By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
I’m Dr. Pranab Gyawali, a Consultant Gastroenterologist here in Dubai. For more than 25 years, I’ve helped patients manage Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) — two conditions where “leaky gut” often gets mentioned, but not always explained properly.
In my latest video, I break down exactly what gut barrier dysfunction means if you live with IBD, how it differs between Crohn’s and UC, and why supporting your gut lining is critical — even when you’re not flaring.
If you or a loved one has Crohn’s, UC, or chronic gut symptoms, this is your science-based, no-hype guide to understanding your gut lining.
Understanding Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction
What is “leaky gut”?
In medical terms, we call it intestinal barrier dysfunction. It means the lining of your gut gets too “loose,” allowing unwanted particles — bacteria, toxins, and partly digested food — to pass through into the body.
How Leaky Gut Works in Crohn’s Disease
In Crohn’s disease, we see gut permeability problems even before symptoms appear. Sometimes, it’s found in healthy family members too — which suggests a leaky gut may actually help trigger the disease.
- Crohn’s causes deep, full-thickness inflammation of the bowel wall.
- This means the damage to the gut lining can be more severe and long-lasting.
- Healing this deeper injury is a key goal in treatment and remission.
Learn more about Crohn’s disease care in Dubai
How It’s Different in Ulcerative Colitis
In ulcerative colitis (UC), the pattern is different:
- In UC, inflammation stays at the surface of the colon.
- The gut lining usually only becomes “leaky” after inflammation starts — not before.
- So, the “leakiness” is a result of the inflammation, not the cause.
Whether it’s Crohn’s or UC, protecting and restoring your gut barrier is vital for long-term control and fewer flares.
Why Gut Barrier Healing Matters
Even when you feel well, your gut lining may still be vulnerable. Supporting it with evidence-based strategies — not just internet trends — can help you:
- Maintain remission longer
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Improve your overall gut health
In Part 2 of this video series, I’ll share practical, science-backed ways to support your gut lining naturally.
Stay tuned — or watch my other IBD & gut health vlogs for more tips you can trust.
Common Questions About Leaky Gut & IBD
What does leaky gut feel like in Crohn’s or UC?
You may not feel “leaky gut” directly — but ongoing bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, and flares can be signs that your gut lining needs extra care.
Is leaky gut the cause of Crohn’s disease?
It may play a role — research shows gut permeability issues can appear before Crohn’s starts. But genetics and your immune system are major factors too.
Where can I find a trusted IBD doctor in Dubai?
I’ve dedicated my practice to helping people with Crohn’s, UC, and chronic gut issues here in Dubai. You’re not alone — specialist help is available.
Can diet heal my gut lining?
Food plays a role, but no diet alone cures IBD. Evidence-based supplements, medications, and lifestyle changes work together for the best results.
Ready to Take Control of Your Gut Health?
Healing your gut lining starts with understanding what’s happening — and then using proven treatments, not myths.
Recommended Guides:
FMT, Probiotics and Next-Generation Microbiome Therapies
- AI in Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis: Can Machine Learning Predict IBD Treatment Response?
- FMT and infliximab in IBD: could the microbiome help biologics work better?
- Fecal microbiota transplant for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Probiotics for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis: what actually works?
- Probiotics in ulcerative colitis: what does the MB310 trial mean?
- Engineered probiotic for ulcerative colitis 2026
- Probiotics for ulcerative colitis: what actually works?
Gut Microbiome, Diet and Treatment Response
- Diet and microbiome in IBD: how the right bacteria calm gut inflammation
- Gut microbiome in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- How the Oxygen Trap may be driving your IBD, and why diet still matters
- IBD flare risk, diet and calprotectin
- IBD breakthrough: how gut bacteria unlock natural anti-inflammatories
- Gut microbiome test in Dubai
Crohn’s, Colitis and Biologic Treatment Strategy
- Learn about Biologicals used in UC and Crohn’s in Dubai
- Crohn’s disease specialist care in Dubai
- Ulcerative colitis specialist care in Dubai
- How biologics work in Crohn’s and colitis
- How we choose the right biologic for Crohn’s and UC in Dubai
- New omics research: predicting response to biologics in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
Investigations and Procedures
- Colonoscopy for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis monitoring
- Capsule endoscopy for small bowel Crohn’s disease
- MRI abdomen and MR enterography
- CT abdomen and CT enterography
- Hydrogen and methane breath test for SIBO
If you wish to discuss this further or would like to make an appointment, please use the booking form on this page.