Is a Leaky Gut the Hidden Cause of Your Bloating, Fatigue, or Brain Fog?

Have you ever felt like your digestion is “off”—but all your labs came back normal? You’re not imagining it. A growing body of evidence suggests that many chronic symptoms may begin in the gut, especially when the intestinal barrier isn’t functioning the way it should. This condition is commonly referred to as leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability.

At Harmony Health Clinic in Naples, FL, we take a functional medicine approach to uncover and address the root causes of digestive dysfunction. In this post, we’ll explain what leaky gut is, how it affects your overall health, and what steps we take to help you heal.

What Is Leaky Gut?

Your gut lining is designed to act as a gatekeeper—it lets nutrients in and keeps harmful substances out. But when that barrier becomes compromised, it can allow partially digested food particles, toxins, and microbes to “leak” into the bloodstream.

This process can trigger an immune response that contributes to:

• Bloating and gas

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Food sensitivities

• Joint pain

• Skin issues like eczema or acne

• Autoimmune conditions

  
  

Common Causes of Leaky Gut

Several lifestyle and environmental factors can damage the delicate lining of the gut:

• Chronic stress – which alters gut motility and secretions

• Poor diet – especially one high in sugar, processed foods, and alcohol

• Overuse of medications – like antibiotics, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), or steroids

• Gut infections – such as Candida overgrowth, SIBO, or parasites

• Toxin exposure – including mold, glyphosate, or heavy metals

• Gluten sensitivity – even in non-celiac individuals, gluten can increase permeability

Testing for Leaky Gut and Related Imbalances

At Harmony Health Clinic, we use advanced lab testing to get a comprehensive view of gut health. While there is no single "leaky gut test" used in conventional medicine, functional testing provides strong clues:

Common Functional Tests:

• Zonulin levels – a protein that modulates tight junctions in the intestinal wall

• Comprehensive stool analysis – checks for inflammation, infections, and gut microbiome balance

• Food sensitivity panels (IgG/IgA) – can suggest gut barrier dysfunction if large numbers of foods show up as reactive

• Organic acids test (OAT) – detects markers of yeast, bacteria, and gut-derived inflammation

Important Note on Food Sensitivity Testing:If your gut is leaky, your immune system may be overreacting to many foods that wouldn’t normally be an issue. This can lead to false positives on food allergy or sensitivity panels. That’s why we interpret results in context and often focus on healing the gut first, then retesting later.

Functional Medicine Approach: How We Heal the Gut

Our clinic follows a step-by-step approach rooted in the 4R Functional Medicine Framework:

1. Remove

We start by identifying and removing gut irritants. This may include:

• Trigger foods (gluten, dairy, processed sugars)

• Infections (yeast, parasites, bacterial overgrowth)

• Environmental toxins or chemicals

2. Replace

We support digestion by replenishing what may be missing:

• Digestive enzymes

• Stomach acid support (like betaine HCl)

• Bile support (especially for post-cholecystectomy patients)

3. Reinoculate

We restore balance to the gut microbiome:

• High-quality probiotics

• Prebiotic fiber from foods or supplements

• Sometimes short-term antimicrobials or botanicals to reduce overgrowths

4. Repair

Finally, we help rebuild the gut lining with targeted nutrients and herbal support.

Top Supplements to Support Leaky Gut Healing

While every plan is personalized, these supplements often play a key role:

• L-Glutamine – an amino acid that helps repair the intestinal lining

• Zinc Carnosine – shown to strengthen gut barrier function

• Aloe Vera Extract – soothes inflammation and promotes healing

• Slippery Elm & Marshmallow Root – mucilaginous herbs that coat and protect the gut

• Collagen peptides – support the regeneration of gut tissue

• Probiotics – especially strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii

• Quercetin – a natural anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid that can help stabilize mast cells and reduce food reactions

*Always consult with a provider trained in functional medicine before starting any new supplement protocol.

Why Healing Leaky Gut Matters

Leaky gut isn’t just about digestion. It’s deeply connected to systemic inflammation, autoimmune activity, hormone imbalances, and even mood disorders. By restoring gut integrity, many people see dramatic improvements in their energy, sleep, mental clarity, skin, and overall well-being.

Ready to Heal Your Gut in Naples, FL?

At Harmony Health Clinic, we help patients uncover hidden causes of leaky gut and develop customized healing plans using cutting-edge testing and holistic therapies. If you’re tired of chasing symptoms and want to get to the root of your health issues, we’re here to help.

Book your functional medicine consultation today and take the first step toward gut repair and whole-body wellness.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional.