“Leaky gut”, or intestinal hyperpermeability (IHP), is frequently cited as the root cause of a wide array of health complaints—ranging from bloating and fatigue to brain fog and food sensitivities. While the condition is valid and increasingly recognized, prioritizing treatment for leaky gut without first addressing the foundational steps of digestion can lead to disappointing results and persistent symptoms.

Inspired by Dr. Datis Kharrazian’s course on Gastrointestinal Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications, this blog encourages a foundational, top-down approach to digestion. Instead of starting with probiotics or supplements, let’s explore how digestion really works—and what steps might be missing before leaky gut even becomes a concern.

Step 1: Chewing and Saliva—Where Digestion Truly Begins

Most people don’t realize that digestion starts in the mouth. Chewing isn’t just mechanical—it’s also biochemical. When we chew thoroughly, we support digestion in the following ways:

• Break food into smaller particles, making it easier for the stomach to digest.
• Stimulate saliva production, which contains essential enzymes.
• Activate signals to the stomach and pancreas to release digestive juices.

Key Enzymes in Saliva:

• Salivary amylase: Begins breaking down carbohydrates.
• Lingual lipase: Initiates fat digestion and is especially important for individuals with low pancreatic function.
• Mucins: Help coat and lubricate food.
• Antimicrobial peptides: Defend against harmful bacteria and viruses.

Common Issues: Fast-paced meals, stress, and distractions reduce chewing time and saliva production, which can lead to:

• Poorly digested carbs fermenting in the small intestine
• More pressure on the stomach to break down food
• Reduced ability to neutralize pathogens early on

Signs of Dysfunction:

• Bloating and gas soon after eating
• Heavy feeling in the stomach
• Acid reflux worsened by quick meals

Simple Fixes:

• Chew each bite 20–30 times
• Eat without distractions
• Drink water before meals, not during
• Use lemon, bitters, or apple cider vinegar to boost saliva

Step 2: Stomach Acid—The Next Critical Phase

• Breaking proteins into absorbable peptides
• Killing harmful microbes
• Activating digestive enzymes
• Making nutrients like B12, iron, and magnesium bioavailable

Why Low Stomach Acid Is Often Misunderstood

Many people believe acid reflux is caused by too much acid. In reality, low acid (hypochlorhydria) is often to blame. Without enough acid, food ferments in the stomach, leading to gas, bloating, and even reflux.

Signs of Low Stomach Acid:

• Bloating or fullness after protein-rich meals
• Acid reflux that worsens with antacids
• Undigested food in stool
• Fatigue, hair thinning, or weak nails (nutrient deficiencies)

How to Support Stomach Acid Production:

• Try digestive bitters or apple cider vinegar (with practitioner supervision)
• Avoid drinking large amounts of water during meals
• Consider betaine HCl (with practitioner supervision)

Conclusion: Why Foundational Digestion Comes First

While leaky gut may be part of the picture, is rarely where the story begins. As we’ve explored, digestion is a top-down process that starts in the mouth and depends on the coordinated function of each subsequent phase. If core steps like thorough chewing or adequate stomach acid production are compromised, downstream dysfunction is almost inevitable—and no amount of probiotics or gut-healing supplements will fully compensate.

The encouraging news is that by restoring these early phases of digestion, common symptoms such as bloating, reflux, fatigue, and food sensitivities often begin to improve on their own. This approach shifts the focus away from symptom suppression and toward true resolution—rooted in physiology, not quick fixes.

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll examine what happens after food leaves the stomach: the vital roles of digestive enzymes, bile flow, and intestinal motility—and how imbalances in these areas may set the stage for microbial disruption and intestinal permeability.

Start with the fundamentals. When digestion works as it should, the gut has a far better chance of healing itself—and supporting your overall health in the process.

Ready to take the next step toward better digestion? Book an appointment or call (919) 909-5736 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mary Clark DACM, LAc.