April 2, 2026

How To Prevent And Cure Leaky Gut And Leaky Brain

By: Dr. J. Renae Norton

In my last article, I talked about the epidemic of leaky gut and leaky brain in the United States today because of food pollution. Leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability) causes chronic inflammation that often manifests as both digestive (leaky gut) and neurological (leaky brain issues). Just a few of the symptoms include chronic fatigue, brain fog, mood disorders (anxiety/depression), bloating, food sensitivities, skin rashes, and joint pain. 

Leaky Gut

This is a more comprehensive list of what you may experience if you have a leaky gut/leaky brain:

  • Digestive Distress: Chronic bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and/or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Food Sensitivities: New or worsening intolerances to foods like gluten or dairy.
  • Physical Inflammation: Joint pain, skin issues (acne, eczema, rosacea) , and unexplained weight gain or puffiness.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Poor absorption leading to low levels of vitamins and minerals.

Leaky Brain

When the intestinal barrier is compromised, the toxins can also trigger inflammation that affects the blood-brain barrier, resulting in: 

  • Brain Fog: Persistent cognitive impairment, hazy thinking, difficulty focusing, and memory lapses.
  • Mood Imbalances: Increased anxiety, depression, and irritability.
  • Chronic Fatigue: Intense fatigue that is not improved by rest.
  • Headaches/Migraines: Frequent, unexplained headaches. 

These symptoms are often a part of the gut-brain axis, in which intestinal inflammation causes the immune system to release compounds that negatively impact mental health and cognitive function.

While these symptoms are often reported, it is impossible to diagnose these conditions solely on the basis of the dysfunction caused by food pollution. In other words if you go to your doctor and report the symptoms, because they overlap so much, the causes are often misunderstood or overlooked. In my experience the cause is almost always Food Pollution.

What to do?

One of the first things I recommend for leaky gut and/or leaky brain is bone broth. Nothing heals the gut like bone broth.

But the next thing you could do that is equally as important is eliminate as much of the polluted food from your diet that you can. And you do that by eating 100% grass fed, wild caught, minimally processed organic food.

Finally, you treat the condition and prevent it in the future by taking a good probiotics every day.