What if the secret to healthy skin is not only about what you put on your body, but also what you put in your body? Skin problems such as rosacea, eczema, acne, and psoriasis are all types of inflammatory conditions that affect millions of Americans. Although many healthcare professionals treat these conditions with antibiotics, steriods, and immune suppressing agents, the underlying cause is usually ignored. Many skin issues can be healed by balancing hormones, making diet changes, and optimizing nutrient status to heal the gut.
Our skin is a reflection of our overall health. Skin problems often go hand-in-hand with gastrointestinal issues, but why is that? Our gut health is related to the proper balance of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeast) in the digestive tract. The microbiome consists of both beneficial and potentially harmful organisms. In a healthy body, these organisms coexist in a symbiotic balance. But if there is a distrubance in this balance, caused by infections, chemicals, processed foods, dietary deficiencies, or prolonged use of antibiotics, the lining of the intestines become thin and allow particles to pass into our bloodstream, causing inflammation. This condition is known as leaky gut, and it is one of the leading cause of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and problems of the skin.
How to support a healthy gut microbiome:
- Take probiotics and eat fermented foods
- Eat plenty of fiber from vegatables, fruit, and whole grains
- Eat less sugar and sweetners
- Avoid antibiotics
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce stress
- Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night