Is Leaky Gut Your Problem?

David DeHass • September 4, 2025

"All disease begins in the gut." – Hippocrates


If you struggle with chronic symptoms, there’s a high probability that “Leaky Gut” is at the root of your issues.


Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut


  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
  • Anemia
  • Asthma or seasonal allergies
  • Bloating
  • Canker sores (mouth ulcers)
  • Chronic joint pain
  • Candida overgrowth
  • Autoimmune conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto’s, Lupus, Psoriasis, or Celiac disease
  • Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
  • Digestive issues (gas, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, IBS)
  • Epilepsy
  • Food allergies or intolerances
  • Hormonal imbalances (PMS, PCOS)
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Migraines
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Gallbladder issues
  • Gastric ulcers
  • Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Thyroid disorders (hypo- and hyperthyroidism)
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
  • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss

Instead of chasing symptoms, it’s time to address the root cause.


What is Leaky Gut?

Your intestinal tract is massive—about the size of a tennis court when stretched out! Its surface is lined with villi, tiny finger-like projections that look like “shag carpet.” In a healthy gut, these villi have tight junctions that allow vitamins and minerals to be absorbed into the bloodstream for cellular repair.


But poor diet, stress, and constipation can damage this lining. When old, undigested food sits in the gut for days—or even years—it causes tiny tears in the intestinal wall.


Think of it like leaving food in your refrigerator for weeks. The stench and toxicity that builds up there? The same thing happens in your gut. When undigested food, toxins, and pathogens leak into the bloodstream, the immune system reacts with inflammation, leading to autoimmune responses and disease.


Stress: The Hidden Culprit


Stress is one of the biggest drivers of gut dysfunction. When you stuff emotions and carry worry in your gut, your nervous system automatically absorbs the impact. Combined with poor digestion, this toxic load causes the intestines to swell.


The colon, which should be about three inches in diameter, can expand to as large as 16 inches! The average person carries 12–15 pounds  of old, rotting fecal matter in their intestinal tract—sometimes for years.


When neurons in the gut are covered in waste, nerve signals can’t fire properly. This leads to dysfunction everywhere those nerves connect: arms, joints, head, thyroid, skin, and more.


In short: if you’re full of old poop, you’re going to feel it everywhere.


Healing the Gut: A Multi-Step Approach

At Living Waters, we’ve developed a proven process to help heal the gut. Here’s where to begin:

  1. Colon Hydrotherapy – Several sessions hydrate and dissolve old fecal matter. Consistent treatments strengthen the muscles of the colon and restore peristalsis (the natural squeezing action that moves waste out).
  2. Herbs, Fibers, and Clays – Your colon hydrotherapist may recommend natural supports to break down impacted matter.
  3. Correct Bathroom Posture – Modern toilets work against natural elimination. Use a small stool (like a “Step and Go”) to elevate your feet and mimic a squat position, allowing easier, more complete bowel movements.
  4. Add Fiber – Increase whole food fiber to feed healthy bacteria and support elimination.
  5. Restore the Microbiome – Especially important after antibiotics. Work with your therapist to rebalance gut flora at the right pace.
  6. Address Candida/Yeast Overgrowth – If you’ve had antibiotics, you may have symptoms like fatigue, carb cravings, itchy skin, or a coated tongue.
  7. Support Gut Repair – Bone broth, targeted supplements, and avoiding wheat, gluten, processed foods, and (at first) fermented foods are key.
  8. Reduce Stress – Yoga, breathwork, or pulsed frequency therapy like Ondamed can help reset the nervous system and accelerate healing.


Take the First Step

After working with thousands of clients, we agree with Hippocrates, Dr. Bernard Jensen, Dr. Harvey Kellogg, and many others: all true healing begins with the bowels.

If you’re ready to stop chasing symptoms and start healing at the root, colon hydrotherapy is the most powerful place to begin.


Call Living Waters Wellness Center at 208-378-9911

By David DeHaas December 16, 2025
In my interview with Dr. Don Huber on The Whole Body Detox Show (Episodes 26 & 27), I was shocked by what he shared about glyphosate, the primary ingredient in Roundup®. This chemical has been banned or restricted in over 60 countries, yet it remains widely used in the United States. Glyphosate has been linked to cancer, severe endocrine disruption, and neurological damage — and Dr. Huber made it clear that its effects go far beyond what most people realize. Glyphosate is a known endocrine disruptor, meaning it interferes with hormones — the very system responsible for sexual development, neurological wiring, and identity formation. When you disrupt hormones, especially during childhood development, you disrupt biology. It should not surprise anyone that we are now seeing unprecedented levels of gender dysphoria, hormonal confusion, and neurological dysfunction in children who have been chemically exposed from the womb onward. In 1996, farmers began spraying Roundup on wheat right before harvest, not to kill weeds, but to dry the crop faster. The weeds are gone — but the poison remains. Glyphosate is also sprayed on alfalfa, meaning it enters the bodies of beef and dairy cows. From there, it enters milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, meat, and countless other foods. Every time you eat bread, drink coffee with cream, or consume dairy, you are likely ingesting small but cumulative doses of glyphosate. This chemical was originally developed to descale industrial pipes. Now it is inside the human body — and people wonder why they are sick. Colon hydrotherapy is one of the most effective ways to open the bodyʼs primary detoxification routes. Every organ in the body connects to the colon. There are more neurons in the gut than in the spinal cord, which is why the colon and small intestine are often called the second brain. If the gut is toxic, the brain, hormones, and immune system will be compromised. Children born since 1996 have never known a chemical-free food supply. They have been raised on glyphosate, pesticides, plastics, and hormone-disrupting compounds. At the same time, we are told to ignore the explosion of autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, infertility, and gender confusion — as if these trends are unrelated. They are not. There are now over 80,000 synthetic chemicals in circulation, many of which are present in food, water, air, and household products. The FDA has done little to adequately test the long-term effects of these chemicals — especially their combined impact on the human endocrine and nervous systems. At Living Waters Wellness Center, we see the consequences every day. Clients come in suffering from brain fog, joint pain, skin conditions, asthma, allergies, autoimmune disease, Parkinsonʼs, ALS, MS, and other inflammatory and neurological conditions. The common denominator is toxic overload and chronic inflammation. The body cannot heal when it is poisoned. That is why we follow the Four Natural Laws of Healing: Clean the colon Clean the small intestine Clean the blood and detox pathways Restore the body with proper nutrients Dr. Bernard Jensen, widely regarded as the father of modern colon health, said it plainly: “In over 50 years of helping people overcome illness and disease, it is clear that proper bowel management must be addressed first.” After more than 14 years of helping people reclaim their health, we agree. The toxic burden placed on the human body is staggering, and cleansing is no longer optional. It is the first and most important step toward real healing. If we want a healthy future — physically, mentally, and biologically — we must address what is poisoning us now. Learn more about Cleansing and Detox at the podcast www.WholeBodyDetoxShow.com or the Radio Show www.kidotalkradio.com 580 AM 107.5 FM. Boise Idaho Learn more by watching this video at www.4NaturalLawsofHealing.com. Listen to our Podcast Whole Body Detox Show, found on any podcast app or www.WholeBodyDetoxShow.com to learn more about Detoxification through Cleansing. David DeHaas is a Colon Hydrotherapist and Naturopathic Health Coach. He and his team have been providing Colon Hydrotherapy and JO-Day Healing Retreats since 2009. Learn more at www.LivingWatersCleanse.com- 208.378.9911
By David DeHaas December 16, 2025
Geri, a mother of ten, had struggled for years with chronic hives and numbness in her left arm and hands. For over 16 years, she relied on daily Zyrtec to manage her symptoms. Despite trying numerous approaches and consulting many different types of practitioners, she continued to experience discomfort and frustration. Geri eventually enrolled in the 10-Day Healing Retreat at Living Waters Wellness Center. Over the course of the program, she experienced significant improvements. By the end of the retreat, her hives had resolved, and she no longer felt dependent on daily antihistamines. The numbness in her arm and hands also subsided. In addition to these changes, her skin appeared healthier, and she reported increased energy and vitality. At Living Waters, we focus on what we call the Four Natural Laws of Healing: Supporting colon health Supporting small intestine health Supporting healthy blood and detox pathways Nourishing the body with targeted, high-quality nutrients When these foundational systems are supported, the body is better able to restore balance and function as it was designed to do. As health pioneer V.E. Irons famously stated: “If you had a clean colon, you would not have your disease.” Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle, supportive method used to help open the body’s primary detoxification pathways. The colon plays a central role in overall wellness, as every major organ system connects to it. In fact, the colon and small intestine are often referred to as the “second brain,” due to their extensive network of neurons and their influence on the nervous system, immune response, and overall vitality. Renowned practitioner Dr. Bernard Jensen — author of more than 40 books on health and nutrition and widely regarded as a pioneer of colon health — once stated: “In over 50 years of helping people overcome illness and dis-ease, it is clear that for any effectual healing to take place, proper bowel management must be addressed first.” After more than 14 years of supporting clients on their wellness journeys, we have found the same principle to be true: digestive and bowel health are foundational to whole-body wellness. Individual results may vary. This case study reflects one client’s experience and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. To learn how you can heal naturally watch the webinar www.4NaturalLawsofHealing.com or visit our website www.LivingWatersCleanse.com. David DeHaas is a Colon Hydrotherapist and Naturopathic Health Coach. He and his team have been providing Colon Hydrotherapy and JO-Day Healing Retreats since 2009. Learn more at www.LivingWatersCleanse.com - 208.378.9911
By David DeHaas December 5, 2025
All disease stems from inflammation caused by one primary factor: toxins. These toxins originate from chemicals in our food, air, and water, as well as toxic thoughts that generate emotions contributing to disease. Inside every cell are tiny engines called mitochondria—the powerhouses where energy is produced. Some cells contain more mitochondria than others; for example, skin cells require less energy than heart or brain cells. To fuel these engines, we consume food. It is first broken down by stomach acids, then moves to the small intestine—a 25-foot-long organ—where digestion and absorption continue. Here, nutrients pass through villi (finger-like projections resembling shag carpet) into the bloodstream. However, if old, rotting food lingers too long in the intestines, it can cause tiny tears in the gut lining. Toxins from pesticides (e.g., glyphosate, atrazine), gluten, medications like NSAIDs, trans fats, sugar, and stress hormones (cortisol) can then leak through these breaches into the bloodstream. When foreign particles enter the blood, the immune system attacl‹s them. This is often called “leaky gut” and can lead to autoimmune conditions such as lupus or arthritis, bloating, IBS, diarrhea, constipation, food sensitivities, allergies, frequent infections, eczema, acne, psoriasis, brain fog, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, and joint pain. The blood becomes “mucked up” with debris. It diverts some toxins into tissues, where the lymphatic system attempts to clear them. The rest reaches the liver, which wraps toxins in bile for elimination or storage. If the liver is overwhelmed, toxins are stored in fat tissue. For those struggling to lose weight, this explains why: your body is protecting you by sequestering toxins in fat—far better than allowing them to accumulate in the brain (which is also fatty tissue!). Once nutrients reach the cells and enter the mitochondrial engines, “combustion” produces energy. But why doesn't everyone achieve optimal mitochondrial function? It's simple: just as a car engine needs a spark plug, clean fuel, and proper maintenance for combustion, your mitochondria require high-quality nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. If you're tired, lethargic, or diseased, it's because your cells lack these essentials— often from non-organic foods depleted of nutrients. Even organic produce today contains about 75% fewer nutrients than the same foods 60 years ago. You must supplement with high-quality vitamins and minerals (preferably chelated for better absorption) to keep your engines firing. Without them, the body activates an emergency plan: it “borrows” minerals from hair, nails, or bones to prioritize vital organs. This leads to thinning hair, brittle nails, or osteoporosis. Years later—perhaps 20—40 years down the line—you may face hip or knee replacements, cataract surgery, or other issues, all traceable to nutrient deficiencies. (See my related article on healing a torn meniscus naturally.) Take Action: Clean up your diet with organic, nutrient-dense foods. Take high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplements with chelated minerals. Heal your gut: Increase fiber intake and consider colon hydrotherapy to clear the intestinal tract. Monitor your bowel movements. If you're eating but not eliminating regularly, digested matter backs up, creating havoc in the colon and small intestine. For more details, listen to our podcast at www.wholebodvdetoxshow.com , Episode 250, available on all major platforms. Also at www.livinuwaterscleanse.com . David DeHa‹is is a Colon Hydrotlieriipist and Naturopatliic Health Couch. He and his team have been providing Colon Hydrotlieriipy and 10-Day Healing Retreats since 2009.
By David DeHaas November 6, 2025
What do Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Auto Immune Function, Arthritis, Brain Fog, Parkinson's, ALS, MS, Tooth decay, Poor Eyesight, Depression, Anxiety, and all other ailments have in common?
By David DeHaas November 6, 2025
When I tore my ACL and meniscus years ago, my body was depleted — low in minerals, vitamins, and overall vitality. I knew my health wasn’t where it needed to be.
By David DeHaas November 4, 2025
Your body is always talking to you — are you listening? When you notice things like tumors, cysts, polyps, hemorrhoids, fatty liver, swollen lymph glands, bad breath, body odor, very smelly stools, itchy scalp, hives, psoriasis, acne, a coated tongue, dark circles under the eyes, thinning hair or nails, or chronic constipation, it’s a clear message: 👉 Your body is overdue for a detox. Understanding the Warning Signs These symptoms are your body’s way of saying its detoxification pathways are overloaded. The main pathways include the colon, small intestine, kidneys, liver, and skin. It’s easy to focus only on the symptom — removing a cyst or polyp, for example — but if the root cause (toxicity) isn’t addressed, your body may create another issue elsewhere. In some cases, small fragments or “roots” from a polyp or tumor can even travel through the blood or lymphatic system to other organs. Over time, if you don’t clean up your diet and detox your system, these warning signs can keep coming back. Prevention is always easier than cure. Think of these symptoms as your body’s internal dashboard lights — when they start blinking, it’s time to take action. 12 Steps to Detox Your Body 1. Acupuncture – Helps realign and balance the body’s energy flow. 2. Emotional Release – Let go of stored emotional trauma with a skilled coach or therapist. Emotional healing is physical healing. 3. Chiropractic Care – Keeps your structure in alignment so energy and fluids can flow properly. 4. Energy Work – Practices like Reiki, EFT, or Ondamed frequency therapy support the body’s energetic balance. 5. Hydration – Drink plenty of clean water daily to help your body flush toxins. 6. Juicing – Invest in a quality juicer and flood your cells with fresh, living nutrients for repair and renewal. 7. Nutritional Supplementation – Use high-quality supplements to fill in the nutritional gaps and fuel your cellular engines. 8. Far Infrared Therapy – Detox deeply; up to 20% of sweat from far infrared saunas contains toxins, compared to just 2% in traditional steam saunas. 9. Lymphatic Movement – You have about 45 pints of lymph fluid and up to 800 lymph nodes! Keep them moving with walking, rebounding (mini trampoline), or vibration therapy. 10. Cleanse the Blood – Enzyme therapy and liver flushing are powerful ways to purify and restore vitality. 11. Sound Therapy – Healing frequencies and crystal bowls help realign your body’s natural energy rhythms. 12. Colon Hydrotherapy – Your 35 feet of intestines have the surface area of a tennis court — and many people carry 12–15 pounds of old waste! Clearing the colon enhances every other detox step. Final Thoughts Don’t ignore the “check engine” lights on your body’s dashboard. When you notice these warning signs, take action — open those detox pathways and support your body’s natural ability to heal. Your body is designed to thrive. All it needs is the right support to do what it does best.
By David DeHaas November 4, 2025
Your body is always talking to you — are you listening? When you notice things like tumors, cysts, polyps, hemorrhoids, fatty liver, swollen lymph glands, bad breath, body odor, very smelly stools, itchy scalp, hives, psoriasis, acne, a coated tongue, dark circles under the eyes, thinning hair or nails, or chronic constipation, it’s a clear message: 👉 Your body is overdue for a detox. Understanding the Warning Signs These symptoms are your body’s way of saying its detoxification pathways are overloaded. The main pathways include the colon, small intestine, kidneys, liver, and skin. It’s easy to focus only on the symptom — removing a cyst or polyp, for example — but if the root cause (toxicity) isn’t addressed, your body may create another issue elsewhere. In some cases, small fragments or “roots” from a polyp or tumor can even travel through the blood or lymphatic system to other organs. Over time, if you don’t clean up your diet and detox your system, these warning signs can keep coming back. Prevention is always easier than cure. Think of these symptoms as your body’s internal dashboard lights — when they start blinking, it’s time to take action. 12 Steps to Detox Your Body 1. Acupuncture – Helps realign and balance the body’s energy flow. 2. Emotional Release – Let go of stored emotional trauma with a skilled coach or therapist. Emotional healing is physical healing. 3. Chiropractic Care – Keeps your structure in alignment so energy and fluids can flow properly. 4. Energy Work – Practices like Reiki, EFT, or Ondamed frequency therapy support the body’s energetic balance. 5. Hydration – Drink plenty of clean water daily to help your body flush toxins. 6. Juicing – Invest in a quality juicer and flood your cells with fresh, living nutrients for repair and renewal. 7. Nutritional Supplementation – Use high-quality supplements to fill in the nutritional gaps and fuel your cellular engines. 8. Far Infrared Therapy – Detox deeply; up to 20% of sweat from far infrared saunas contains toxins, compared to just 2% in traditional steam saunas. 9. Lymphatic Movement – You have about 45 pints of lymph fluid and up to 800 lymph nodes! Keep them moving with walking, rebounding (mini trampoline), or vibration therapy. 10. Cleanse the Blood – Enzyme therapy and liver flushing are powerful ways to purify and restore vitality. 11. Sound Therapy – Healing frequencies and crystal bowls help realign your body’s natural energy rhythms. 12. Colon Hydrotherapy – Your 35 feet of intestines have the surface area of a tennis court — and many people carry 12–15 pounds of old waste! Clearing the colon enhances every other detox step. Final Thoughts Don’t ignore the “check engine” lights on your body’s dashboard. When you notice these warning signs, take action — open those detox pathways and support your body’s natural ability to heal. Your body is designed to thrive. All it needs is the right support to do what it does best.