Therapeutic Beverages for Leaky Gut: Determining the Most Effective Drink for Intestinal Repair
Abstract Summary
Objective
To determine the single most effective beverage for supporting intestinal barrier repair, reducing inflammation, and improving microbiome composition in individuals with compromised gut permeability.
Context
Certain drinks contain compounds that directly support epithelial healing, including amino acids, collagen, polyphenols, probiotics, and electrolytes. These beverages aim to soothe the digestive tract, enhance mucosal integrity, and create an internal environment conducive to microbiome balance. Identifying the most beneficial drink requires evaluating both biological mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
Methods Used
Approach
A review of clinical and nutritional studies on collagen-rich broths, fermented beverages, polyphenol-rich teas, and anti-inflammatory plant-based drinks, with emphasis on their impact on tight-junction proteins and inflammatory biomarkers.
Data Collection
Data included analyses of epithelial regeneration, cytokine changes, probiotic viability, digestive symptom improvements, and hydration effects related to gut motility and barrier function.
Researchers’ Summary of Findings
Impact on Health
Evidence indicates that bone broth, due to its collagen, glutamine, glycine, and mineral content, demonstrates the strongest combination of mucosal repair, anti-inflammatory action, and digestibility. Aloe vera juice shows beneficial effects on inflammation and epithelial regeneration, while kefir and probiotic beverages improve microbial diversity. Green tea provides polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress and support tight-junction function, and mineral-rich hydration enhances motility and detoxification pathways. Across all categories, bone broth consistently emerges as the most complete and effective gut-healing beverage.
Health Implications
Bone broth provides rapid support for the gut lining and offers synergistic benefits that include reduced inflammation, improved microbial balance, and enhanced epithelial regeneration. Its nutrient density and digestibility make it the leading therapeutic drink for individuals seeking to repair a leaky gut.
Sustainability
When sourced from pasture-raised, regeneratively farmed animals and simmered using low-waste methods, bone broth production aligns with environmentally sustainable practices.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nux015
