5 Signs of Leaky Gut (and How to Support Your Gut Lining Naturally)
If your gut could talk, it wouldn’t whisper—it would send flare signals. When the gut lining becomes overly permeable (often called “leaky gut”), the rest of the body reacts loudly. While the term sounds casual, the science behind gut permeability is very real and increasingly well-recognized.
Let’s explore the five key signs that your gut may be asking for some serious TLC—and what you can do to support it.
Watch: 5 Signs of Leaky Gut
In this short video, Dr. Brown walks through the core signs of leaky gut and why your digestive health matters for your whole body.
1. Persistent Digestive Problems
Gas, bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel symptoms are often the earliest signs of a leaky gut.
A healthy gut lining acts like a carefully guarded gate—allowing in nutrients while keeping out unwanted particles. When this lining becomes irritated or overly permeable, it can lead to discomfort and irregular digestion.
If your days revolve around wondering what you ate and why your stomach feels off, your gut may be waving its first red flag.
2. Widespread Inflammation and Pain
Unexplained joint pain, body aches, or arthritic flare-ups may have roots in your gut health.
Here’s the simplified science: when larger proteins or toxins slip through a “leaky” gut lining and enter the bloodstream, the immune system sounds the alarm. Over time, this chronic immune activation can show up as inflammation in various parts of the body.
If pain appears in unexpected places—or lingers without a clear cause—your gut may be playing a behind-the-scenes role.
3. Links to Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, are increasingly associated with changes in gut permeability.
When proteins and other particles leak through the gut barrier, the immune system can misidentify them as threats. With repeated exposure, this ongoing challenge may contribute to the development or worsening of autoimmune symptoms.
While leaky gut isn’t the sole cause of autoimmune disease, supporting gut integrity is often an essential piece of a comprehensive, whole-body plan.
4. Skin Issues and Irritation
Conditions like eczema, rashes, hives, and breakouts can reflect what’s happening in your gut.
This is often described as the gut–skin axis. When the gut is inflamed or the microbiome is out of balance, the skin may mirror that disruption with flare-ups, redness, or irritation.
If your skin is “acting up,” it’s worth asking not just what you’re putting on your skin, but what’s happening inside your digestive system.
5. That Overall “Something’s Off” Feeling
Sometimes leaky gut shows up as subtle, whole-body symptoms: fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, or a general sense of feeling unwell.
Because the gut influences nutrient absorption, immune balance, and even neurotransmitter production, a compromised gut lining can spill over into how you think, feel, and function day to day.
If you can’t quite put your finger on what’s wrong—but you know you don’t feel like yourself—your gut health is a smart place to investigate.
How to Support a Healthier Gut Lining
The encouraging news: leaky gut is not a life sentence. Gentle, consistent support can help restore barrier integrity and calm inflammation.
Two key allies in a gut-supportive plan are a high-quality probiotic and the amino acid glutamine.
Peak Probiotic: Nourish Your Inner Ecosystem
Peak Probiotic is designed to help restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. A thriving microbiome can:
- Support smoother digestion and regularity
- Promote a healthier immune response
- Help protect the gut lining from everyday stressors
By encouraging beneficial bacteria to flourish, probiotics help create a more resilient gut environment—one that’s less prone to the imbalance and irritation associated with leaky gut.
Glutamine: Fuel for Your Gut Lining
Glutamine is a key amino acid that serves as a preferred fuel source for the cells lining your intestines. It can:
- Support the repair and maintenance of the gut barrier
- Help reduce irritation in the digestive tract
- Promote overall gut comfort and resilience
Together, Peak Probiotic and glutamine offer a powerful, complementary way to care for the gut from the inside out.
Ready to Show Your Gut Some Love?
If these signs of leaky gut feel familiar, you don’t have to stay stuck in discomfort. Small, consistent steps—paired with targeted nutrients—can make a meaningful difference in how you digest, move, think, and feel.
Work with your healthcare provider, listen closely to your body, and consider adding targeted gut support like Peak Probiotic and glutamine as part of your personalized leaky gut recovery plan.