Understanding the ‘Leaky Gut’ Problem

Understanding the ‘Leaky Gut’ Problem

Your gut lining is an active, living barrier that decides what gets through to your bloodstream and what stays out. In a healthy gut, the cells of that lining are tightly packed, forming a selective filter that absorbs nutrients while blocking toxins, pathogens, and undigested food particles.

But when this barrier becomes compromised, something often referred to as leaky gut or increased intestinal permeability, those tight junctions loosen. Unwanted particles slip through, triggering the immune system and fuelling inflammation. For people with Ulcerative Colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease, or other forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this can drive a vicious cycle: inflammation further damages the lining, which allows more particles to leak through, which in turn worsens inflammation.

Leaky gut doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s part of what we call the Gut Health Triangle, three interconnected factors that keep the digestive system in balance:

1. Microbiome health (the right microbes in the right numbers)

2. Gut barrier integrity (tight junctions that stay tight)

3. Inflammation control (keeping immune responses in check)

When one corner of this triangle is off, the other two follow. That’s why healing a leaky gut isn’t about a single supplement or diet change; it’s about addressing all three corners, in the right order, at the right stage of your condition.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to naturally support gut barrier repair, from the intense inflammation of a flare to the calm maintenance of remission, using evidence-based strategies that work alongside your body’s healing processes.

Stage 1: During an Active Flare (FLARE Protocol)

When inflammation is high and symptoms are intense, the gut lining is under constant attack. Tight junctions loosen, the immune system is on high alert, and the microbiome is often in disarray. In this stage, the priority is to calm inflammation and protect the mucosal lining so healing can begin.

Introducing aggressive microbiome work too early, such as high-dose probiotics, can overwhelm an already sensitive gut. Instead, the FLARE stage focuses on targeted anti-inflammatory and mucosal-support nutrients, delivered directly to the site of inflammation.

Key FLARE ingredients and their roles:

• Qing Dai: A potent gut-directed anti-inflammatory that works via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Clinical use has shown significant benefits in reducing colonic inflammation, though it should be used under professional supervision due to the potential risk of liver toxicity with long-term or high-dose use. In a randomised controlled trial, Qing Dai was shown to significantly improve clinical remission rates in patients with active ulcerative colitis, supporting its role as a targeted anti-inflammatory during flares.

• Curcumin: A bioactive compound from turmeric that inhibits NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines linked to gut inflammation. In a meta-analysis of 13 RCTs, curcumin significantly improved rates of clinical remission and response in UC patients without higher adverse event rates compared to placebo.

• Boswellia serrata: Works as a 5-LOX inhibitor, complementing curcumin’s effects and delivering anti-inflammatory action across multiple pathways.

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA): Help reduce both systemic and gut-specific inflammation, while supporting mucosal integrity.

• Zinc Carnosine: Protects and supports repair of the intestinal lining, reducing permeability and promoting mucosal regeneration.

All FLARE ingredients in Proviscera are delivered via enteric-coated capsules, ensuring they bypass the stomach and release directly in the colon, where inflammation is concentrated in UC and many Crohn’s cases.

The goal at this stage is stability: reducing inflammation enough to allow the gut barrier to start repairing itself, paving the way for the next stage of recovery.

Stage 2: Post-Flare Recovery (REPAIR Protocol)

Once the worst of a flare has passed, pain is easing, urgency has reduced, and inflammation markers are trending down, you’ve entered the post-flare recovery stage. This is a critical window. The gut may feel better, but beneath the surface, the barrier is still vulnerable, inflammation can still be simmering, and the microbiome is far from balanced.

Jumping straight back to “normal” life here can undo progress. The REPAIR stage is about consolidating recovery: reinforcing the gut lining, calming any residual inflammation, and reintroducing targeted microbiome support.

Key REPAIR elements and their roles:

• Tapered anti-inflammatory support: Lower doses of Qing Dai, Curcumin, and Boswellia serrata help prevent flare recurrence while reducing low-grade inflammation that can keep the gut from fully healing.
  
  

• Gut lining repair nutrients:
  
  

• L-Glutamine: The preferred fuel for intestinal epithelial cells, aiding mucosal regeneration.

• Tributyrin: A stable form of butyrate that strengthens tight junctions and nourishes colonocytes.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Continue to provide anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective benefits.

• Zinc Carnosine: Maintains its role in repairing and protecting the gut lining.

Probiotics for microbiome restoration: Now that inflammation has eased, carefully selected strains can help rebuild microbial diversity without overwhelming the gut. Proviscera REPAIR includes four clinically relevant strains researched in the context of IBD and leaky gut, delivering 31.5 billion CFUs per daily dose:

• Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21: 10.5 billion CFUs
  A foundational species shown to reduce inflammation and promote barrier function.

• Bacillus subtilis BS31: 7 billion CFUs
  A spore-based strain that enhances resilience and helps rebalance the microbiome post-flare. Stable, hardy, and well tolerated.

• Weizmannia coagulans BC99: 7 billion CFUs
  Another spore-forming strain that supports microbial diversity and soothes digestive symptoms like bloating or irregularity.

• Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp05: 7 billion CFUs
  Well-documented in its ability to reduce gut permeability, calm inflammation, and promote mucosal healing.

Dietary support during REPAIR should focus on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods: cooked vegetables, lean proteins, omega-3-rich fish, and low-FODMAP fruits if sensitivity is an issue. Avoid highly processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol to prevent new irritation.

The aim here is to strengthen the barrier so that it can withstand daily life, and to create an environment where a diverse, stable microbiome can thrive long-term.

Stage 3: Maintaining Long-Term Gut Health (CARE Protocol)

Reaching remission is a milestone, but it’s not the end of the story. For people with Ulcerative Colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease, or other forms of IBD, the challenge is keeping inflammation at bay, protecting the gut barrier, and maintaining a stable, diverse microbiome over the long haul. This is where the CARE stage comes in.

CARE is all about resilience: giving your gut the tools it needs to handle daily stressors, dietary slips, and occasional illness without spiralling back into inflammation. It combines ongoing microbiome support with nutrients that strengthen barrier integrity and modulate immune activity.

The CARE probiotic formula delivers 35 billion CFUs across six clinically researched strains, each selected for its relevance to IBD, leaky gut, and immune balance:

• Bifidobacterium longum BB536: 10 billion CFUs
  One of the most clinically studied strains for reducing gut inflammation and supporting immune modulation.

• Bacillus coagulans: 5 billion CFUs
  A spore-forming strain that’s stable, hardy, and supports microbial diversity without refrigeration.

• Lactobacillus plantarum 299v: 5 billion CFUs
  Known for sealing leaky junctions in the gut lining and aiding in mucosal recovery.

• Bifidobacterium lactis HN019: 5 billion CFUs
  Improves bowel regularity, supports immune resilience, and helps maintain microbial balance.

• Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM: 5 billion CFUs
  Highly documented for its role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.

• Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938: 5 billion CFUs
  Enhances mucin production and supports long-term gut lining integrity.

With targeted delivery:
Enteric-coated capsules ensure these strains survive stomach acid and reach the lower small intestine and colon intact, the areas most affected in IBD and most critical for probiotic colonisation.

With gentle prebiotic support:
Each capsule also contains 100–200 mg of isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), a low-FODMAP prebiotic that gently feeds beneficial strains without triggering bloating or gas.

Additional barrier and anti-inflammatory support in CARE includes:

• Tributyrin: Reinforces tight junctions and fuels colonocyte health.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Helps control inflammation and protect barrier integrity.

• Zinc Carnosine: Supports mucosal repair and long-term gut lining stability.

Lifestyle integration is also key in this stage: balanced, fibre-rich eating, consistent sleep, moderate exercise, and effective stress management all help sustain remission.

With the CARE stage, the goal is simple: keep your gut healthy enough that flare-ups become rare, and recovery from any setbacks is faster and easier.

Other Natural Strategies That Work Alongside Proviscera

Supplements can do a lot of the heavy lifting in repairing a leaky gut, especially when they’re tailored to the right stage of your IBD journey, but they work best when paired with the right everyday habits. Think of these as the foundation that keeps your Gut Health Triangle stable long-term.

1. Eat for Gut Barrier Support

A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods helps lower inflammation and nourishes beneficial bacteria.

• Focus on: cooked vegetables, omega-3-rich fish, lean proteins, extra virgin olive oil, and low-FODMAP fruits if sensitive.

• Limit or avoid: ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol, and known personal trigger foods.

• See more at Cleveland Clinic – UC and Diet.

2. Diversify Your Plant Intake

Your microbiome thrives on variety. Aim to include a mix of fibre types from different plants each week, from leafy greens to root vegetables to herbs and spices.

• This diversity can increase the number and activity of beneficial bacteria.

3. Manage Stress Effectively

Chronic stress increases intestinal permeability and can alter microbiome balance. Incorporating mindfulness, breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga can help calm the gut–brain axis and reduce flare triggers.

4. Move Your Body (Gently)

Low to moderate-intensity exercise, like walking, swimming, or cycling, improves circulation to the gut, supports immune regulation, and helps maintain healthy bowel movements. Avoid pushing too hard during post-flare recovery, as overexertion can trigger setbacks.

5. Prioritise Restorative Sleep

Sleep is when your body regulates immune activity and repairs tissues, including the gut lining. Aim for 7–9 hours per night, with a consistent bedtime routine.

FAQs 

How long does it take to heal a leaky gut?
It varies. In IBD, barrier repair can take weeks to months, depending on inflammation levels, diet, and lifestyle habits.

Can I heal leaky gut without supplements?
Diet and lifestyle changes help, but targeted nutrients can speed up recovery and support the process more effectively, especially after a flare.

Is leaky gut the same as IBS?
No. IBS affects gut function but doesn’t necessarily involve increased intestinal permeability. Leaky gut can occur in IBD, IBS, and other conditions.

What foods are best for gut repair?
Cooked vegetables, omega-3-rich fish, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fibre from low-FODMAP fruits if tolerated.

Can leaky gut come back once healed?
Yes. Inflammation, poor diet, chronic stress, or certain medications can compromise the gut barrier again. Long-term maintenance is key.

Final Thoughts

Healing a leaky gut naturally is about addressing the right priorities at the right stage of your recovery. In IBD, that means calming inflammation during a flare, reinforcing the gut barrier in the post-flare window, and maintaining a resilient microbiome once you’re in remission.

The Proviscera FLARE–REPAIR–CARE protocol is built with this stage-by-stage approach in mind, combining clinically studied ingredients, targeted delivery, and dosing that matches what’s been shown to work in research. It’s designed to support your gut through each phase of healing and help you stay well once you get there.

If you’re not sure which stage you’re in, we can help.

Take our free Proviscera Quiz or reach out to our clinic team at clinic@proviscera.com for personalised guidance.

Because with the right plan, a strong gut isn’t just possible, it’s sustainable.