Leaky Gut – The Hidden Root of Brain Fog, Rashes, and Fatigue
Why You Might Feel Off—Even If Your Labs Are "Normal"
Do you struggle with brain fog, random skin rashes, digestive discomfort, or chronic fatigue—but can’t figure out why? You're not alone. These seemingly unrelated symptoms may actually point to one underlying issue: leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability.
Conventional medicine often overlooks this connection, leaving many people stuck in cycles of confusion and frustration. But what if the real issue isn’t in your head—but in your gut lining?
What Is Leaky Gut and How Does It Affect You?
Your gut lining is made of a single layer of cells—just one cell thick—held together by tight junctions. These junctions keep unwanted things like undigested food, toxins, and bacteria from entering your bloodstream. A protective layer of mucus keeps that lining healthy.
When your diet or lifestyle disrupts this delicate barrier, it becomes “leaky.” Substances that don’t belong in your bloodstream slip through—triggering your immune system and leading to chronic inflammation. Over time, this can contribute to autoimmune conditions, fatigue, allergies, and even mood disorders.
Common causes of leaky gut include:
Gluten (especially in genetically susceptible individuals)
Processed foods and additives
Excess sugar
Alcohol
Smoking
Chronic stress
Poor sleep
All of these damage the gut barrier by breaking down the mucus layer or loosening the tight junctions. One major culprit? Gluten, which research shows can increase intestinal permeability even in some people without celiac disease.
What You Can Do to Start Healing Your Gut
At Liberty Functional Medicine, we specialize in uncovering and healing the root cause of gut dysfunction. If you suspect leaky gut is contributing to your symptoms, here’s where to start:
✳️ Avoid or limit:
Gluten and refined carbohydrates
Processed and packaged foods
Alcohol and tobacco
Chronic stress (practice stress reduction like prayer, breathwork, or walking outside)
✅ Add these healing foods and habits:
Bone broth (preferably homemade or organic, grass-fed)
Grass-fed ghee for its soothing butyrate content
Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi (unless histamine intolerant)
Omega-3 fats (wild-caught fish or flax)
Gut-repairing supplements like L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, and collagen peptides
SMART lifestyle goals—sleep, movement, hydration, and stress reduction
Healing your gut is possible—but it takes intention, insight, and support.
At Liberty Functional Medicine, we use advanced testing and root-cause strategies to restore gut health, energy, and mental clarity. You can feel like yourself again—starting with your gut.