Understand how skin is a reflection of gut health

Our bodies are all connected to each other, and this begins to become more and more evident as we age. Lack of sleep leads to dull skin, anxiety leads to a decrease in the immune system, all of which happens periodically. While you might think you’re doing enough for your skin by stocking up on cleansers and serums, often that may not be enough.

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“Our physical and mental health has a powerful impact on our skin. For example, when your gut is out of balance, so many other bodily functions follow suit. Gut health affects the health of our skin, and improving the gut microbiome is the path to better, healthier skin,” as Explains dermatologist Dr. Daniel Casciano, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

The relationship between the gut microbiota and the skin

According to the doctor, the work gut microbiome It is closely related to skin health and is one of the key regulators of the gut-skin axis. Dr. says. Daniel Cassiano. In this sense, it’s safe to say that “our skin is the outer mirror of our intestines. In simpler terms, the gut and skin are in “continuous contact,” he says.

Consequences of poor gut health

An unhealthy gut can negatively affect a variety of functions, but the most obvious is the skin. “It can cause inflammation and exacerbation of conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and, in some cases, skin cancer can develop or worsen. In addition, acne and dandruff can arise due to an unhealthy biome in the intestines. .

This is because poor gut health affects the production of cytokines and pro-inflammatory cells that suppress the immune system. Dr. says. Daniel Cassiano.

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Effect of nutrient levels

The gut microbiome also plays an essential role in nutrient absorption. “If nutrient absorption is poor at the gut level, skin cell repair and regeneration will suffer because we are not provided with enough amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to produce collagen, detoxify, and protect phospholipids. This malabsorption not only leads to skin problems, but can affect Also on energy, vitality, immune function, hair and nails.

Causes of bacterial imbalance

Specifically, acne, eczema, and psoriasis can be linked to an imbalance intestinal bacteriagastroenteritis, or leaky gut “When bacteria in the gut microbiome get out of balance, they cause inflammation, which damages the lining of the gut, also known as leaky gut,” the doctor explains.

According to the specialist, among the causes of the problem are: “Bacterial imbalance in the gut, or ‘intestinal dyshidrosis,’ is very common today. Stress, processed foods, high consumption of sugar and alcohol, and overuse of antibiotics are common factors that reduce good gut bacteria and contribute to Intestinal dysplasia.”

Conditions that affect skin health

People with bowel-related conditions such as celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also be affected by problems caused by the intestines. “These conditions are inflammatory in nature, and when inflammatory cytokines increase at the gut level, we also see that this has a negative effect on inflammatory skin conditions. Additionally, these conditions affect the absorption of nutrients, which can lead to thin, dry and dull skin.”

Several studies link inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to inflammatory skin diseases. This is mainly because IBD is an autoimmune condition that leads to inflammatory processes in the body. Dr. says. Daniel Cassiano. Studies have also found that people with IBS are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis or rosacea. Meanwhile, people with celiac disease often have eczema, psoriasis, acne, dry skin, hives, and alopecia.

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Foods that affect the gut microbiota

Diet choice has a huge impact on the gut, so eating healthy foods is crucial. “[…] What you don’t eat is just as important as what you eat for a healthy gut. Certain foods and drinks are known to cause inflammation in the gut, including simple carbohydrates, high glycemic index sweets, soy, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol, so limit your intake of them.

Benefits of a balanced diet

There are select amino acids that have been shown to improve the health of the gut lining and thus the gut microbiome. These amino acids, including arginine, glycine, glutamate, cysteine, and glutamine, can be found in protein supplements and in Balanced diet.

“As an added bonus, these amino acids also improve skin protection and collagen production, so they do double duty for skin health,” explains the doctor, who suggests including more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fermented and veggies. foods in the diet.

Lifestyle Impact

Stress is also one of the factors that affect the health of the skin, so doing activities that help control this feeling is essential. “Stress kills the good gut bacteria. Incorporate stress management practices like yoga, meditation and breathing into your daily routine.

As explained by Dr. Daniel Cassiano, In addition to physical activities, making other changes to the routine can help Skin health. When it comes to general lifestyle changes, consider getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, decreasing exposure to stress, and avoiding unnecessarily taking antibiotics. If necessary, find a dermatologist and a nutritionist to adjust the diet and treat skin changes,” the doctor concludes.

* Written by Guilherme Zanett

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