Leaky Gut Quiz

What "leaky gut" means, and what is still unproven

Intestinal permeability describes how easily substances pass through the lining of your gut. It is a real, measurable property, and researchers have documented increased permeability in conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and some people with IBS. "Leaky gut syndrome" as a stand-alone diagnosis behind a long list of symptoms is a different claim, and mainstream medicine does not currently recognize it. Whether higher permeability causes symptoms elsewhere in the body, or is a result of other problems, is still being studied.

This quiz does not measure permeability. It asks 10 questions about symptoms people commonly link to gut barrier problems — bloating after meals, new food reactions, skin flares, brain fog and fatigue, joint pain, autoimmune history, mood, allergies and overall digestion — and adds them into a score out of 30.

How to read your score

A score of 0–8 is a low match, 9–16 moderate, 17–24 high, and 25–30 very high. A higher score means you have many of the symptoms that overlap with gut barrier concerns, not that your gut is leaky. These symptoms are non-specific: they also occur with IBS, food intolerances, celiac disease, thyroid disorders, anemia, sleep problems and stress.

The useful way to treat a high score is as a prompt to investigate, not a conclusion. Ask a doctor about testing for celiac disease and other treatable causes, and start a food and symptom log so you can see which meals and habits actually line up with your worst days.

Habits that support gut health regardless of your score

Evidence-backed steps for gut health do not depend on the leaky gut label: eat a wide variety of plant foods, get enough fiber if you tolerate it, limit heavy alcohol use, manage chronic stress, sleep regularly, and avoid unnecessary NSAID use, which can irritate the gut lining. Be cautious about expensive supplements or "gut healing" protocols sold on the strength of a quiz.

Is leaky gut a real medical condition?

Increased intestinal permeability is real and measurable, and it is documented in celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. "Leaky gut syndrome" as a cause of many unrelated symptoms is not an accepted diagnosis, and the evidence that it drives conditions like eczema or brain fog is limited and still developing.

Can this quiz tell me if I have leaky gut?

No. Only specialised research tests can measure permeability, and commercial "zonulin" stool or blood tests are not considered reliable. This quiz estimates how many gut-related symptoms you have so you can decide whether to see a clinician.

What are the symptoms people associate with leaky gut?

Bloating, gas, food sensitivities, skin problems such as acne or eczema, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain and mood changes are the ones most often cited. Because these have many possible causes, the pattern is a reason to investigate rather than evidence of any single condition.

How can I find out what is really causing my symptoms?

Rule out treatable medical causes with a doctor first, then track your meals, symptoms and other factors like sleep and stress for at least two to three weeks. Reactions to food are often delayed by many hours, so a structured log is far more reliable than trying to remember what you ate.