When anything malfunctions on the outside of the body, it is usually an indication that something is wrong internally. Now, did you know that allergies and even acne are some of those things can be directly linked to the gut?
Oh, yes! When the gut is out of sorts, it manifests in ways that aren’t entirely pleasant. So if you dream of glowing, healthy skin, then you have to take a deeper look at the functions of your gut.
Here’s how to be on track:
Understand the Link between the Gut and Skin
Your skin is usually a reflection of the state of your gut. As a matter of fact, skin conditions like eczema, acne, and rosacea are often indications all is not well on the inside. The reasons for these skin problems are most likely an imbalance in the microbiome caused by bad bacteria, fungal overgrowth, or exposure to parasites.
Know About the ‘Leaky’ Gut Syndrome
Did you know that chronic fatigue, pains, digestive problems, and even skin issues are all common symptoms of a leaky gut? The truth is, when the intestinal lining functions optimally, it forms a barrier that regulates what nutrient is absorbed into the bloodstream. But when compromised, the gut lining easily allows bad bacteria, undigested foods, and toxins, get out of the intestines to the body through the bloodstream.
The body’s immune system then flags these foreign matters as threats and so fights them. This could result in inflammation, which is the body’s response to combating the substances that should not be in the body. Substances such as alcohol, drugs, gluten, as well as processed foods can cause damage to the gut lining. When this happens, it leads to dysbiosis, an imbalance of yeast and bacteria.
Consequently, dysbiosis can lead to common skin problems like rosacea, hives, rashes from the gut. However, a leaky gut can be hard to detect. Symptoms like burning, stinging, rosacea, acne, eczema, may raise a brow on most people, but they may not link it to their gut. Some people may also experience symptoms such as bloating or gastrointestinal problems. But thankfully, with the right diet and supplements, this can be handled. You may need to only change your diet to clear up your skin.
The Remedies
Cultivate the Right Eating Habit
You are definitely what you eat as your diet has a direct connection to the condition of your skin. It’s best to steer clear of processed foods; otherwise, they will slow digestion and lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the gut. The bad bacteria can then find their way to the bloodstream, which causes inflammation and can present as skin problems such as acne, rosacea, eczema and premature aging.
Create a Dietary Plan
If you want a better eating habit, then it begins by making dietary changes. These changes, when strictly adhered to, help to reduce chronic stress and restores unhealthy skin.
Avoid Snacking
Introducing and maintaining a healthy eating habit can be daunting but at the end of the day, your skin will thank you. Of course, it definitely requires some discipline, but a healthy skin that begins in the gut is very achievable. You only need to stick to a specific healthy eating regime and in no time, the changes in your skin will be evident.
Also, consider incorporating fermented foods and drinks such as miso soup, kimchi, and kombucha in your diet to help in maintaining the integrity of the lining of the gut lining. These fermented foods also act as natural antibiotics and help to regulate the body’s pH and inflammation, which will keep many of these skin conditions at bay. Of course, we know everybody is different and so the results of this remedy will be determined by the symptoms and the specific condition. This means that the healing process is influenced by a host of different factors.
Incorporate Probiotics to Strengthen the Gut
One other effective solution for boosting good bacteria in the gut and achieving a radiant skin is by incorporating an oral probiotic to your daily regimen. This is because oral and topical probiotics aid the growth of good bacteria to keep the gut and skin healthy. Probiotics help to stave off bad bacteria, control the immune system, and strengthen the gut lining to prevent it from leaking.
Prebiotics are Also Effective
Consuming a diet high in probiotics and prebiotic foods, as well as eating bone broth and collagen can heal the gut lining. Probiotics such as tempeh and yogurt are important for multiplying the good bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics are, on the other hand, a form of fiber that the body is unable to digest, but they get eaten up by the good bacteria in the gut to our benefit.
When the gut metabolizes these nondigestible foods, they create fatty acids that give the body the needed energy. While not all forms of fiber are termed prebiotic, dandelion greens are one very good source. Simply add it to a smoothie to enhance digestion.
Breakouts May be Inevitable
It’s worth noting that when you make some changes to your system, breakouts are a possibility. As the system eliminates the toxins that were flooding it, your skin may actually get worse before it gets better. But like we stated earlier, the body’s response may vary per person. Ensure that you cleanse your system, drink lots of water, and engage in stress-relieving activities daily.
