Why Your Gut Health Matters for Healthy Skin

Are you sick and tired of struggling with skin issues, pouring endless amounts of money into skincare products?

Achieving radiant skin is not in your skincare products, but within in your gut.

Your Gut Microbiome 

The gut microbiome is your skin's bestie – a complex ecosystem of beneficial bacteria inside your gut. Trillions of microbes do more than just aid digestion; they also play a huge role in maintaining healthy skin. When your microbiome is thriving, so is your skin. However, imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to havoc on your skin and lead to breakouts and inflammation.  

Skin inflammation 

Skin inflammation presents in many ways and is commonly associated with acne, eczema, psoriasis or perioral dermatitis. These conditions all start in the gut and an imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to increased intestinal permeability, allowing toxins and inflammatory compounds to leak into the bloodstream. This triggers inflammation throughout the body, manifesting as redness and irritation on the skin. By restoring balance to your gut microbiome, you can reduce inflammation and improve your skin.  

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Green Tea are some key herbs in my dispensary that reduce skin inflammation and improve the composition of the microbiome.

Hormonal harmony is the secret to happy skin

Your gut plays a significant role in hormone metabolism and regulation. High estrogen has anti-inflammatory effects on your skin, helping to maintain thickness, hydration and collagen levels. When there is an imbalance with progesterone, sebum (oil) production can increase. Excess sebum, combined with dead skin cells, can clog pores and lead to the formation of acne.  

Estrogen dominance with a relative lack of progesterone can exacerbate the effects of androgens on the skin, which leads to more sebum and more acne around the menstrual cycle.  

• Carbohydrates are imperative for healthy hormones. Ensuring you are eating a good source of complex carbohydrates, paired with protein & fats with each meal will help to increase your progesterone. Think... quinoa, brown rice, brown rice cakes, sweet potato, roasted white potato, muesli or granola and bananas.  

The power of nutrient absorption

Your gut is not just a digestive organ – it's also a nutrient powerhouse. It absorbs essential nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants from the foods you eat. However, a compromised gut lining can impair nutrient absorption, leaving your skin starved for essential nutrients. By optimizing your gut health, you can ensure that your skin receives the vital nutrients it needs to thrive, resulting in healthy skin.  

• Secretory IgA (sIgA) is the most abundant immunoglobulin (also known as antibodies) in the intestinal mucosal secretions. It’s role is to prevent any pathogens or bacteria from permeating into the blood stream, it strengthens your immune system and regulates microbial balance which encourages proper nutrient absorption. When this is disrupted (For example: stress, antibiotics, toxins), it causes malnutrition and deficiencies associated with poor wound healing, lowered immunity and inflammation of the skin. Protein is an important nutrient to help maintain the integrity of sIgA production and the gut’s immune system. Aim for at least 1.2g/kg of protein per body weight.  

Are you ready to transform your skin from within?  Now that you understand the profound impact of gut health on your skin, it's time to act.

Having a consultation with a Clinical Naturopath, you can optimize your gut microbiome, tame inflammation, balance hormones, and nourish your skin from the inside out. Say goodbye to ineffective skincare products and hello to radiant, healthy skin that lasts a lifetime. 

Transform your skin today. Book here with Melissa or click here to learn more about Naturopathy.