Many people overlook the gut as the source of the skin problems. However, it is well-known that our energy and the state of our internal organs depend on what we put in our mouths. The same goes for the state of our skin.
The unhealthy gut affects your skin in the following ways:
- it disrupts the flora in the skin because it creates inflammation and impacts the integrity and the protective function of your skin. This reduces the skin’s microbial power for fighting inflammations. According to research, if there is an improper growth of bacteria in the small intestine, there is ten times greater prevalence in people with acne rosacea; and if the gut flora is corrected, the skin’s condition improves significantly
- the changed gut flora also activates the discharge of substance P, a neuropeptide produced in the gut, brain and skin. This substance has the key role in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.
- The unhealthy gut leads to maldigestion and malabsorption of fats, proteins, vitamins and carbs. You might face vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as vitamins A, E, D and K (the vitamins soluble in fat). The deficiency of these vitamins is bad not only for the general health, but also because it reduces the skin health.
- Stomach acid imbalance leads to overgrowth of bad bacteria in the colon which can cause acne. This was found out more than a century ago.
- Skin manifestations are found in 14 % of ulcerative colitis patients and 24% of Crohn’s disease patients (whose digestive tract lining is affected).
Improving the state of the gut flora is not that complicated. You can achieve that in five steps:
1. Stop feeding the bad guys
the bad flora in the gut thrives on sugar, processed grains and dairy. Avoid consuming these foods and your skin will thank you.
2. Start taking a probiotic
oral probiotics reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and strengthen the intestinal barrier, thus improve the skin health. A study showed that 80% of the participants who consumed probiotics saw improvement in their acne.
3. Eat prebiotic – and fiber-rich foods
probiotics feed on prebiotics and thus prebiotics are important for maintaining the skin and the gut health. Prebiotics are found in pumpkin, asparagus, garlic and flaxseeds. Fiber aid the process by eliminating toxins and excess hormones that can wreak havoc on the skin.
4. Eat fermented foods
fermented foods improve the gut flora naturally and help in improving the digestion and stopping persistent sugar cravings.
5. Up your digestive ability
improving the body’s hydrochloric acid production is essential for improving its ability to absorb and break down food. Consume more bitter foods like dandelion, lemon, rocket and radicchio and use apple cider vinegar for salads.
