Skin and Your Gut Health
Skin changes have a lot of possible causes - from changing hormones, high stress, what we’re eating, even some autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease.
Let’s consider one possible mechanism … the gut ..
Skin & Your Gut Health - What’s the Link?
The gut and skin are deeply connected through the gut-skin axis, a pathway influenced by inflammation, the immune system, and the microbiome.
An imbalanced gut microbiome—caused by diet (low fibre, high processed foods or sugars), stress, or dysbiosis (from antibiotic use, infections or some medications) —can lead to systemic inflammation and skin issues like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
A healthy gut, rich in beneficial bacteria and nutrients, supports clear, vibrant skin by reducing inflammation and enhancing detoxification.
Here are some tips:
Don’t guess .. ask your doctor or naturopathic doctor to run some labs, do a thorough medical history and review of your current skin symptoms.
Focus on fibre-rich foods. Here’s my favourite resource for adding in more fibre. Start slow and drink plenty of water. A variety and appropriate quantity of fibre fuels a healthy microbiome which will reduce inflammation and promote regular bowel movements.
Drink 2-3 L of water/day
Are you eliminating regularly? Having regular bowel movements (at least 1/day) ensures you are eliminating excess hormones and wastes.
What is your skincare routine? Maintaining a happy microbiome on your skin is just as important as your gut. Some skin products can disrupt the hydration barrier and pH of our skin, which can throw things off balance. Do you know if your skin is dry? If it’s oily? Does it change throughout your cycle or the seasons?
These are starting points! There are specific probiotic strains, herbs and conditions to consider to optimize your skin.