What Is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut occurs when tight junctions between intestinal cells weaken, allowing undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins into the bloodstream — triggering autoimmune conditions, food sensitivities, brain fog, skin issues, joint pain, and fatigue.
What Causes Leaky Gut?
- Inflammatory Foods — gluten, processed foods, excess sugar
- Gut Infections — H. pylori, candida, parasites, SIBO
- Medications — NSAIDs, antibiotics, PPIs, birth control
- Chronic Stress — cortisol weakens tight junction proteins
- Environmental Toxins — glyphosate, heavy metals
The 5R Gut Healing Protocol
- Remove — Trigger foods, infections, irritants
- Replace — Digestive enzymes, HCl, bile support
- Reinoculate — Targeted probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods
- Repair — L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, collagen, butyrate
- Rebalance — Nervous system support, stress management
This protocol is the backbone of our Foundation program. For genetic-level gut insights, explore DNA Precision.
Also read: Gut-brain connection | IBS treatment | Crohn's disease
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