Intestinal permeability refers to how leaky the gut wall is. In a healthy gut tight junctions between intestinal cells selectively allow nutrients through while blocking pathogens and toxins. When these junctions loosen - from dysbiosis, chronic stress, alcohol, NSAIDs, or a poor diet - the gut becomes hyperpermeable. This allows bacterial fragments to enter the bloodstream triggering systemic inflammation. Leaky gut is associated with IBS, IBD, food sensitivities, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic syndrome.
