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The skin care industry makes billions of dollars from consumers who want to improve their skin. Some of these products claim to enhance skin moisture, improve skin tone, and reduce blemishes for a more healthier looking skin. Some products may be chemical ridden with vague ingredient labels that may be unsafe for our bodies. While some of these products may work, they may not fix the underlying cause.
Did you know that skin issues can actually be a sign of an unhealthy gut? The gut refers to the gastrointestinal tract. It is the digestive system starting from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small and large intestine, and the rectum. The gut system is responsible for food processing, moving food and nutrients that are consumed through the body. The gut is also home to a large body of bacteria. Bacteria is needed in the gut for good digestion and elimination of toxins or waste products the body does not need. While there are good bacteria in the gut, it is possible to have an imbalance of good and bad bacteria. When there is too much of the bad bacteria in the gut, this can take over the gut and start to cause symptoms like bloating, gas, cramping.
How does gut health affect the skin?
Research shows that there is a connection between our gut and our skin. When there is bacterial overgrowth, inflammation, or general sickness in the gut it can show up as skin irritation. Why? Because a large part of our immune system is in our gut. This means our gut has a HUGE impact on all the organs in our body including our skin. After all, it is the largest organ in our bodies!
What are some causes of gut issues?
Unhealthy diet. Eating the standard American Diet (Or the SAD diet) can cause chronic inflammation in the gut. The SAD diet consists of mostly processed foods. Foods found in packages, not freshly cooked, fast foods... and so on.
Chronic antibiotic use. Too much antibiotic use can wreak havoc on the gut. Antibiotics wipe out the good bacteria in the gut. This makes your gut vulnerable to infections, inflammation, and autoimmune disease that can affect the skin.
Stress: We all have some stress, but chronic high levels of stress is bad for us.
What are signs of an unhealthy gut?
A constantly upset stomach. A constantly bloated stomach and constipation could be a sign of issues like IBS
Fatigue. Being constantly tired
Unintentional weight gain.
Skin irritation.
Are there tests to see if I have bacteria overgrowth?
A functional medicine provider can spend time learning about your symptoms. This will guide the kind of tests to discover the root cause of your symptoms. A functional medicine provider can use those tests as a guide to heal your gut.
How to improve gut health
See a functional medicine provider or a functional nutritionist. Functional Medicine clinicians are trained to dig deep to discover causes of gut imbalance. They can help guide you on what foods to avoid, what medications to stop or start taking, and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your gut health.
Overall removing the offending agent, eating a high fiber diet, incorporating good pre- and probiotics can help improve gut function.
If you suffer from chronic skin conditions, stop and take inventory of how your gut makes you feel. This may be the key to a healthier skin and a healthier you.
Resetting the gut takes time and effort. However with dedication and by partnering with a functional medicine provider, you can achieve optimal gut health.
Are you ready to take the journey to improve your gut health and a healthier you? Request an appointment on our website or call (907) 206-2628.
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