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Leaky Gut

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of your small intestine becomes compromised. Instead of acting as a strong barrier, it allows larger food particles, toxins, and microbes to pass into the bloodstream. This can trigger widespread inflammation, digestive upset, and even immune system dysfunction.

Leaky Gut

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of your small intestine becomes compromised. Instead of acting as a strong barrier, it allows larger food particles, toxins, and microbes to pass into the bloodstream. This can trigger widespread inflammation, digestive upset, and even immune system dysfunction.

What Is Leaky Gut?

Although not always recognized in conventional medicine, leaky gut is increasingly understood as a root contributor to chronic health problems. It can affect anyone but is particularly common among adults dealing with digestive issues, fatigue, autoimmune concerns, or unexplained symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Because the gut plays a central role in overall health, symptoms of leaky gut are broad and may include:
  • Bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort
  • Food sensitivities or intolerances
  • Chronic fatigue or “brain fog”
  • Joint pain or inflammation
  • Skin issues like rashes, acne, or eczema
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Weakened immunity or recurring illness

These symptoms often overlap with other conditions, making proper testing critical for an accurate understanding.

Root Causes and Contributing Factors

At Aligned Modern Health, we identify what’s driving your gut dysfunction rather than just managing symptoms. Contributing factors may include:
  • Poor diet — high in processed foods, sugar, or alcohol
  • Chronic stress — affecting gut-brain communication and digestion
  • Imbalance of gut bacteria (dysbiosis) — too many harmful microbes or not enough beneficial ones
  • Inflammation — from infections, toxins, or hidden food sensitivities
  • Medication use — antibiotics, NSAIDs, or acid-reducing drugs that disrupt the gut lining
  • Hormonal changes — shifts in cortisol, thyroid, or sex hormones that influence digestion and immunity
These root factors often occur together, which is why a whole-body approach is essential.

How Leaky Gut Is Diagnosed

We use advanced testing to uncover what’s happening in your gut and beyond, such as:
  • Stool testing to measure bacteria balance, digestive markers, and pathogens
  • Food sensitivity testing to identify hidden triggers
  • Urine organic acid panels to evaluate nutrient absorption and metabolic health
  • Bloodwork to check inflammation, immune activity, and related imbalances

By going deeper than traditional testing, we can connect the dots between your symptoms, diet, lifestyle, and overall health.

Our Treatment Approach

Healing leaky gut requires more than quick fixes. At Aligned Modern Health, we build a personalized plan that restores the gut lining and supports whole-body health:
  • Functional Medicine Protocols: A phased approach that removes triggers, repairs the gut barrier, and restores balance.
  • Nutrition Guidance: Customized meal plans that reduce inflammation and promote digestive healing.
  • Supplements: Evidence-based support such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, or gut-healing nutrients.
  • Acupuncture: Helps regulate digestion, reduce stress, and balance the nervous system.
  • Lifestyle Support: Stress management, sleep optimization, and movement tailored to your body’s needs.

This integrated model helps you feel better now while preventing long-term complications.

Conditions Commonly Linked to Leaky Gut

Leaky gut is often associated with or mistaken for:
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Autoimmune conditions (such as Hashimoto’s or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne)
  • Hormonal imbalance

What to Expect From Care

Your care experience is designed to uncover and address your unique root causes:
  1. Initial Visit – A provider listens to your history, symptoms, and goals.
  2. Testing – Advanced lab work to evaluate gut health, inflammation, and related systems.
  3. Personalized Care Plan – Tailored nutrition, supplements, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes.
  4. Ongoing Support – Regular follow-ups to track healing, adjust your plan, and ensure lasting results.

We offer both in-person and virtual appointments. All services are FSA/HSA eligible, and we accept major insurance plans.

Is Leaky Gut Affecting You?

You don’t have to live with daily digestive distress, fatigue, or unexplained symptoms. With the right testing and personalized care, you can restore balance and reclaim your energy.

Schedule an Appointment

Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. For immediate assistance, please call 773-598-4387.

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