7 Silent Signs You Have Leaky Gut Syndrome

What is leaky gut syndrome?

Almost exactly what it sounds like, says David Edelberg, MD, medical director of WholeHealth Chicago. Your gut is naturally porous—that’s how your body absorbs nutrients through the intestinal lining. But should the lining become damaged, larger molecules (called macromolecules) can escape the digestive tract and enter your bloodstream. “It’s like the intestinal lining has a skinned knee,” says Dr. Edelberg. The result can be inflammation, bloating, stool changes, and fatigue. No one’s really sure how prevalent leaky gut is, he says, and it can be very difficult to diagnose. Check out these potential signs of leaky gut to see if you may be at risk.