Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted March 4, 2025

“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea.

Are these symptoms connected in some way?”

-Leaky and Lost
Hi Lost,

When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s complicated.” Not to be dismissive—it’s just the honest truth.

Imagine your intestinal lining as a fine mesh screen designed to only let fully processed nutrients through while keeping harmful substances out.

With leaky gut, that screen develops tiny tears—allowing harmful substances to slip through.

This breach often leads to a cascade of symptoms that seem unrelated.

Case in point: A leaky gut can trigger—or aggravate—arthritis symptoms.

Here’s how…

• When the gut lining becomes more permeable, partially digested food particles, toxins, and bacteria can escape into the bloodstream.
• In turn, this can trigger an immune response, leading to widespread inflammation, including in the joints.
• In some cases, this inflammatory response could trigger sudden arthritis symptoms.

Persistent diarrhea—one of the clearest signs of digestive distress—often accompanies leaky gut.

For my patients struggling with leaky gut, I always recommend starting with these natural approaches…

• Switch to an anti-inflammatory diet by eliminating common trigger foods like gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Support gut healing with L-glutamine, zinc, and collagen peptides—key nutrients for repairing the intestinal lining.
• Consider taking probiotics and eating more fermented foods. These can help balance your gut bacteria, which is crucial for gut health and immune function.
• Add bone broth to your menus. Rich in collagen and amino acids, it supports gut healing and joint health.
• Combat inflammation naturally with powerhouse herbs like turmeric, ginger, and Boswellia—good for both your gut and joints.
• Focus on reducing stress—which can worsen gut and joint issues—with meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
• To support gut and joint health, consider taking targeted supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and glucosamine/chondroitin.

Remember, reducing inflammation and healing a leaky gut takes time. Consistency and patience are key. Many people have significant improvements in both digestive and joint symptoms by practicing both.

P.S. The tiny, tart secret to a HEALTHIER gut.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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