The Gut-Skin Connection

     At this point, we all know that gut health has been and continues to be a trending topic in the wellness space, and for good reason. The state of our gut can determine our brain health, impact immunity, and affect our mood, weight and skin. It’s even been referred to as our second brain! The gut contains about 70% of our immune system, it neutralizes pathogens, regulates hormones, helps our bodies eliminate toxins and produces nutrients and neurotransmitters. So I think we can all agree: gut health definitely matters.

    The gut is full of trillions of strains of bacteria and microbes, also known as the microbiome, which works hard to maintain homeostasis in our bodies. But when it becomes imbalanced and inflamed, the microbiome has a habit of affecting other organs, like our skin. It’s through the microbiome that our gut and skin communicate and since our skin is our largest organ and one of the bodies largest detox systems, it makes perfect sense that if our gut health is compromised, symptoms will manifest on our skin. For example, people with acne and rosacea are actually ten times more likely to suffer from gut issues. So if you struggle with any kind of gut inflammation from leaky gut, SIBO, to IBS, it might be the reason behind your eczema, acne, psoriasis, dermatitis or rosacea.

    Whether you have an diagnosed gut issue or not, I think it’s pretty apparent just how important it is to nourish your gut in order to have clear glowing skin. An easy first step would be to take inventory of what you have in your kitchen and what you’re putting in your body. Try to make sure you’re avoiding any foods you have allergies or sensitivities to, as well as refined sugar, alcohol, processed foods and meats, and vegetable oils. Focus on eating tons of organic and seasonal produce when possible, because it tends to be more nutrient-dense. Include fibre-rich vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, and up your intake of lacto-fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir. Eat foods that are high in known skin-loving nutrients like pumpkin seeds for zinc, bone broth for L-glutamine, mushrooms for vitamin D and eggs for vitamin A. All of these foods will nourish you from the inside out, by providing key vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and probiotic bacteria that will strengthen and protect your gut. For the most radiant glowing skin of your life, put a little extra love and care into your gut health.