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How Leaky Gut Affects Your Weight

By October 9, 2018April 17th, 2025No Comments2 min read

At Team Health Care Clinic, we work with many people who are experiencing digestive symptoms. Leaky gut is one of the most common problems, causing a number of health issues including weight gain and obesity.

So, just what is leaky gut?

Normally, the cells that line the intestinal tract are held together in tight junctions by linking proteins. When these proteins break down, the junctions loosen and allow elements to enter the bloodstream that should remain in the gut. This would include various bacteria, viruses and improperly digested food. This will cause inflammation and put increased stress on the immune system. A recent study from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany shows that increased gut permeability or ‘leaky gut’ is related to weight gain, obesity and fatty liver. This study concluded that improved diet and weight loss will improve leaky gut as well as fatty liver.

Besides fatty liver, other conditions have been linked with leaky gut:

● Multiple Sclerosis
● Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Thyroid Disease
● Colitis
● Lupus
● Eczema
● Inability to Lose Weight
● Anxiety and depression

One of the main causes for leaky gut is an upset of the microbiome, the beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive tract. This upset can have many sources such as:

● stress
● poor diet with too many sugars and starches and not enough fiber
● antibiotics
● pain medications including over the counter pain relievers
● lack of exercise
● insomnia
● overgrowth of Candida
● hypersensitivity to various foods, especially gluten

Leaky gut can be identified through a blood test. It can also be treated, mostly by eating better and losing weight.

Additionally, it can be helped by utilizing nutritional supplement support like probiotics, glutamine and other nutrients.

If you are experiencing any of the above conditions your should consider having your gut evaluated take the necessary steps to stop the leak.

Team Health Care Clinic

At Team Health Care Clinic, we don’t just treat symptoms—we uncover the root cause. Guided by our core belief that healing happens best when the whole person is seen, heard, and supported, our multidisciplinary team delivers personalized, drug-free solutions that combine the best of chiropractic care, physical therapy, functional medicine, neurology, and regenerative medical services.