Leaky Gut Testing

Get to the root cause by understanding your intenstinal barrier health.
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What is “leaky gut” or hyperintestinal permeability?

The term Leaky gut syndrome refers to a digestive condition or state of wellness that can have widespread implications on overall wellness. The health of our digestive track is essential to whole-body optimization and the preventiona and treatment of chronic disease. When it is comprimised health issues often occur. 

In leaky gut syndrome, gaps in the intestinal walls allow bacteria and other toxins to pass into the bloodstream. In this condtition nutrient absorption may be impared, microbial balance (probiotics) can be altered and inflammation can occur. Current scientific evidence suggests leaky gut may contribute to a range of medical conditions. 

Leaky gut may contribute to several health conditions, such as:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Diabetes
  • Food allergies and sensitivities
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Dementia
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • and others
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Zonulin Testing for Leaky Gut Syndrome

The FLUIDS iQ test for Leaky Gut measures the levels of Zonulin (and its related family of peptides) in the blood stream. It is a simple blood test done in-office and takes only 5 minutes to complete.

Zonulin is a protein that helps to regulate what travels between cells of the digestive tract wall. It is found within intestinal cells and if upregulated it is a sign that permeability is increased in the small intestine. Therefore, on this test, when the result is elevated the diagnosis is “leaky gut”.  

After the results return your Naturopathic Doctor can develop a protocol based on your history, presenting symptoms and test result to work to heal the intestinal lining. This process can involve dietary change, supplementation and herbal support. Symptoms are then monitored and follow up testing can be done if required.

view a sample report

Is the leaky gut test right for me? 

You may have heard the term “Leaky Gut” before and thought about if it might be something you are dealing with. This is a common thought for those with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). With IBS and other functional digestive issues many things can be happening at the same time. At Noble we like to practice precision integrative care so in these situations we will think about and test if needed the following:

  • Zonulin (as described above) – Leaky Gut Testing
  • Food sensitivites – FST
  • Probiotics (microbial balance) – GI Map
  • Intestinal inflammation – assortment of tests
  • Enzyme function and capacity – GI Map, CDSA
  • GI infections such as h. pylori, parasites, opportunistic bacteria, etc – GI Map, H. pylori breath test, SIBO breath test, stool culture

Although the term “Leaky Gut” has been used for years to describe all manner of issues relating to how people feel, it’s only recently that the scientific community discovered that zonulin level can indicate degree of severity or “leakiness”. Below are a few symptoms that may indicate a Zonulin Test is warranted.

What symptoms might indicate “leaky gut”?:

  • chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloating

  • nutritional deficiencies

  • fatigue

  • headaches

  • confusion

  • difficulty concentrating

  • skin problems, such as acne, rashes, eczema or psoriasis

  • chronic joint pain

  • anxiety

  • widespread inflammation 

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