How Gut Health Affects Your Skin
As autumn leads into winter, with it the colder weather brings about many changes. A common complaint for many people at this time is dry, tight skin.
Your skin is your largest organ, which protects your body from many external threats. But, did you know that your skin is also a key reflection of your internal health?
Skin problems can result from nutritional and hormonal imbalances, as well as immune system weaknesses, all issues which can come about because of imbalances in the gut.
The Skin Gut Connection
The skin is not only the largest organ in your body but a useful one for determining your overall health. Visible signs of poorly skin such as acne, eczema, rosacea and dryness can indicate a deeper problem with your gut and can, in fact, be a symptom of an imbalance.
Believe it or not, improving your gut health is often one of the best ways you can improve your skin and cure any skincare concerns, so if you've been struggling with your skin you may want to look at the rest of your body for remedies.
What is the gut and what kind of gut problems are there?
The gastrointestinal tract, otherwise known as the gut, hosts both good and bad bacteria (your microbiome) and ensures your body is absorbing the nutrients it needs and excreting the waste that it doesn't.
However, an increase in bad bacteria over time can mean a breakdown of the gut barrier, leading to 'leaky gut syndrome', meaning all sorts of nasties can get in.
An excess of bad bacteria can be caused by lots of factors, including a diet full of processed foods and not enough fruit and vegetables, high stress levels, lack of sleep and some medications.
Gut issues can lead to discomfort, food allergies, an increase in stress and anxiety, inflammation or skin problems.
How does poor gut health affect the skin?
Whilst some people struggle with the uncomfortable symptoms of poor gut health, others appear to have no symptoms. However, this isn't always the case and skin conditions are said to be a hidden symptom which many don't consider.
Studies going back as far as 100 years ago have linked many skincare conditions with poor gut health and there has been a steady increase of people enjoying clearer and healthier skin thanks to the treatment of a poorly gut.
The main reason why skin conditions develop due to poor gut health is that once the wall of the gut starts allowing harmful bacteria through, the body automatically begins to try to remove the bacteria from the body as quickly as possible, and the skin is often the quickest and easiest exit route. This process triggers off the immune system which can cause redness, swelling and irritation.
The easiest and most effective way to care for and create amazing health in your gut, is by improving the gut microbiome.
10 Ways to Improve Your Gut Bacteria
- Eat a Diverse Range of Foods
- Eat Lots of Vegetables, Legumes, Beans and Fruit
- Eat Fermented Foods
- Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
- Eat Prebiotic Foods
- Eat Whole Grains
- Eat Foods Rich in Polyphenols
- Heal your gut lining. Use gut-healing nutrients such as glutamine and zinc to repair the lining in your gut so it can resume its normal function.
- Get good fat. Take extra omega-3 supplements, which help cool inflammation in the gut.
- Take a Daily Probiotic such as Immunity Fuel which has 15 strains of the good bacteria and also includes prebiotics and digestive enzymes and is 100% Natural.
Probiotics for Skin Health
Our skin is the largest organ in the human body, and as such, is a great indicator of our overall level of health and wellbeing. When we experience issues with our skin, it may be due to nutritional, hormonal, or microbiome imbalances causing immune system weaknesses - all issues that begin in the gut.
Probiotics are often referred to as "good" bacteria because they help keep the gut healthy. They contribute to total wellness, including skin health.
It is well known that the use of probiotics can have great potential in preventing and treating skin diseases including eczema, atopic dermatitis, acne, and allergic inflammation. ¹
Probiotics may help with:
- reconstructing atopic dermatitis, promoting the healing of scars and burns
- rejuvenating the skin and strengthening the skins innate immunity
- improving acne
- decreasing inflammation which is often the cause of rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis
- helps to eliminate the toxins and free radicals that can damage skin and cause early signs of ageing such as wrinkles
- strengthens the skin barrier
- helps skin to uphold moisture
Using a high-quality probiotic superfood which contains billions of live bacteria as well as whole food nutrition, may assist to support gut health. And by helping you to better absorb the nutrients from your foods, and supporting immune system response, probiotics may assist you to achieve healthier-looking skin that retains moisture and glows.
All Immunity Fuel products contain both Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum which are known to have positive effects on skin conditions such as acne. ²
See below how Immunity Fuel helped Tonia's daughter with her skin:*
"This stuff is pure Gold! My daughter suffered from terrible cystic acne on her face and back, somehow… thankfully I came across Immunity fuel, 3rd tub in, and her skin is clear and beautiful...honestly can’t believe it... as we had tried almost everything and had booked a derm appt to undertake Roaccutane...a last resort which I really didn't want her to do! Thanks to Immunity Fuel we didn't need that appt! Can't speak highly enough of this product... it’s been a godsend for a girl who was a depressed mess due to severe and very sore acne. Thank you so much Immunity Fuel for the amazing results, she is living proof this stuff is worth every cent"
Tonia Barber - Happy Mother, Australia
*Every single person is different and individual results may vary. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease nor is it intended to replace medical treatment. Please consult your medial practitioner before use.
References:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24364369/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5418745/