Leaky gut syndrome is becoming a common diagnosis in these days of internet searches and online health questionnaires. But is it a real thing? Yes.

Although it is not as dire as it sounds it can have widespread ramifications on a persons health. There are many factors that can result in injury, inflammation or increased porosity of the gut mucosa. Have a look at this interesting TEDEd talk on factors affecting gut health.

Leaky gut syndrome may also describe a collection of digestive reactions commonly called food intolerance. Or be a situation in which functional digestive issues may arise.

So is there a test for leaky gut? Well, yes and no. While there is a new test for something called Zonulin, it is not easily available to the wider public. We can also do sophisticated stool tests for things like secretory IgA, or actual IgG food intolerance tests.

The good news is that leaky gut can be corrected, and healthy gut function restored. The factors that are negatively affecting the gut need to be detected and a plan of action determined.

Food sensitivities need to be understood and good, simple, healthy food need to be substituted for processed foods. A helpful test is the Molecular Diagnostic Services; Imupro test.