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What is Leaky Gut Australia: How to Support Gut Health Naturally

Leaky Gut Syndrome affects thousands of Australians and may be linked to bloating, fatigue and food sensitivities. Learn what causes it and how our Naturopaths can help.

Last updated on 9 January 2026 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team

Leaky Gut Syndrome refers to a condition where the lining of the gut becomes compromised, allowing toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles to pass into the bloodstream. In Australia, Leaky Gut is commonly addressed by Naturopaths who support patients through tailored dietary changes, gut-healing supplements, and lifestyle strategies aimed at restoring gut barrier function and reducing inflammation.

What is Leaky Gut Australia?

Leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxic waste products, and bacteria to “leak” through the intestines and flood the bloodstream. Experts speculate that this may trigger an autoimmune response, leading to various health issues such as bloating, chronic inflammation, food sensitivities, thyroid conditions, and fatigue.

Leaky gut syndrome, a topic of much discussion and research in Australia and beyond, refers to a digestive condition characterised by increased intestinal permeability. In a healthy gut, the intestinal lining acts as a barrier controlling what gets absorbed into the bloodstream. However, in leaky gut syndrome, this lining is compromised, allowing bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles to pass through directly into the bloodstream, potentially leading to various health issues.

Key Takeaways

Definition: Leaky Gut, medically known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, causing undigested food particles, toxic waste products, and bacteria to “leak” through the intestines and flood the bloodstream.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include bloating, food sensitivities, digestive issues, and immune system reactions.
Contributing Factors: Certain lifestyle choices and conditions may contribute to the development of leaky gut, such as poor diet, chronic stress, toxin overload, and the imbalance of gut microbiota.
Associated Conditions: Individuals with celiac disease or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are more susceptible to leaky gut.
Diet and Lifestyle: Improving diet, increasing fiber intake, reducing alcohol consumption, and addressing food intolerances are often recommended by general practitioners. Naturopaths look into your diet and lifestyle in more detail – they test for intolerances, food sensitivities, and carry out a number of other tests as part of their Testing and Functional Medicine role.
Treatment Approaches: There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Strategies may include testing, dietary changes, use of supplements and liquid herbs, and managing stress levels. Consulting your Naturopath in Brisbane (or Australia-wide by telehealth/videoconference) for personalised advice is essential.

Leaky Gut Syndrome, also called intestinal permeability, happens when the lining of your gut becomes weak or damaged. This can let bacteria, toxins and undigested food leak into your bloodstream, causing inflammation and symptoms like bloating, fatigue and food sensitivities. Naturopaths help support gut healing using diet, testing and lifestyle changes.

What Is Leaky Gut?

Leaky Gut Syndrome is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes too porous. When this lining is damaged, tiny gaps can form that allow things like toxins, bacteria and food particles to pass into the bloodstream. This may lead to inflammation and a range of symptoms that affect your digestion, energy, skin and immune system.

This condition is sometimes called “increased intestinal permeability”. In a healthy gut, the lining acts like a filter – letting nutrients through while blocking harmful substances. But in people with leaky gut, this filter doesn’t work properly.

Common Signs and Symptoms

People with leaky gut often feel unwell but don’t know why. Symptoms can be vague, come and go, and often overlap with other health issues. Common signs include:

Bloating and gas after eating
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Food sensitivities or new intolerances
Skin rashes, eczema or acne
Brain fog and poor concentration
Ongoing fatigue
Mood changes such as anxiety or low mood
Nutritional deficiencies
Irregular bowel movements

What Causes Leaky Gut?

Leaky gut is usually caused by a mix of diet, lifestyle and health factors. These are some of the most common:

1. Poor Diet

Eating too much sugar, processed food, alcohol and gluten may irritate the gut lining. These foods can also affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut.

2. Stress

Long-term stress can change the way your digestive system works. It may slow down digestion, affect your gut bacteria, and weaken your gut lining.

3. Gut Flora Imbalance

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that support your health. If the balance of these bacteria is disrupted (often by antibiotics or poor diet), it can weaken the gut wall.

4. Medications

Certain medications, like antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and some painkillers, can damage the gut lining or alter gut flora.

5. Chronic Illness

People with conditions like Coeliac Disease, Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis may already have a damaged gut lining and be more likely to develop leaky gut.

How Do Naturopaths Identify Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Naturopaths look at your symptoms, health history and lifestyle to assess whether leaky gut may be present. They may also recommend functional testing to gather more information about your digestive system.

Common signs they consider include:

Bloating or pain after eating
Food reactions that appear without warning
Skin issues that don’t respond to treatment
Feeling tired all the time despite good sleep
A history of antibiotic use or chronic stress

Testing may include stool analysis, SIBO testing or intestinal permeability testing. Your practitioner will explain which test is most helpful for your situation.

Health Problems Linked to Leaky Gut

Leaky gut can affect many areas of your health. If left unaddressed, it may contribute to:

Food intolerances and sensitivities
Nutrient malabsorption
Inflammatory bowel conditions
Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
Skin problems including eczema or psoriasis
Mood disorders including anxiety and depression

Inflammation caused by a leaky gut can spread throughout the body, putting stress on your immune system and organs over time.

Is Leaky Gut Syndrome the Same as Having a “Leaky Stomach”?

Leaky Gut Syndrome is not the same as having a “leaky stomach”. These two terms are often confused, but they refer to different parts of the digestive system and involve different processes. Also, “leaking stomach” is not technically a health or medical condition, which is important to keep in mind.

Leaky Gut Syndrome refers to increased intestinal permeability in the small intestine. In this condition, the intestinal lining becomes compromised, allowing small gaps to form between the cells. These gaps can let bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles pass through into the bloodstream, potentially triggering inflammation, immune responses, and a range of systemic symptoms including bloating, fatigue, and food sensitivities.

The term “leaky stomach” is not medically defined. While it may be used informally to describe upper digestive issues such as gastritis or ulcers (which involve the stomach lining rather than the small intestine and do not typically involve the same type of permeability associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome), it’s not a common way to describe health or medical issues.

Understanding the difference between these terms is important for identifying the root cause of digestive symptoms, knowing how to describe them to your Naturopath and choosing the appropriate treatment approach.

In Our Experience

In the Experience of Our Naturopaths

“Most patients don’t realise how many symptoms can be linked to the gut. When we improve the gut lining, reduce inflammation and rebalance the microbiome, we often see changes in energy, skin, mood and immune function too. Addressing leaky gut can transform a person’s overall wellbeing.”
Shella Hall, Naturopath

In the Experience of Our Patients

“I had constant bloating and fatigue for years, and nothing ever showed up on my GP tests. After working with a Naturopath at Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we found I had food sensitivities and gut issues. With some simple changes, I finally started feeling better.”
Emily R., Patient
“My child was struggling with eczema and we didn’t know it was connected to the gut. The practitioner explained everything and helped us improve his diet and digestion. His skin is now so much clearer.”
Samantha K., Patient

Naturopathic Support for Leaky Gut

At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our Naturopaths create individualised Wellness Plans to support gut healing. Your plan may include:

Personalised Dietary Changes

You’ll be guided to reduce foods that irritate the gut and increase foods that support healing. This may include more fibre-rich vegetables, healthy fats and fermented foods. An elimination diet may also be recommended to identify food triggers.

Practitioner-Grade Supplements and Liquid Herbs

Nutrients like zinc, L-glutamine, and B vitamins are often used to support the gut lining. Liquid herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow root and licorice are sometimes included to soothe and protect the digestive tract.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics help replenish good bacteria, while prebiotics feed them. These may be included based on your test results and digestive symptoms.

Stress and Lifestyle Support

Since stress is linked to gut health, techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, gentle movement and better sleep routines are often included in your Wellness Plan.

Recipe for Leaky Gut – Vegan Mushroom Pasta

This nutritious wholemeal vegan mushroom pasta not only tastes great but also supports gut-health by providing high-fibre and nutrient-rich ingredient.

The humble Mushroom has been known for its nutritional and medicinal value since ancient times, and they are extremely tasty, easy to cook, and full of health benefits. Mushrooms are a low-calorie food packed with lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a great plant source of vitamin D. Vitamin D improves muscle functions, boosts bone & teeth health, and cuts down the risk of fatigue.

Ingredients

2 cups of vegan pasta
1 cup of Cremini mushroom (sliced)
3 tablespoons of coconut butter
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup of coconut milk
1 cup of vegetable stock
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped dill
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon of pepper
Water as needed

Instructions

Boil an ample amount of water with salt. Add the pasta and boil until they are 80% cooked. Drain the pasta and keep it aside.
In the meantime, make the white sauce. Melt 1 tablespoon of coconut butter and add all-purpose flour. Cook for 3 minutes. Now add coconut milk, vegetable stock, salt, and oregano. Cook on a low flame for 5 minutes. Keep aside.
Melt the rest of the coconut butter. Add mushroom and pasta. Add a little bit of salt and pepper. Fry for 2 minutes. Then pour the white sauce. Sprinkle chopped dill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
Serve warm.

Syndrome Is Leaky Gut a Real Health Concern?

While the term “leaky gut” is still debated in some medical circles, many health professionals now recognise the condition as a contributor to chronic health issues. Scientific research continues to explore its role in inflammation, mood, immunity and even heart health.

More Australians are now turning to Naturopaths and Integrative Practitioners to explore this area. Many patients who haven’t received clear answers from their GP find support and improvement by working on gut health more deeply.

Is Leaky Gut Common in Australia?

Gut health issues are on the rise in Australia. More than half of Australians report some kind of digestive problem, and conditions like Coeliac Disease and IBS are being diagnosed more often. Poor diet, high stress and heavy medication use are all contributing to gut issues across the population.

While leaky gut may not always be formally diagnosed, it is likely under-recognised and under-treated. Public awareness is growing, and more people are seeking testing and support from Naturopaths to find long-term solutions.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Leaky Gut?

If you suspect leaky gut is behind your symptoms, book a consultation with one of our Naturopaths. At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we can help you:

Review your symptoms and health history
Carry out testing if needed
Build a personalised plan for healing
Adjust your nutrition and lifestyle
Choose the right supplements for your body
Get support for long-term gut health

You don’t need to manage this alone, and early support can make a big difference.

Start Your Gut Healing Journey with Brisbane Livewell Clinic

If you’ve been feeling tired, bloated, or reacting to foods for no clear reason, you could be dealing with leaky gut. Our experienced Naturopaths can help you find the root cause and create a clear, personalised Wellness Plan to support your recovery.

We’ve helped thousands of patients across Brisbane feel better by addressing their gut health. Whether you’re in Nundah, Clayfield, Wavell Heights, or Cannon Hill, we offer in-clinic and videoconference consultations to suit your schedule.

Take the next step and book your consultation today – your gut will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions – Leaky Gut Syndrome

1. What is leaky gut syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome is when the lining of your small intestine becomes weak or damaged, letting toxins and undigested food leak into the bloodstream. This may lead to inflammation, food reactions and other health issues.

2. What are the early signs of leaky gut?

Early signs of leaky gut can include bloating, food sensitivities, fatigue and skin rashes. Many people also report foggy thinking and digestive changes.

3. What causes leaky gut?

Leaky gut can be caused by a poor diet, stress, medications like antibiotics or painkillers, and imbalanced gut bacteria. Conditions like coeliac disease or IBS may also play a role.

4. How do Naturopaths diagnose leaky gut?

Naturopaths assess your symptoms and may recommend testing, such as stool analysis or intestinal permeability tests. They look at your full health history to understand what may be affecting your gut lining.

5. Can leaky gut affect the immune system?

Leaky gut can affect the immune system by letting harmful substances into the bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation or immune reactions that may lead to further symptoms.

6. Is leaky gut linked to food sensitivities?

Leaky gut is often linked to new or worsening food sensitivities. When the gut lining is damaged, food particles can enter the bloodstream and cause immune responses.

7. What foods should I avoid if I have leaky gut?

People with leaky gut are often advised to avoid gluten, sugar, alcohol, and heavily processed foods. These can irritate the gut lining or worsen inflammation.

8. What foods help heal the gut?

Foods that help heal the gut include fibre-rich vegetables, bone broth, fermented foods like sauerkraut, and anti-inflammatory herbs. A Naturopath can help tailor your diet to your needs.

9. What supplements are used for leaky gut?

Practitioner-grade supplements and liquid herbs often include L-glutamine, zinc, probiotics and soothing herbs like slippery elm. Your practitioner will recommend what’s best for you.

10. Can children have leaky gut?

Children can have leaky gut, especially if they’ve had frequent antibiotics, gut infections, or allergies. Symptoms may include skin rashes, food reactions or digestive issues.

11. Is leaky gut recognised by mainstream doctors?

Some doctors acknowledge leaky gut, while others prefer to focus on related conditions like IBS or inflammation. Many patients seek help from Naturopaths when they don’t get clear answers from conventional care.

12. How long does it take to heal leaky gut?

Healing leaky gut can take several weeks to several months, depending on the cause and severity. Most people begin to feel better within a few weeks of starting their plan.