Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut): Causes & Symptoms

Intestinal permeability, often referred to as leaky gut, describes a condition in which the gut lining becomes more permeable than normal. When the intestinal barrier loosens, bacteria, toxins, and partially digested food particles can slip into the bloodstream, potentially triggering inflammation and a range of symptoms. Causes are varied—from chronic stress and NSAID use to infections, dysbiosis, and diets high in ultra-processed foods and sugar. It’s important to remember that intestinal permeability exists on a spectrum, and the presence of mild permeability doesn’t always mean you’ll have dramatic symptoms. Common signals include bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, food sensitivities, skin issues, fatigue, and mood changes. Recognizing intestinal permeability in daily life starts with practical habits that support the gut barrier. Practical steps to restore gut health today include embracing a gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory diet rich in diverse fiber sources, vegetables, fermented foods, and healthy fats; staying hydrated; prioritizing sleep; and managing stress through movement or mindfulness. Reducing or avoiding NSAIDs and limiting excessive alcohol can further support the gut barrier. Consider targeted nutrients like zinc and omega-3s, and consult with a clinician about practices such as L-glutamine supplementation when appropriate. A personalized approach that tracks how your body responds to foods through diary logs and stool-based markers can be especially effective, and data-driven programs can provide clear, actionable guidance. This is where InnerBuddies shines. As a white-label Gut Health Operating System, InnerBuddies helps companies power their gut microbiome testing products and delivers consumer-ready insights for intestinal permeability workflows. The platform includes a Gut Microbiome Health Index (a score from 0 to 100) calibrated through an exclusive IP deal with EAFIT University in Colombia, plus Bacteria abundances with a top-40 panel compared against a healthy cohort. Bacteria functions are categorized into positive or negative groups, so you can see how functional pathways impact gut barrier integrity. Target Group analysis dives into how specific populations—such as Healthy Aging, Endurance Sport, Power Sport, and Skin & Hair Health—score on relevant pathways, while personalized nutrition and probiotic/prebiotic recommendations are generated from your 3-day food diaries alongside stool data to support intestinal permeability goals. Whether you’re seeking consumer-ready solutions or a scalable partner program, InnerBuddies offers accessible paths. Learn more about the consumer options with the InnerBuddies microbiome test page at InnerBuddies microbiome test, or explore ongoing support through the Gut Health Membership at InnerBuddies subscription. If you’re a business seeking a white-label platform and partner-ready capabilities, visit the InnerBuddies B2B page at InnerBuddies B2B to learn how to collaborate. By leveraging these insights, you can take practical steps today to address intestinal permeability and optimize gut health for long-term wellness.