Optimizing Gut Health Naturally

The gut is the foundation of health, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity, and brain health. However, factors such as aging, chronic stress, dysbiosis, food sensitivities, and environmental toxins can contribute to gut inflammation. Over time, this inflammation impairs the gut’s protective barrier or lining, leading to increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut.”

Changes in intestinal permeability have been identified in some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (1) Affecting 10% of the global population, IBS is characterized by constant abdominal pain and changing bowel habits, and is associated with increased stress, decreased productivity, and a reduced quality of life. (2,3) Given how significantly IBS impacts daily life, practical solutions that manage symptoms and promote recovery are essential. Curious about how to optimize your gut health? Consider these key ingredients for leaky gut and IBS support.

Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by healthy gut bacteria in the large intestine. Declines in butyric acid levels can affect gut permeability and may worsen IBS symptoms, while butyrate supplementation supports the gut barrier and reduces symptom frequency. (4,5) Supplementation with butyrate leads to significantly less pain during bowel movements and improved bowel habits. (5) Choose sodium butyrate, the form commonly used in clinical trials, and for optimal results, supplement with 250–1000 mg daily.

Probiotics help restore and maintain the intestinal microbiota. Individuals with IBS often have an imbalance of bacteria caused by antibiotic exposure and gastrointestinal infections. (6) Research has demonstrated that clinically tested strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus and Enterococcus species can help alleviate IBS symptoms, including gas, abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel urgency. (7–10)

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a low-FODMAP fibre and prebiotic that increases beneficial bacteria in the gut. (11) Studies show IBS patients who consume this regulating fibre daily experience significantly reduced incidences of abdominal pain, gas, and bloating, and improved bowel regularity. (12,13) PHGG can be easily mixed into water or other hot or cold beverages or foods and is suitable for adults and children aged eight and above.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a type of licorice in which glycyrrhizin, the compound linked to side effects like high blood pressure, has been removed. DGL supports the digestive tract by improving blood flow to damaged mucosa, enhancing mucus production, and extending the lifespan of intestinal cells. (14) In one study, patients with chronic gut inflammation caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection consumed fermented milk with DGL and probiotics. This treatment improved symptoms such as indigestion, reflux, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. (15)

Your next steps

IBS can be complex, making a multi-step plan essential for lasting relief. Remember to:

• Identify, manage, and/or avoid triggers such as food intolerances, stress, and pathogens (yeast, parasites) when possible.
• Use digestive aids such as bitter herbs, betaine hydrochloride, digestive enzymes and correct nutrient deficiencies with whole, unprocessed foods and supplements.
• Choose IBS-specific probiotic supplements and add prebiotic fibres to balance the gut microbiota.
• Support the repair of the gut lining with nutrients like butyric acid and DGL.

Take charge of your IBS journey by finding the strategies that best support your health. Small steps, with the help of your health care team, can lead to meaningful improvements in managing IBS.

By Stephanie Rubino, ND (non-clinical)

References
1. Lacy, B.E., Wise, J.L., & Cangemi, D.J. (2024). Leaky gut syndrome: Myths and management. Gastroenterol Hepatol, 20(5), 264-72.
2. Ionescu, V.A., Gheorghe, G., Georgescu, T.F., et al. (2024). The latest data concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome. J Clin Med, 13(17), 5124.
3. Shaikh, S.D., Sun, N., Canakis, A., et al. (2023). Irritable bowel syndrome and the gut microbiome: A comprehensive review. J Clin Med, 12(7), 2558.
4. Sun, Q., Jia, Q., Song, L., et al. (2019). Alterations in fecal short-chain fatty acids in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 98(7), e14513.
5. Banasiewicz, T., Krokowicz, Ł., Stojcev, Z., et al. (2013). Microencapsulated sodium butyrate reduces the frequency of abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Colorectal Dis, 15(2), 204-9.
6. Sulaimi, F., Ong, T.S.K., Tang, A.S.P., et al. (2025). Risk factors for developing irritable bowel syndrome: Systematic umbrella review of reviews. BMC Med, 23(1), 103.
7. Satish Kumar, L., Pugalenthi, L.S., Ahmad, M., et al. (2022). Probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: A review of their therapeutic role. Cureus, 14(4), e24240.
8. Maioli, T.U., Trindade, L.M., Souza, A., et al. (2022). Non-pharmacologic strategies for the management of intestinal inflammation. Biomed Pharmacother, 145, 112414.
9. Garvey, S.M., Mah, E., Blonquist, T.M., et al. (2022). The probiotic Bacillus subtilis BS50 decreases gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Gut microbes, 14(1), 2122668.
10. Greuter, T., Michel, M.C., Thomann, D., et al. (2020). Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind and open-label studies in the treatment and prevention of acute diarrhea with Enterococcus faecium SF68. Front Med, 7, 276.
11. Abe, A., Morishima, S., Kapoor, M.P., et al. (2023). Partially hydrolyzed guar gum is associated with improvement in gut health, sleep, and motivation among healthy subjects. J Clin Biochem Nutr, 72(2), 189-97.
12. Niv, E., Halak, A., Tiommny, E., et al. (2016). Randomized clinical study: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) versus placebo in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Nutr Metab, 13, 10.
13. Russo, L., Andreozzi, P., Zito, F.P., et al. (2015). Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: effects of gender, age, and body mass index. Saudi J Gastroenterol, 21(2), 104-10.
14. Murray, M.T. (2020). Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice). Textbook Nat Med, 641-7.e3.
15. Yoon, J.Y., Cha, J.M., Hong, S.S., et al. (2019). Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei and Glycyrrhiza glabra has a beneficial effect in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(35), e16601.

About the Author: Natural Factors

Natural Factors is a Canadian family-owned business operating for more than 50 years, providing a wide range of products exclusively to the health food industry. Factors Farms, located south of Armstrong, BC, is a certified-organic farmland that gives Natural Factors complete control over securing the best quality raw materials possible.