Leaky gut occurs when the gut is damaged; it becomes more permeable and allows larger molecules, bacteria and other compounds through – which is when those castle gates are open far too wide and anyone can get in. "Leaky gut is the cluster of symptoms that results from this increased intestinal permeability," explains Stephenson. "While leaky gut syndrome has not been accepted by mainstream medicine, increased intestinal permeability has been identified as a mechanism that contributes to many illnesses and imbalance."
However, increased gut permeability does cause inflammation, alongside – often – excessive immune activation, which when experienced over time can prompt many of the symptoms associated with leaky gut.
"A leaky gut can be a sign of an imbalanced gut microbiome – this is when you have low bacterial diversity and an overgrowth of the 'bad' bacteria," explains Dr Leeming. "This can break down the layer of mucus that protects your gut barrier lining, causing increased permeability." The Western diet, which is typically low in fibre and high in sugar and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are key culprits behind unhealthy gut microbiomes.
"Diets lacking in fibre and high in gut-damaging emulsifiers and UPFs are a big problem," says Stephenson. "Fibre acts a fuel for the microbes in our gut. When we aren't getting enough of it, they turn to the gut mucosal layer for fuel, and in the absence of fuel, essentially erode the lining. Studies have shown that the less fibre we eat, the thinner our gut mucosal layer and higher our levels of inflammation."
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