Leaky Gut
A functional medicine approach to leaky gut
Intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as “leaky gut,” is a condition where the tight junctions that bind the enterocytes (the cells lining the small intestine) become compromised. These junctions normally regulate what passes through the intestinal lining, but when compromised, food particles, toxins, viruses, bacteria and other substances may inadvertently enter the bloodstream.
When these foreign substances gain access to the bloodstream, the immune system responds by triggering inflammation, which can manifest as various symptoms across different body systems that may not initially appear related to the digestive tract. In other words, leaky gut can present with or without accompanying digestive symptoms.
This highlights the intricate connection between gut health and overall well-being — a compromised intestinal barrier can contribute to a wide range of systemic issues, underscoring the importance of addressing the root cause through a comprehensive functional medicine approach.
Underlying drivers
Causes
- Inadequate production of gastric acid
- Use of NSAIDs and antibiotics
- Persistent maldigestion
- Impacts of food allergens on the absorptive surfaces of the bowel
- Bacterial imbalances or overgrowth (dysbiosis)
- Presence of pathogenic yeast and parasites
- Prolonged exposure to stress
Symptoms we see
Related symptoms
- Joint pain
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Digestive conditions
- Hormonal imbalances
- Immune dysregulation
- Skin issues (psoriasis, rosacea)
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Unexplained symptoms
Treatment approach
Our objective is to aid you in achieving optimal health and wellbeing
We take a comprehensive approach to managing intestinal permeability by assessing the patient’s symptoms and investigating the underlying pathogenesis. Laboratory testing — such as a leaky gut test, the SIBO breath test and comprehensive stool analysis — can identify bacterial imbalances and intestinal malabsorption, while IgG food sensitivity testing can pinpoint which foods are inflammatory and the severity of the permeability.
Therapies aim to remove what is causing the issue by addressing its root cause, while supporting tight junction formation and intestinal regeneration. Treatment involves dietary changes, lifestyle changes and targeted supplements.
Why choose us
Care built around understanding why
Our mission
We provide a supportive environment paired with cutting-edge expertise in nutrition and functional medicine.
Our mission is to help you uncover the root causes of your health concerns and guide you through them with personalised nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
Our values
We practise root-cause medicine — because true healing starts with understanding why symptoms arise.
Our goal is to uncover the underlying drivers of your health concerns and empower you with the tools to make lasting, sustainable changes.
Support
Once you begin with us, our collaborative approach guides you through every step. We collect the information we need through detailed intake forms and tailor our support to motivate and assist you throughout the process.
Success stories
What our clients say
★★★★★Working with Rob was a truly transformative experience. His guidance not only helped me navigate a wide range of symptoms but also gave me the knowledge and tools to build lasting, healthy habits. I feel more empowered and informed about my health than ever before. Edinburgh CFM is setting a new standard for how healthcare should be delivered — I can’t recommend Rob highly enough.
Alex
★★★★★Edinburgh CFM has been life-changing for me. Living with eczema was overwhelming — it felt like it was taking over every part of my life. I joined the 6-month programme hoping for some guidance, and what I got was so much more. With Rob’s support I now understand the specific foods and lifestyle triggers that were making things worse. For the first time my eczema is under control without relying on steroids — and I finally feel empowered in my own skin.
Rebecca
★★★★★My daughter was having health challenges and someone recommended the centre. She received a diagnosis of gut issues and found out she had SIBO. With the help of our practitioner we were able to get her back to school so she could continue her studies for her exams. Highly recommended.
Joan
★★★★★I came to the centre with a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s. I hadn’t been able to find a clinic that would provide understanding and a way to approach the disease without just suppressing symptoms. I feel like I matter and so do my symptoms. Progress has been far greater than through any other treatment option, and at each appointment I can share where I am and look at the next steps. I would highly recommend this clinic.
Marcus
Contact us to start your journey at the Edinburgh Centre for Functional Medicine
We work with patients all over Scotland online.