I can't be sure how I got leaky gut, but I had some tests done thru the smokey mountain labs that confirmed it. I think it came from a combination of things......liver and gall blader congestion led to food allergies . The food allergies led to acid reflux (and ultimately a hiatal hernia) and I kep taking zantac for relief....not realizing that I was screwing up my acid/akaline balance. I presume eating the wrong combination of foods (proteins with starches) and all the zantac....led to impaired digestion that resulted in leaky gut.