By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
I’m Dr. Pranab Gyawali, a Consultant Gastroenterologist here in Dubai, with over 25 years of experience helping people manage Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and chronic gut issues.
This is Part 2 of my series on leaky gut and IBD. If you haven’t watched the first video yet, I recommend starting here.
Many people living with Crohn’s or UC want to know what they can do alongside prescribed treatment to help their gut lining heal naturally. So in this video, I break down 4 strategies that are supported by current research — no hype, just real science.
1. Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Food is one of the simplest ways to support your gut barrier.
Certain foods help reduce inflammation and protect the gut lining:
- Berries: rich in polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative stress
- Extra virgin olive oil: contains oleic acid and polyphenols that calm inflammation
- High-fiber plants: fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids to nourish your gut lining
- Omega-3 fatty acids: found in oily fish, flaxseeds, or walnuts — these help lower inflammation levels
Adding these to your diet can support your medical treatment and help maintain gut health.
Learn more about IBD nutrition care in Dubai
2. Use Specific Probiotics – Not Just Any
Not all probiotics help equally. One that stands out is Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast (not bacteria).
It has been shown to:
- Support gut microbiome balance, especially after antibiotics
- Reduce diarrhea episodes
- Help calm gut inflammation in some IBD cases
However, always talk to your gastroenterologist before starting any supplement, especially if you’re in an active flare.
3. Targeted Nutrients: L-Glutamine & Zinc Carnosine
Some nutrients have shown promise for gut barrier support:
- L-Glutamine: an amino acid that fuels the cells lining your intestines. Studies suggest it may reduce gut permeability in people under stress and support recovery in IBD remission phases.
- Zinc Carnosine: not the same as regular zinc — it’s a compound that combines zinc with the peptide carnosine. Research suggests it may help the gut lining heal, especially in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
Again, these are not standalone cures but can be helpful alongside your treatment plan.
4. Manage Stress and Sleep Better
Many people forget how much stress and poor sleep weaken your gut barrier.
- High cortisol levels (the stress hormone) disrupt the proteins that hold your gut cells tightly together, making the barrier “leaky.”
- Studies show even one night of poor sleep can raise gut endotoxin levels.
So, learning simple stress management tools — meditation, exercise, breathing — and prioritising good sleep hygiene can make a real difference to your gut health.
FAQs About Healing a Leaky Gut With IBD
Does stress really cause leaky gut in Crohn’s or UC?
Stress itself doesn’t cause IBD, but it does increase gut permeability, which can worsen symptoms and trigger flares.
Can I take supplements like L-glutamine or zinc carnosine without seeing a doctor?
No — always discuss supplements with your gastroenterologist to make sure they’re safe for your specific condition and medications.
Are probiotics safe for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s?
Some specific probiotics, like Saccharomyces boulardii, can help in certain situations — but they aren’t right for everyone, especially during active flares.
Where can I get gut health advice in Dubai?
I help patients across Dubai manage Crohn’s, UC, IBS, and gut health concerns with personalised, evidence-based care.
Ready to Support Your Gut the Right Way?
These tips won’t replace your prescribed IBD treatment — but used wisely, they can help strengthen your gut lining naturally and safely.
For all appointments and inquiries, please either WhatsApp +971 58 905 6211 or click here to request an appointment online.