Leaky Gut: What It Is and How It Could Be Tied to Your Spine and Nervous System

You may have heard the term “leaky gut” floating around lately, but what does it actually mean, and how does it relate to your spine and nervous system?

Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, happens when the lining of your digestive tract becomes compromised. Think of your gut lining as a tightly woven net — when it’s healthy, it keeps out unwanted substances like toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles. But when that net becomes "leaky," these things can slip through into your bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune responses.

So, where does your spine and nervous system come in?

As chiropractors, we understand the body is deeply interconnected. The nervous system, housed and protected by the spine, controls and communicates with every organ in your body, including your gut. If there’s stress or interference along the spine (what we call vertebral subluxations), it can disrupt the nervous system’s ability to regulate digestion and immune function properly.

On the flip side, chronic gut inflammation from leaky gut can also stress the nervous system, creating a feedback loop that affects energy, mood, immunity, and more. That’s why addressing spinal health is so important , not just for pain relief, but for supporting your body’s natural healing and regulation systems.

At our practice, we take a vitalistic approach, looking at the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. If you’re dealing with digestive issues, low energy, brain fog, or chronic inflammation, it might be time to check in on your spine and nervous system.

Your body is designed to heal! sometimes it just needs the right support.