Root Cause Leaky Gut Care
Functional Medicine Treatment for Leaky Gut: Repairing the Intestinal Barrier
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, allows substances that should stay in the digestive tract to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune activity throughout the body. Functional medicine treatment for leaky gut identifies the cause and repairs the gut lining directly. Julie McDonald, MMS, PA-C, FMACP, sees patients in-person in Marquette, MI and virtually in Michigan through the 12-Week Reset. The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on.
Trusted & loved by our patients.
Years of clinical experience
Testing the Gut Lining Directly
Leaky Gut Treatment Built on Testing, Not Guesswork
Intestinal permeability can be evaluated directly rather than assumed from symptoms alone. Functional medicine treatment for leaky gut combines permeability testing with comprehensive stool analysis and genetic testing for inflammatory pathway variants. Available in Marquette, Michigan and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan.
- Intestinal permeability testing to directly assess gut lining integrity
- Comprehensive stool analysis for dysbiosis, infection, and inflammatory markers
- Targeted gut repair protocol addressing your specific triggers
Is This Right for You
Functional Medicine Treatment for Leaky Gut Is for People Whose Symptoms Extend Beyond Digestion
Bloating and Gas After Most Meals
Persistent bloating is one of the most common signals of a compromised gut lining and disrupted microbiome balance.
A Growing List of Food Sensitivities
When the gut barrier is compromised, the immune system reacts to a widening range of foods that were previously well tolerated.
Fatigue and Brain Fog With Digestive Symptoms
Substances that leak through a compromised gut lining trigger systemic inflammation, which frequently presents as fatigue and cognitive symptoms.
Diagnosed With an Autoimmune Condition
Intestinal permeability is a well-documented contributor to autoimmune activity, including Hashimoto's. See our autoimmune page.
Skin Issues That Haven't Responded to Topical Treatment
Eczema, acne, and rosacea are frequently linked to gut permeability and systemic inflammation rather than skin-specific causes alone.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert Gut Care
We offer complete virtual leaky gut care in Michigan, with test kits mailed directly to you and results reviewed via telehealth.
Over 22 years of medical experience ★★★★★
The Monarch FM Process
How We Approach Functional Medicine Treatment for Leaky Gut at Monarch FM
Repairing the gut lining requires knowing what damaged it in the first place, whether that is chronic infection, food triggers, stress, or medication use. Our process identifies the cause before building a repair protocol.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
Direct Intestinal Permeability Testing
We test gut lining integrity directly, combined with comprehensive stool analysis and genetic testing for inflammatory pathway variants, rather than relying on symptoms alone.
Identifying What's Driving the Damage
Julie McDonald evaluates common drivers including bacterial overgrowth, chronic stress, food triggers, and prior antibiotic or NSAID use.
Targeted Gut Repair Protocol
Your protocol may include gut-lining support nutrients, targeted dietary changes, and microbiome support. Read more in our gut healing protocol explained article.
Monitoring Gut Repair Over Time
We track symptom resolution and, where appropriate, retest permeability markers to confirm the gut lining is healing as expected.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
Leaky Gut Is Real, and It's Treatable.
Intestinal permeability is a recognized driver of inflammation, food sensitivities, and autoimmune activity. Related pages include broader gut health, SIBO, IBS, and autoimmune conditions. See also our articles on whether functional medicine can treat leaky gut and why conventional medicine misses the diagnosis.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is leaky gut?
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the tight junctions between cells lining the intestinal wall become looser than normal, allowing partially digested food particles, toxins, and bacterial components to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger systemic inflammation and immune activation. At Monarch Functional Medicine, we evaluate gut permeability directly alongside genetic testing, available in Marquette, Michigan and virtually in Michigan.
Can leaky gut be healed?
For many patients, yes. Once the underlying trigger, such as infection, bacterial overgrowth, or chronic food reactivity, is identified and addressed, the intestinal lining has a strong capacity to repair itself with the right nutritional and protocol support. Timelines vary based on the extent of damage and how consistently the protocol is followed.
How is leaky gut connected to autoimmune disease?
Increased intestinal permeability allows substances that should remain in the gut to enter circulation, prompting an immune response. Over time, this contributes to chronic inflammation and is considered a contributing factor in several autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Can leaky gut be treated virtually?
Yes. Monarch Functional Medicine offers complete virtual leaky gut care in Michigan. Test kits are mailed directly to you, and all consultations and protocol reviews are conducted via telehealth.
How long does leaky gut treatment take?
Many patients notice reduced bloating and improved digestion within 4 to 8 weeks, with continued gut lining repair through the full 12-Week Reset (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on) and beyond, depending on the extent of the underlying damage.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book a free 15-minute strategy call directly to discuss your symptoms and testing options.
What does leaky gut treatment cost?
Care begins through the 12-Week Energy, Hormone and Metabolism Reset (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on), priced at $849 paid in full or three payments of $297, with permeability and stool testing available as needed.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to treat leaky gut?
Julie McDonald holds a Master of Medical Science (MMS), is a board-certified PA-C with the FMACP designation, and has 22 years of clinical experience, with gut health as one of her core areas of focus. Learn more on the About Us page.
Patient Results
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The Monarch FM Standard
Clinical Expertise. Advanced Testing. A Protocol Built for You.
Julie McDonald is a MMS, PA-C, and FMACP with 22 years across Emergency, Family, and Internal Medicine. Monarch Functional Medicine runs the labs most providers never order, interprets them through a functional medicine lens, and builds a protocol specific to your biology. Learn more about Julie or book a free strategy call today.
Ready to Start
Your Gut Lining Can Heal. Let's Find What's Damaging It.
Functional medicine treatment for leaky gut at Monarch FM starts with direct testing, then builds a repair protocol around your specific triggers. See us in person in Marquette, MI or work with us virtually from anywhere in Michigan.
Join hundreds of patients who have reclaimed their energy, hormones, and health.
