system — changes in the gut lining often referred to as leaky gut syndrome.
While still under research, evidence shows that increased intestinal permeability may play a role in digestive, autoimmune, and inflammatory conditions. At The Functional MDs, our leaky gut treatment approach focuses on identifying the underlying causes, restoring gut barrier integrity, and rebalancing the body’s immune and inflammatory responses.
This comprehensive guide explains what leaky gut is, its potential symptoms and causes, and the clinical strategies used to manage it effectively.
The intestinal lining is more than a simple barrier—it’s an intelligent gateway that determines what enters the bloodstream. In a healthy gut, tight junctions between intestinal cells selectively allow nutrients through while blocking toxins and pathogens.
When these tight junctions weaken, unwanted particles such as bacteria, undigested food, and toxins can “leak” into circulation, triggering immune reactions and inflammation throughout the body.
Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that increased intestinal permeability has been observed in patients with conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes. However, researchers emphasize that leaky gut is not a stand-alone diagnosis, but rather a physiological process linked to broader health imbalances.
Because intestinal permeability can influence multiple systems, its symptoms often overlap with other conditions—making it challenging to identify without proper evaluation.
Patients commonly report:
A 2023 review in Nutrients found that up to 40% of people with irritable bowel symptoms also exhibit markers of increased intestinal permeability.
When the gut barrier is compromised, inflammation and nutrient malabsorption can manifest beyond digestion:
These symptoms often signal systemic inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption—two hallmarks of leaky gut.
While research is ongoing, leaky gut has been associated with:
The Cleveland Clinic notes that intestinal barrier dysfunction is often found in these conditions, though more research is needed to determine whether it’s a cause or consequence.
Highly processed foods, refined sugar, and alcohol can disrupt the gut microbiota and weaken tight junction proteins such as occludin and zonulin.
A study published in Frontiers in Immunology (2022) found that diets rich in fiber and antioxidants significantly reduced intestinal inflammation and permeability markers.
Your microbiome—the trillions of bacteria in your intestines—protects against pathogens and maintains gut lining health. When imbalance occurs (called dysbiosis), harmful bacteria release toxins that disrupt the epithelial barrier. Antibiotic use, poor diet, or infection can trigger this imbalance.
Elevated cortisol levels alter gut motility, reduce blood flow to the intestines, and impair repair mechanisms. Chronic stress is strongly associated with inflammation and microbiome imbalance. Clinical data show that stress management interventions like meditation can reduce inflammatory cytokines by up to 25%, indirectly supporting gut barrier recovery.
Overuse of NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, and alcohol can damage enterocytes—the cells forming the intestinal lining. Infections like H. pylori, Candida, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can further aggravate permeability.
At The Functional MDs, we treat leaky gut by addressing the underlying causes—not just masking symptoms. Our personalized protocols combine advanced testing, nutrition therapy, and targeted medical treatments that restore balance at the cellular level.
Functional testing helps identify hidden imbalances contributing to intestinal permeability:
This data-driven approach enables our clinicians to tailor precise, effective treatment strategies.
Diet is foundational to gut healing. Our leaky gut treatment plans emphasize:
Research in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology shows that patients following a gut-focused anti-inflammatory diet report 50% fewer digestive symptoms within eight weeks.
Peptides—short chains of amino acids—help regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Peptides like BPC-157 and KPV have shown potential to accelerate intestinal repair, reduce oxidative stress, and support microbiome diversity. At The Functional MDs, peptide therapy is integrated into customized care plans based on clinical testing results.
Hormonal imbalances can slow tissue repair and increase inflammation. For example, low cortisol or estrogen can alter immune response and gut permeability. Through bioidentical hormone therapy, our clinicians restore optimal balance, supporting faster recovery and systemic health.
The liver and gut work together to filter toxins. When the gut barrier weakens, the liver bears a heavier load. We support detoxification with medical-grade supplements, hydration protocols, and nutrients like glutathione and NAC, which aid in clearing inflammatory byproducts.
Because stress profoundly impacts gut health, our care model includes lifestyle interventions:
These interventions complement medical treatments, ensuring the gut-brain axis remains balanced.
Yes—by addressing the underlying causes. The gut lining regenerates every 3–5 days, and with proper treatment (anti-inflammatory diet, probiotics, and stress management), many patients notice improvements within weeks. Full recovery often takes several months, depending on severity.
Leaky gut may contribute to autoimmune activation by allowing antigens to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune reactions. However, it’s usually part of a broader picture involving genetics, stress, diet, and environmental toxins.
Highly processed foods, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and gluten are common irritants. Reducing these and increasing fiber, antioxidants, and fermented foods supports repair.
Probiotics can help, but results depend on strain, dose, and overall gut ecology. They work best when combined with anti-inflammatory nutrition, peptides, and lifestyle therapy.
Traditional care often focuses on symptom relief, while our approach integrates advanced testing, peptide therapy, bioidentical hormones, and detoxification to target root causes and support long-term health.
Leaky gut treatment requires more than dietary adjustments—it demands a comprehensive, personalized plan that restores the body’s natural defense systems.
At The Functional MDs, we specialize in root-cause medicine, combining functional testing, clinical nutrition, and advanced therapies to rebuild gut integrity and improve overall vitality.
If you’ve been struggling with chronic fatigue, digestive discomfort, or inflammation that hasn’t resolved with standard care, our team can help.
Discover how The Functional MDs design personalized leaky gut treatment protocols using advanced testing, peptide therapy, and targeted functional medicine.
Learn more about our clinical approach.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Functional Medicine is a complementary approach designed to support overall health and wellness and should not replace traditional medical care. The strategies and recommendations discussed in this blog may not align with standard care practices and are not universally appropriate. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before making any changes to your health plan or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary. The Functional MDs emphasizes the importance of collaboration with your primary healthcare provider to ensure a safe, integrative approach to your health journey.
The Functional MDs
Website Disclaimer:
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Health-related information changes frequently and, therefore, the Content on this website may be outdated, incomplete or incorrect. We do not assume any liability for the information contained or referenced within this website and make no warranties, nor express or implied representations whatsoever regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or usefulness of any information contained or referenced in this website. Results vary from patient to patient. No prescriptions or treatments will be given unless a clinical need exists based on an examination by the physician. Any review or other material that could be regarded as a testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any consultation. The testimonials on this website represent the anecdotal experience of individual consumers. Use of this website is subject to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
© 2025 The Functional MDs Clinic. All Rights Reserved.
