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Gut · ranked by evidence

Foods to eat for leaky gut

Ranked the way I'd rank them in clinic: by the strength of the human evidence and how often the shortfall actually shows up. Start at the top. Add the rest only if labs or symptoms say so.

  1. Bone broth

    Collagen, glycine and proline — the raw materials of the lining.

    Strong evidence
  2. Cooked vegetables and squash

    Easier on an irritated gut than raw; feed beneficial bacteria.

    Strong evidence
  3. Fermented foods

    Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir — introduced one at a time from week four.

    Moderate evidence
  4. Wild fish and pasture-raised eggs

    Protein and omega-3s without irritation.

    Strong evidence
  5. Ginger, turmeric and garlic

    Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial support from the kitchen.

    Moderate evidence
  6. Olive oil, coconut oil and ghee

    Fats that don't irritate the lining.

    Moderate evidence
  7. Berries and cooked apples

    Polyphenols and pectin for the microbiome.

    Moderate evidence

Test before you supplement

Remove for 30 days: gluten, dairy (ghee is fine), refined sugar, seed oils, alcohol, processed foods. Interpret a result →

Put it in order

Supplements are step three. The Gut Healing Protocol puts food, lifestyle and labs in front of them, in the order that works.

Reviewed by specialists in endocrinology, functional medicine, cardiology, nutrition and longevity.Our protocols and source library are reviewed against current clinical evidence by our medical advisory board. Dr. Axe AI grounds its answers in that reviewed library and shows the sources behind every response.
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