Dr. Alyssa DeSena
Have you ever considered that the key to clear skin might lie within your gut? It may sound surprising that the digestive system has such a big impact on the health of your skin. This connection, the “gut-skin axis,” gives us insight on how we can help to heal our skin from the inside out. I always say to my patients that a symptom on the skin is usually the body’s way of telling us something isn’t right and we need to look deeper at what’s going on.
The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that all make up the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem is vital for digestion, keeping the immune system strong, and supporting overall health. Emerging research suggests that it also plays a significant role in skin health. An imbalance in the gut microbiome, often referred to as dysbiosis, can lead to inflammation in the gut that leads to the whole body, including the skin. This inflammation can manifest as acne, eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
A healthy gut is necessary for the breakdown of food into smaller particles of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins), vitamins, and minerals. If not broken down properly, your gut won’t be able to absorb these nutrients, some vital for healthy, glowing skin.
Furthermore, the gut plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins from the body. We come into contact with toxins daily from the food we eat, medications we take, and air we breathe. The liver does a great job at breaking those toxins down and then it’s the gut’s job to get those toxins out of the body. When the gut is compromised, these toxins can build up and contribute to skin problems.
How can you start to support your gut today for clear, radiant skin? Start by eating a diverse diet rich in fiber, your gut loves diversity and fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria in our gut and promotes a healthy microbiome.
Including fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi can also help restore balance to the gut microbiome. These foods contain probiotics like the ones found in many supplements.
Stress can disrupt the gut microbiome and contribute towards inflammation. It’s almost impossible to escape stress these days, but learning to manage your stress can be helpful in the process of supporting your gut. I often recommend practicing stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Most importantly, if you feel like something is off with your gut, make sure to speak with your primary care doctor or naturopathic doctor. Working with a provider who is familiar with your symptoms can be helpful at addressing the root cause by running proper labs and providing you with a specific plan of action.
By nourishing your gut, you can create the foundation for healthy, glowing skin. In the next blog post, we’ll delve into another crucial piece of the puzzle: hormonal balance. Stay tuned!
