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Leaky Gut Supplements That Work: RD’s Top Gut Healing Products

We explore leaky gut supplements that help take your symptoms away, with pros and cons of each product to help you choose the best one.

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Also referred to as intestinal permeability, a leaky gut occurs when the tight junctions that exist between the cells lining your small intestine loosen up. This allows for certain symptoms to arise, such as fatigue, bloating, gas, diarrhea, inflammation and nutritional deficiencies. Some diagnosable conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease can cause a leaky gut, but this issue can also exist on its own without any other medical condition present.

A leaky gut doesn’t have to be a lifelong condition if you recognize it early on and find ways to repair your gut and intestinal lining. Luckily, there are many natural supplements that can be used for this purpose so you don’t have to turn to harsh prescription medications that simply treat the symptoms of leaky gut you’re experiencing. The goal is to fix the actual problem so that your symptoms go away.

In this article I’m going to be looking at the ten best leaky gut supplements that can help get you back on track. These products are designed to heal your gut, create a more diverse microbiome and regulate your bowel movements. I also hope to educate you on some of the different methods that supplement companies use to promote gut health and repair a leaky gut. This way, you can find a product on your own that’s outside of this list if necessary. Without further delay, let’s get into the basics of supplements of leaky gut supplements.

But First, Do Supplements Designed for Leaky Gut Work?

There are a few different important supplements that are commonly used for the purpose of healing a leaky gut. This can include things such as probiotics, L-glutamine and vitamin D. These components are included to help reduce inflammation that’s present as well as restore your intestinal lining that may have been damaged by a leaky gut. Once healing has taken place, supplements will often attempt to create a more diverse microbiome. This will also help treat the symptoms of a leaky gut while preventing further problems down the road.

Not all supplements will work for your specific issue. That doesn’t necessarily mean that a product isn’t reputable (though some are not). The problem could just be that everyone’s body is different. What works for one person just might not work for you. However, choosing a high quality, reputable product from a trusted brand right up front will give you the best chance at healing your leaky gut naturally and safely.

The 10 Best Leaky Gut Supplement Brands

Let’s get right into the ten best leaky gut supplement brands. I have only selected products that come from companies that I know about and trust for my clients, and they have products that are designed specifically for a leaky gut, healing of your gut or overall gut health.

#1. Amy Myers Leaky Gut Revive

amy myers leaky gut revive

The Amy Myers brand has a product called Leaky Gut Revive, which is a powdered drink supplement. It contains different nutrients and ingredients such as L-Glutamine, licorice root powder, marshmallow root, ImmunoLin immunoglobulin protein isolate and aloe. The purpose of this product is to heal your gut by way of decreased inflammation and decreased permeability. Then, you will be able to continue use of Amy Myers Leaky Gut Revive to create a more diverse gut microbiome. The end result is a much more balanced digestive health process. People have used this product to boost more efficient digestion, to decrease bloating, to minimize frequent trips to the bathroom, boost weight loss, stabilize blood sugar and much more.

Benefits

  • Decreases inflammation in the body and the gut
  • Promotes regular bowel movements
  • Decreases GI symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation
  • Decreases the buildup of toxins in the body and bloodstream
  • Can alleviate symptoms associated with skin conditions like eczema
  • Creates a more diverse microbiome

Drawbacks

  • This product has somewhat of a unique flavor. However, it can be added to things like smoothies or juices to make it more palatable.

#2. Primal Gut Restore

primal gut restore

Primal Gut Restore (read review of the product here) is a probiotic-based supplement that is designed to provide optimal support for your gut health from the perspective of your immune system, energy levels and more. Containing prebiotics, postbiotics and probiotics (One of the main strains is B. longum BB536) along with the specially formulated CoreBiome Tributyrin, you can use this product to strengthen the barrier of your gut. This can repair a leaky gut as well as prevent leaky gut symptoms from forming. You can also maintain use of this product to keep your gut healthy and regular moving forward.

Benefits

  • Primal Harvest recommends that you use this product along with a healthy diet and exercise routine for optimal benefits
  • Includes a 90-day money back guarantee
  • Provides a very thorough approach to a leaky gut and gut health
  • Free of gluten and dairy
  • Made in a GMP-certified facility

Drawbacks

  • This is a capsule product, which you may or may not be interested in

#3. Gundry MD Total Restore

gundry md total restore

Gundry MD Total Restore is a gut health supplement that has been designed to promote a very strong and healthy lining of the gut. Gundry MD recognizes that a weakened gut lining can quickly lead to unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, digestive discomfort and weight issues. Supporting your gut health by way of these 16 potent all-natural ingredients is ideal. You can use this product to reduce symptoms of gas and bloating while increasing your energy levels naturally. You may even find that your mood improves and feels more consistent each day. Use Gundry MD Total Restore to fight back against those unhealthy food cravings and maintain a healthy weight along with an optimal diet and exercise routine.

Benefits

  • Promotes a healthy gut lining
  • Formulated to reduce gas and bloating
  • Boosts energy levels naturally
  • Reduces junk food cravings
  • Improves your focus
  • Calms your mood
  • It even supports healthy and pain-free joints

Drawbacks

  • Contains shellfish, so you may not be able to use this product if you have an allergy to things like crab and shrimp

#4. Ritual Synbiotic+

ritual synbiotic

Ritual Synbiotic was designed as a great way to support the natural processes of the gut and digestive system. After all, your GI system and microbiome affect your body in multiple ways. Regular use of this product can decrease increased permeability in the gut, reduce bouts of bloating, speed up weight loss and promote more regular and comfortable bowel movements. Healing your gut can also improve your natural immune response and create more energy without the need for sugar or caffeine. Active ingredients include probiotic strains LGG and BB-12 along with a postbiotic for gut lining support and improved gut barrier function. Ritual has created this product in a time release capsule, so it dissolves right where it needs to for optimal results.

Benefits

  • You do not need to refrigerate this product like many other gut health supplements
  • Delayed release design enhances optimal absorption
  • Made with only traceable ingredients
  • Has the potential to heal the lining of your gut
  • Third-party testing is utilized by Ritual
  • Free from all major allergens

Drawbacks

  • The price is a little expensive. It costs about $50 for a one-month supply of Ritual Synbiotic +

#5. Pendulum GI Repair

pendulum gi repair

A reputable health and wellness company that creates products for whole body healing and balance, Pendulum has a product called GI Repair. This is a probiotic supplement (15 million AFU of Clostridium butyricym) that can provide fast and long-term relief from things like gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation thanks to a more diverse microbiome. This is achieved by increasing the presence of butyrate in the body. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that is important to a normal digestive system. You can’t have adequate butyrate production without the proper beneficial bacteria in your gut. In addition to this supplement, Pendulum also provides you with access to their personalized nutritional coaching services from registered dieticians.

Benefits

  • Increases butyrate production
  • Formulated by world class research partners using proven scientific information
  • Promotes more regular and comfortable bowel movements
  • You gain access to nutrition coaching with the purchase of this product

Drawbacks

  • You may need to use this product for a number of weeks before you see substantial results

#6. 1st Phorm GI Advantage

1st phorm gi advantage

I’ve covered a number of 1st Phorm products in my articles, and I’m a big fan of their GI Advantage supplement. This is a supplement that is based on a very thorough and specific group of ingredients that can support GI health and digestion while repairing a leaky gut. One of the main ingredients is L-Glutamine, which is an amino acid that helps balance the GI tract. Galactoarabinan is also included. This is a form of fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria which exists in the microbiome. Aloe vera balances the pH balance of your gut while slippery elm bark and marshmallow root both soothe the mucous lining inside of your GI tract.

Benefits

  • Reduces the frequency of occasional gas, bloating and upset stomach
  • Has the potential to boost your immune system response
  • Does not contain any artificial ingredients or additives
  • Reduces inflammation in the gut

Drawbacks

  • You’ll find that this product is based on herbal ingredients while skipping over a full panel of probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics

#7. PureHealth Leaky Gut Revitalize

purehealth leaky gut revitalize

Pure Health has tapped into natural remedies, combining them with modern technology to produce effective results against leaky gut symptoms and other GI issues. You’ll be able to achieve results gently without any unpleasant side effects. There are 14 different potent ingredients included in this formulation, such as marshmallow root, MSM, cat’s claw, prune, aloe, slipper elm, okra, chamomile, quercetin, citrus pectin and licorice root. You can use this product regularly to tighten those leaky junctions that are causing you symptoms, preventing bad bacteria from flooding your body. From improving your colon health to flushing toxins and cholesterol out of the body, PureHealth Leaky Gut Revitalize does it all.

Benefits

  • Natural remedies combined with modern therapies provide noticeable results
  • Provides gentle relief from leaky gut symptoms
  • Gluten free and dairy free
  • Does not contain any GMO-based ingredients
  • Addresses issues like an overactive immune system, unbalanced gut flora and leaky intestinal junctions

Drawbacks

  • Does not contain fiber. This might be a benefit for you if you’re not interested in increasing your fiber intake, but some people prefer their gut health supplement to include it.

#8. Amen Leaky Gut+

amen leaky gut plus

Amen Leaky Gut+ has been formulated with great care to provide you with the important building blocks needed for a healthy gut. This supplement offers a full panel of prebiotics, probiotics, zinc and L-glutamine to decrease inflammation, regulate the digestive process and promote tight junctions within your intestines. Also included are ingredients such as turmeric, apple cider vinegar, ginger root, licorice extract and marshmallow root.

Benefits

  • Provides advanced gut support
  • Contain botanicals, probiotics and zinc
  • Gluten dairy and soy free
  • Third party testing used by Amen
  • Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility

Drawbacks

  • Results may vary. Some of the reviews on the Amen website are from people that didn’t see the results they were hoping for

#9. ONNIT Total Gut Health

onnit total gut health

Providing you with everything that you need to get your gut health in check, ONNIT Total Gut Health combines digestive enzymes with prebiotics, probiotics and betaine HCI. The patented DIGESTECH is a full-spectrum enzyme supplement that helps improve the digestion fats, lactose, carbs, protein and fiber.

You can also use this product to boost your immune function by way of your microbiome, better digest macronutrients, absorb more nutrients and create a more diverse gut flora.

Benefits

  • You can get a 10 percent discount with your first order
  • Keto friendly
  • Balances your gut flora
  • Promotes optimal immune responses
  • Comes in a convenient packet form
  • Five strains of probiotics have been included

Drawbacks

  • It’s important that you take this supplement with food to prevent stomach upset

#10. Pendulum Akkermansia

pendulum akkermansia

Pendulum’s Akkermansia is unique due to its formulation. Akkermansia muciniphila is a beneficial bacterium that isn’t really being used very much in the supplement world. However, it has shown great potential in regard to gut health and leaky gut symptoms (by strengthening the gut lining). While Pendulum has opted to use this ingredient as part of their supplement lineup, they have also included chicory inulin, which acts as a soluble fiber that will travel down to the lower gut to stimulate probiotic growth. This product can also be used for weight management when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Benefits

  • Promotes a more diverse and balanced gut microbiome
  • This is a unique product that contains akkermansia, which is not common with other gut health products
  • Made using an acid-resistant capsule that won’t dissolve until it gets to the large intestines

Drawbacks

  • Expensive and sells out frequently

Buying Guide on Supplements for Leaky Gut

Are you interested in looking outside of this list to see what you can come up with? Here is some information that I think can help you while you’re doing your shopping either in person or online.

woman taking supplement leaky gut

What Supplement Ingredient is Best for Leaky Gut?

Let’s start by taking a look at some of the active ingredients that you may want to make sure have been added to a potential leaky gut supplement.

L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is an excellent source of fuel for your gut, but it is also very important when it comes to preventing damage and repairing leaky gut issues. It works by providing the cells in your intestinal walls with ample energy. This leads to an increase in the production of mucus, promoting a regeneration process.

Probiotics

Probiotics are an incredibly important part of healing a leaky gut. Not only can they promote healing, but they can also help balance your gut microbiome so further damage doesn’t occur. Probiotics also help you reduce the number of symptoms that you experience from a leaky gut, such as bloating, abdominal pain, hard stools, fatigue and brain fog.

Vitamin D

Supplementing with vitamin D can help protect the integrity of your intestinal lining. It also decreases inflammation in the body and the gut while boosting immune system function. Most Americans are deficient in vitamin D, especially during the winter months, so it never hurts to supplement.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes have multiple benefits on a leaky gut, from increased nutrient absorption to less inflammation and irritation. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can also ensure that your body is experiencing less reactions to foods, which can minimize the amount of inflammation that occurs. You can also gain valuable protection against pathogens when you utilize digestive enzymes, which prevents a leaky gut.

Zinc

Zinc has the ability to improve intestinal permeability in a way that can heal and protect the body from a leaky gut. Zinc can also cut down on the number of ulcerations that occur when a condition like Crohn’s disease or leaky gut syndrome.

Collagen Peptides

You’ve probably heard of collagen peptides for an enhanced beauty or joint health routine, but these peptides can also be beneficial for the gut. The amino acid profile of collagen promotes optimal gut health in the way of reduced gut inflammation, by healing stomach ulcers, making digestion more efficient and regulating the production of stomach acid.

What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

At this point in time, the medical community doesn’t know as much about leaky gut syndrome as they would like. While we know that it has to do with the permeability of the intestines, it is still unclear regarding what exactly happens in the body that results in certain nutrients and water passing through more readily than they should. This hyperpermeability can occur as a result of certain GI conditions and diseases, while some people experience leaky gut symptoms without any real known cause. From an increase in eczema flare ups to uncomfortable GI symptoms like gas and bloating, this impaired response can be devastating.

While some people may be at a higher risk of developing a leaky gut because of issues like Crohn’s disease, liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome and a result of radiation therapy, it can strike anyone at any time. Finding ways to repair this intestinal lining and decrease inflammation is imperative.

Common Symptoms

People who experience leaky gut symptoms will usually have some degree of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, indigestion, food sensitivities and irregular bowel movements. The severity of these symptoms can vary, and they come and go as well. Because there is quite a bit of crossover between leaky gut symptoms and symptoms associated with other GI issues or illness, this can make it tricky to diagnose and heal a leaky gut.

FAQs

Now it’s time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that people have regarding leaky gut syndrome.

Is leaky gut syndrome real?

Though it may be somewhat of a medical mystery in some regard, leaky gut syndrome is a very real condition. It can include symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, and pain.

How do you test for leaky gut?

Though your symptoms are generally what you will notice first if you have a leaky gut, there are a couple of tests that can be used to determine the permeability of your intestinal lining. This includes a urine test that checks your PEG 400 fractions in relation to intestinal permeability. You can also have a blood test performed that will check your levels of serum zonulin. This is a protein that regulates the tight junctions that are located in the intestines. A stool sample can check for zonulin, which is another protein that regulates tight junctions in the intestines.

What foods might trigger leaky gut?

If you have a leaky gut, there are certain foods that will worsen your symptoms / condition. This can include things like processed foods, red meat, dairy and gluten. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, it’s a good idea to avoid those triggers. Otherwise, you could be contributing to the inflammation that can trigger leaky gut symptoms.

What is the fastest way to heal leaky gut?

The fastest way to heal a leaky gut is by decreasing inflammation in that area of the body and creating a more diverse microbiome. The goal is to promote a very calm and healing environment in your GI tract so that you can repair the hyperpermeability that is taking place. It’s not something you can achieve overnight but being careful about your diet and using the right supplements can get you back on track rather quickly.

Alternatives Compared to Leaky Gut Supplements

If you’re not on board with taking a leaky gut supplement for your symptoms, there are some other alternatives that you may want to consider.

Probiotics

Probiotics are an important part of healing a leaky gut, so they’re often included in leaky gut supplements. However, you can take a probiotic on its own without it being part of a more elaborate gut health product. Probiotics are beneficial for healing the gut, promoting regularity, cutting back on unpleasant GI symptoms and creating a more diverse microbiome. All of these things can promote a healthier level of permeability in the GI tract.

Gut Health Tests

Gut health test kits can be used to get a very accurate snapshot of what’s going on inside of your body. These tests can check to see how balanced the good and bacteria are in your gut. You can also find out what bacteria is present (both good and bad) in addition to pathogens and microbes. You can then utilize probiotics and other supplements to rebalance your gut health. Repeat testing is an option if you would like to track your progress.

Change Your Diet

It’s ideal that you take a good look at your diet to see where you might be going wrong. Your leaky gut may very well be impacted by the foods that you’re eating which are causing inflammation, gas and ulcerations. The best diet that you can adhere to for a leaky gut includes foods that are plant-based, whole grains and lean protein. Vegetables that help improve your digestive health include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach and mushrooms. Root vegetables like potatoes, yams and turnips are soothing to the gut. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh and miso help create a more diverse microbiome naturally. Stick with healthy sources of fat / oils like avocado and olive oil.

Stay away from foods that cause an increase in inflammation, such as refined sugar, refined carbohydrates, red meat, highly processed foods, gluten and dairy products. It can take a little bit of time to see how a diet is going to impact your health, so give yourself a number of weeks before you reassess and see what other changes you may need to make.

Get More Exercise

Exercise is a great way to improve your gut health overall. Exercise increases your heart rate, gets your blood flowing and promotes circulation. You can utilize exercise to decrease inflammation in the body and promote more regular bowel movements. People who exercise on a regular basis tend to experience less bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea than those who live a more sedentary lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

If you’re dealing with unpleasant leaky gut symptoms, there are ways that you can change your diet and lifestyle to promote a healthier gut. Not only should this help get your symptoms to diminish, but you’ll be experiencing all of the additional benefits that come along with increase gut health such as a boosted immune system, better nutrient absorption, more regular bowel movements, regulated weight and so much more.

I’ve provided you with ten of the best supplements that you can try if you’re looking to heal a leaky gut, but you can try some of my other tips as well. Using the information I provided in my buying guide; you can look at some of the other gut health supplements that are being sold on the market right now to see if one of them would be beneficial for what you’re experiencing.

Tips for Success from the RD

There are a number of methods that you can use to take control of your gut health. Here are some of my tips for success that can greatly improve the symptoms of a leaky gut as well as balance your microbiome and promote optimal GI health.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

Dealing with chronic stress can lead to an increase in harmful gut bacteria. It can also increase the number of unpleasant GI symptoms you experience such as gas and bloating.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking regularly or once in a while can put you at an increased risk of bowel conditions and inflammation in the digestive tract. Not to mention, it can increase your risk of developing cancer.

Pay Attention to Sleep Quality

You should be getting at least eight hours of sleep each night. It’s also important that you’re getting good quality sleep in order to maintain an adequate distribution of healthy gut bacteria.

My Top Recommendations

Leaky Gut SupplementStore
1. Amy Myers Leaky Gut ReviveCLICK FOR BEST PRICE
2. Primal Gut RestoreCLICK FOR BEST PRICE
3. Gundry MD Total RestoreCLICK FOR BEST PRICE
4. Ritual Synbiotic+CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
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Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD

Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, earned her masters degree in Nutrition and Foods from the University of Georgia. She's a Registered Dietitian at Morrison Healthcare and has a strong passion in helping people improve their wellness!

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