Leaky Gut: Real Biology vs. Internet Hype

Leaky gut" means something very specific in gastroenterology and something very different on wellness blogs. This episode unpacks the actual biology of intestinal permeability — the tight junction proteins, the paracellular pathway, and the gut-associated lymphoid tissue — then examines where the evidence actually lands. We cover the well-established connections to Crohn's disease and celiac, the plausible but unproven links to conditions like type 1 diabetes and NAFLD, and the shaky foundations of commercial testing like IgG panels and serum zonulin assays. If you've ever wondered whether leaky gut is a real condition or just the internet's favorite scapegoat, this episode gives you the tools to tell the difference.