When I say to you “gut health” you might automatically just think about how many fruits and vegetables you eat and how ‘good’ your diet is and think all is well, and while that is a great start it's not the end of the topic. The chances are that it has come up in conversation because we were chatting about an issue you might have mentioned. Dry dull skin, poor sleep, itchy skin, falling hair, trouble with going to the loo, bloating, weight gain/loss, excess wind. All can be indications of poor gut health. You might also think about how well your stomach works to digest food, and while digestion is an important part of gut health, there is a lot more to it. Your digestive system contains a healthy number of bacteria called your gut microbiome, which helps regulate your digestion, benefits your immune system and, ultimately, contributes to your body’s overall regulation. When the bacteria in your gut becomes imbalanced, you’ll likely experience physical symptoms similar to those mentioned above. The connection between gut health and skin health is a concept known as the Gut-Skin axis. This suggests that the condition of your gastrointestinal system can influence the health and appearance of your skin. While research in this area is still evolving, there is growing evidence to support the idea that a healthy gut can contribute to better skin health. Here's how gut health can relate to the skin: Inflammation: A balanced gut microbiota helps regulate the immune system and reduces inflammation. Inflammation is a common factor in skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. A healthy gut may help mitigate chronic inflammation, potentially leading to improved skin health. Nutrient Absorption: A well-functioning gut absorbs essential nutrients that are crucial for skin health. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and zinc are known to contribute to healthy skin. If your gut is not effectively absorbing these nutrients, it could impact the quality of your skin. Microbiota Balance: A diverse and balanced gut microbiota can positively influence the skin microbiota. Skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema have been linked to imbalances in skin microbiota. By promoting a healthy gut microbiota, you might indirectly support a healthier skin microbiota. Stress: The gut-brain-skin connection is a recognized phenomenon. Stress can severely negatively impact gut health, potentially leading to skin issues. Managing stress through practices like relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and exercise might positively affect both gut and skin health. Leaky Gut: An unhealthy gut lining, often referred to as 'leaky gut' can allow toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream. This might trigger immune responses that could manifest as skin problems. Digestive Conditions: Some individuals with gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may also experience skin manifestations due to underlying gut issues. So you might be thinking, how can we support skin health through gut health? Here are a couple of ideas to start with… Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Certain foods, like fermented & bio-fermented foods (e.g., yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut), can provide probiotics that might benefit both gut and skin health. Hydration: Drinking enough water is essential for overall health, including skin health. Pre, Pro and Postbiotics: Consuming foods or supplements containing Prebiotics (fibre that feeds gut bacteria), Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and Postbiotics (they are the produce of probiotics and prebiotics – they are left behind when Pre & Pro are digested) might help maintain a healthy gut. If any of this sounds familiar or makes you wonder, pop me an email or drop in for a chat. We have many options to help.
