Leaky Gut Syndrome Treatment in Daly City, CA
Leaky gut syndrome, also called intestinal hyperpermeability, refers to a condition where the lining of your intestines becomes more porous than normal. This allows bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles to “leak” into your bloodstream.
While leaky gut remains a theoretical digestive disorder not yet recognized as an official medical diagnosis, many patients experience real symptoms that impact their quality of life.
At CDCH, our gastroenterologists evaluate intestinal permeability issues and create evidence-based treatment plans to improve your digestive health.
Understanding Intestinal Permeability
Your intestinal lining acts as a selective barrier. It allows nutrients to pass through while keeping harmful substances out. This barrier is maintained by “tight junctions”—protein structures that seal the spaces between intestinal cells.
When these tight junctions become damaged or breached, increased intestinal permeability (IP) occurs. This is what people refer to when they say “leaky gut.”
The concept suggests that this increased permeability may trigger inflammation and contribute to various health issues.
The Medical Debate
It’s important to understand that leaky gut syndrome is not currently a recognized medical diagnosis in conventional gastroenterology. The medical community debates whether intestinal permeability is a cause of disease or a consequence of existing conditions.
However, increased intestinal permeability does occur in certain medical conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Our approach focuses on identifying and treating underlying digestive conditions while addressing symptoms you’re experiencing.
Finding the Right Medical Care
If you’re searching for leaky gut syndrome doctors or a leaky gut specialist, you should know that gastroenterologists are the medical professionals best equipped to evaluate your digestive symptoms. While we may not use the term “leaky gut” as a formal diagnosis, we absolutely take your symptoms seriously and can identify treatable underlying conditions that may be causing intestinal permeability issues.
Common Symptoms Associated with Intestinal Permeability
Chronic bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps
Persistent diarrhea or constipation
Unexplained fatigue and low energy levels
Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or headaches
Joint pain and muscle aches
Skin problems (acne, eczema, rashes)
New or worsening food sensitivities
Unexplained weight changes
These symptoms overlap with many digestive conditions, making proper diagnosis essential.
What Causes Increased Intestinal Permeability?
Lifestyle Factors
Chronic stress disrupts gut barrier function through stress hormones and inflammation.
Poor nutrition—particularly diets high in sugar, processed foods, and low in fiber—damages the intestinal lining over time.
Heavy alcohol consumption directly harms the gut barrier and alters the protective microbiome. These lifestyle factors are modifiable with proper guidance.
Medical Conditions & Medications
Chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease are associated with increased intestinal permeability.
Certain medications, including NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) and antibiotics, can temporarily compromise gut barrier function. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy also affect intestinal lining.
Gut dysbiosis—an imbalance in your microbiome—and intestinal infections or parasites can breach tight junctions and increase permeability.
How Intestinal Permeability May Affect Your Body
Early Stage
- Chronic bloating and discomfort
- Irregular bowel movements
- Food intolerances develop
- Malabsorption of nutrients
- Inflammation in gut lining
- Altered gut microbiome
Systemic Effects
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Brain fog and concentration issues
- Skin inflammation (acne, eczema)
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Weakened immune response
The gut barrier affects more than just digestion—it influences whole-body health.
How We Diagnose Intestinal Permeability Issues
1
Comprehensive Medical History
We review your symptoms, dietary habits, medications, stress levels, and family history
2
Physical Examination & Blood Work
Testing for inflammation markers, celiac antibodies, nutritional deficiencies, and zonulin levels (a protein that regulates tight junctions)
3
Specialized Testing (When Indicated)
Lactulose/mannitol urine test measures intestinal permeability, microbiome analysis assesses gut bacteria balance, endoscopy with biopsy examines intestinal tissue directly
4
Rule Out Underlying Conditions
Testing for IBD, celiac disease, SIBO, food allergies, and other diagnosable conditions that cause similar symptoms
- Proper testing identifies treatable conditions rather than relying on unproven leaky gut syndrome tests.
Understanding the Medical Controversy
It’s important to be aware that the concept of “leaky gut syndrome” lacks standardized diagnostic tools and treatment protocols in conventional medicine. The debate centers on whether intestinal permeability is a primary disease process or a secondary consequence of other conditions. Limited clinical evidence exists for complete “reversal” of leaky gut as a standalone condition. What we do know: treating underlying digestive diseases, improving diet, managing stress, and supporting gut health can improve symptoms and reduce intestinal inflammation.
Leaky Gut vs. Other Digestive Conditions
Symptoms attributed to leaky gut syndrome often overlap significantly with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
This overlap makes self-diagnosis dangerous. What you think is "leaky gut" could actually be a serious condition requiring specific treatment.
Medical Conditions & Medications
Our diagnostic process distinguishes between these conditions through proper testing. If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you need targeted medical therapy—not just dietary supplements.
If you have celiac disease, strict gluten elimination is essential. If you have IBS, evidence-based treatments like low FODMAP diet and medications provide relief.
Getting the right diagnosis ensures you receive effective, evidence-based treatment rather than spending money on unproven leaky gut remedies.
Meet Our Digestive Health Specialists
Board Certified
All providers meet the highest standards of care
Same-Week Appointments
Quick access to expert care when you need it
Local to Bay Area
Serving Daly City, San Francisco & surrounding areas
- Daly City, CA
Evidence-Based Digestive Care in Daly City
If you’re searching for a leaky gut specialist or answers about intestinal permeability, our gastroenterology team provides honest, evidence-based evaluation and treatment.
We won’t dismiss your symptoms, but we also won’t offer false promises. Our goal is identifying what’s truly causing your digestive issues and creating a treatment plan that works.
- Accepting New Patients
Get Real Answers About Your Digestive Symptoms
Stop wondering if you have leaky gut syndrome. Our gastroenterologists provide comprehensive evaluation to identify the real cause of your symptoms and create an effective treatment plan.
- Accepting new patients
- Evidence-based care
- Comprehensive testing