Skin, being our largest organ, is connected to so many other systems in our body, especially the gut. The gut includes everything from entry to exit- and is responsible for various functions which can have a direct impact on skin health. It’s responsible for absorbing nutrients, housing both beneficial and harmful bacteria, regulating our moods, excreting waste just to name a few. The health of your gut is also fundamental to having clear glowing skin.
The gut is responsible for absorbing nutrients that are important for our skin such as zinc, magnesium, omega 3's, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
The gut plays a role in the metabolism and elimination of toxins and waste. If the gut and our other elimination organs are not functioning properly or the microbiome is imbalanced, the toxins can then make their way through the hyperpermeable gut wall and can result in pathogenic bacteria, toxins, food proteins, parasites, and other harmful molecules seeping through the wall into our blood stream where the immune system is then activated and makes it out of our skin. This "leaky gut" has been linked to autoimmune skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
This harmful bacteria in our gut can also seep through the gut wall and trigger an inflammatory response that can interfere with the effectiveness of insulin in managing our blood sugar levels. Insulin is one of the main drivers in the pathology of acne.
There are also microbes in our gut can affect our estrogen levels which can affect skin health and cause hormonal acne.
Now that we see how gut health affects our skin in different ways, here are a few things to incorporate in your life to improve your gut health:
eliminate alcohol all together
be active and exercise
incorporate bone broth and collagen in your diet
find a good probiotic
eat lots of prebiotic foods that feed the probiotics like fresh garlic, onions, dandelion greens, chicory root, asparagus, bananas, apples
eat more fats and fiber
stay hydrated
reduce your dairy intake
reduce your sugar intake
drink lemon water
use digestive enzymes
get lots of sleep
eat lots of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties
Other symptoms that poor gut health can affect the body include digestive issues, food allergies, brain fog, mood imbalances, hormonal imbalances, seasonal allergies, autoimmune diseases, or chronic fatigue.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Check with your healthcare provider first if you have concerns about your health. In addition, you should speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before making adjustments to your diet or lifestyle and prior to introducing herbal and nutritional supplements as they may affect any treatment you may be receiving. You are advised to disclose all nutrient and herb supplements you are using to your healthcare team.