You’ve probably heard the term “leaky gut” before—but what does it actually mean and why does it matter for your health?
Your gut lining is a remarkable barrier that quite literally separates your internal world from the outside environment. It’s made up of a single layer of cells held tightly together by what are called tight junctions. These act like security guards, letting vital nutrients and water through while blocking toxins, harmful bacteria and undigested food particles. When this system is working well, it maintains a delicate balance—nourishing you while keeping unwanted substances out. This balance is constantly influenced by your diet, stress levels, immune system and the trillions of microbes that live in your gut.
When the gut lining becomes compromised, whether from chronic stress, environmental toxins, infections, medications, or an imbalanced diet—these tight junctions can loosen. That allows larger, potentially inflammatory particles to “leak” through into the bloodstream. This is called increased intestinal permeability, though it’s more commonly known as leaky gut.
Why does Leaky Gut matter?
When the gut barrier isn’t functioning properly, it can set off a cascade of effects throughout the body. Research increasingly shows that barrier dysfunction, or increased intestinal permeability, is involved in several health conditions. It’s well established in celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and emerging evidence suggests it may also play a role in IBS, functional dyspepsia and other gut–brain disorders.
Even beyond digestive symptoms, a damaged gut lining can contribute to low-grade inflammation, immune system activation and changes in metabolism, which may affect energy, skin health and mood. While researchers are still untangling exactly how leaky gut interacts with these systems, one thing is clear: keeping your gut barrier healthy is key for overall wellbeing.
What are the signs of a Leaky Gut?
Here are some common symptoms that could indicate your gut barrier needs support:
1. Ongoing digestive discomfort or irregularity
Symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, or loose stools that keep recurring can be linked to changes in gut barrier function.
2. Nutritional deficiencies despite eating well
Even with a balanced diet, gut lining damage or dysfunction can make it harder for the body to properly absorb vitamins and minerals.
3. Chronic inflammation or joint pain
Disruptions in the intestinal barrier have been linked with inflammatory responses that may contribute to pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints.
4. Persistent skin issues like eczema or acne
Our skin and gut microbiome are closely connected, so barrier issues can surface as irritation or breakouts.
5. Fatigue or brain fog
When gut permeability drives systemic inflammation, it may contribute to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or changes in mood.
Right now, there isn’t a single “gold standard” test for leaky gut. You might come across blood tests that measure a protein called zonulin, but the science is still a bit murky. Some of these tests may actually be picking up similar proteins rather than zonulin itself, which makes the results tricky to interpret. Testing can give some clues—but it’s not a clear yes or no answer. That’s why it’s best to look at your symptoms and overall health as a whole, ideally with the guidance of a practitioner, rather than relying on one lab result alone.
How can you support and restore your gut?
The good news? Your gut has an incredible ability to heal when given the right care. Research shows that the gut microbiome can begin to shift within just 24–48 hours of just changing your diet. That means the choices you make at each meal really can start influencing your gut barrier and overall health in a short time frame.
At Sol Cleanse, we believe in nurturing your gut through whole food nutrition, stress management, and targeted support — because healing is never one-size-fits-all.
Our Restore Gut Healer is a gentle yet powerful blend designed to support the health and repair of your digestive system—especially when your gut lining feels compromised. Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine, key ingredients like Slippery Elm Bark and Marshmallow Root work to soothe and maintain the mucous linings of the gastrointestinal tract, helping to protect and nurture the delicate gut barrier. Combined with the amino acid Glutamine, which supports the repair of the gut wall lining, Restore provides your body with the nutrients it needs to reduce mild gastrointestinal inflammation and promote digestive comfort.
Beyond digestive support, Restore also aids healthy immune function thanks to ingredients like Larix arabinogalactan (ResistAid™) and zinc, which work together to support overall wellness and vitality. Antioxidant-rich Kakadu Plum and Blackberry juice powder further complement the formula by helping to protect your digestive system from oxidative stress. Together, these carefully selected ingredients support your gut’s natural ability to heal, helping to restore balance and resilience for lasting digestive health.
If you suspect leaky gut, working with a trusted health practitioner can be invaluable to personalise your healing journey—whether through testing, dietary changes or lifestyle adjustments. It’s also important to note that many GPs don’t recognise “leaky gut” as an official diagnosis. In conventional medicine, the term most often used is increased intestinal permeability, and while there’s growing research linking it to conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disorders, it’s not yet considered a standalone condition in most clinical settings.
Simple steps you can start today
- Reduce stress through mindful practices like breathwork or gentle movement.
- Prioritise organic, whole foods and avoid known irritants or processed foods.
- Support digestion with nourishing foods and Sol Cleanse’s Restore Gut Healer.
- Stay hydrated and move your body regularly to encourage healthy gut motility.
- Consider professional guidance to tailor your approach and track progress.
- Healing your gut is a journey — and one that can profoundly improve your overall wellbeing, energy, and resilience.
Ready to give your gut the care it deserves? Discover our Restore Gut Healer and more gut-friendly essentials designed to support you every step of the way.
