So, you have a leaky gut and are trying to heal it? The good news is that the possibility is within reach.
Leaky gut is when the intestines become too permeable, causing food and other substances and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. This can cause diabetes, Celiac disease, inflammation, and a host of other problems.
In order to help heal your leaky gut, you'll need to make a slew of lifestyle changes, including avoiding refined sugar and processed food.
While giving up refined sugar and other processed foods might be difficult, taking a supplement every day shouldn't be.
There are several leaky gut supplements you can take to start on your journey toward healing. Read on to find out more about the supplements that are the most recommended.
Quick Answer: Leaky gut supplements work by supporting the gut lining, calming inflammation, and helping rebalance the gut microbiome. The most commonly recommended is a probiotic, which supports the beneficial bacteria already in your gut. Other supportive options discussed here include intermittent fasting (to give the gut a rest), turmeric (anti-inflammatory), glutamine (which helps maintain the gut wall), collagen (which may support the gut lining), and zinc (which supports immune function and tissue repair). There is no one-size-fits-all regimen, so it is best to talk with your doctor, though a daily probiotic is broadly recommended to help keep gut bacteria balanced.
Why Are Probiotics the Top Leaky Gut Supplement?
Probiotics are the most recommended leaky gut supplement because they support the beneficial bacteria already in your gut, which helps rebalance the microbiome and supports a healthy gut lining.
Probiotics are the number one supplement you'll read about when it comes to leaky gut, and for good reason. They support the "good" bacteria that already live within your gut.
The right probiotics can also help your body heal from leaky gut, thereby stopping the leaks by closing up the cracks where food and other toxins are leaking into the bloodstream.
How Does Intermittent Fasting Support the Gut?
Intermittent fasting gives your gut a break from constant digestion, so the body can spend that energy repairing itself instead. Think of it as healing rather than starving.
Fasting is by far one of the healthiest things you can do for yourselves. Fasting for 14, 16 or even 24 hours is a very normal human condition. It gives your body a chance to fix and repair itself, without having to spend energy digesting food and assimilating nutrients.
If you only eat and never fast, the body never gets a break. Think of it as "healing" instead of "starving."
How Does Turmeric Help With Leaky Gut?
Turmeric is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties and also has antimicrobial and antibacterial effects, which may help calm inflammation in the gut.
Turmeric is relatively well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help mitigate inflammation inside of the body and also contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can help stave off bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Both of these are common in individuals who have IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome.
It is thought that IBS is caused by a leaky gut, so boosting your turmeric can do nothing but help.
How Does Glutamine Help the Gut Wall?
Glutamine can help maintain the gut wall, working almost like a protective coating over the intestines. Use it carefully and avoid taking too much, and choose glutamine rather than glutamic acid.
Glutamine can help maintain the wall of the gut. However, if you use a supplement that contains glutamine, you should make sure it isn't glutamic acid. While glutamine is one of the best supplements for those who have leaky gut, you should be careful with it, and avoid taking too much.
The glutamine can work like a protective coating that goes over your intestines. You can mix it with a powder and put it in water and drink it, to allow for it to instantly get to your gut.
It can also remove waste from your system and can keep your blood glucose level stable.
Too much of it can cause anxiety and is linked with neurodegenerative diseases.
Most people recommend that you take glutamine in the form of powder instead of capsules. This way, your body can absorb it much more quickly and easily.
Can Collagen Support the Gut Lining?
Collagen has cell-regenerating properties that may help support the lining of the gut. Evidence here is largely anecdotal, with limited formal studies so far.
Collagen is commonly known for its properties for use on the skin. It has properties to help regenerate cells, which can help to improve the lining of the gut. Although some people feel that collagen doesn't necessarily help them, and there have been no studies yet to support it, strong anecdotal evidence suggests it does work for individuals with a leaky gut.
How Does Zinc Support Gut Health?
Zinc supports the immune system, helps reduce oxidative stress, and is needed for wound healing and DNA synthesis. You can get it from foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, beans, nuts, and seafood.
When you take your supplements, you won't want to forget your minerals as well. Zinc helps the body's immune system, and it works to boost your immune system while reducing oxidative stress.
It is a necessary element for helping heal wounds and synthesizing DNA. Pregnant women, especially, need to take zinc to ensure their baby is healthy.
You can get zinc from oysters and pumpkin seeds, as well as beans, nuts, grains, and seafood.
What Should a Leaky Gut Supplement Regimen Look Like?
There is no single set regimen, so it is best to speak with your doctor about what fits your symptoms and situation. Whatever the plan, a daily probiotic is broadly recommended to help keep gut bacteria balanced.
There is no set leaky gut supplements regimen, but you should speak with your doctor about which would be the best for your particular situation. Taking into account your symptoms and diagnosis, he or she can help you figure out the best protocol to try.
No matter what your symptoms or diagnosis, however, it is always recommended that you take a probiotic to help regulate the "good" bacteria in your gut.
| Supplement / approach | How it is said to help the gut |
|---|---|
| Probiotics | Support the beneficial bacteria already in the gut and help rebalance the microbiome |
| Intermittent fasting | Gives the gut a rest from digestion so it can repair |
| Turmeric | Provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial support |
| Glutamine | Helps maintain the gut wall; use carefully and avoid excess |
| Collagen | May support the gut lining (largely anecdotal) |
| Zinc | Supports immune function, tissue repair, and reduced oxidative stress |
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaky Gut Supplements
What is the best supplement for leaky gut?
Probiotics are the most commonly recommended supplement for leaky gut because they support the beneficial bacteria already in your gut. They are typically suggested alongside other supportive supplements and diet changes.
How do leaky gut supplements work?
They work in different ways: probiotics support a balanced microbiome, glutamine and collagen support the gut lining, turmeric provides anti-inflammatory support, and zinc supports immune function and tissue repair. Intermittent fasting gives the gut a rest from digestion.
Can I just take supplements instead of changing my diet?
Supplements are meant to complement, not replace, lifestyle changes. The article notes that supporting a leaky gut involves changes like avoiding refined sugar and processed foods in addition to a daily supplement routine.
Is glutamine safe to take for leaky gut?
Glutamine is described as one of the more useful options for the gut wall, but the article cautions against taking too much, since excess may be associated with anxiety. Choose glutamine rather than glutamic acid, and consider the powder form.
How do I know which supplement regimen is right for me?
There is no set leaky gut supplement regimen. The article recommends speaking with your doctor, who can consider your symptoms and situation, while noting that a daily probiotic is broadly recommended.
Click here for more on all things probiotics, including why you should be taking one starting today.
