No matter how expensive or high-quality a face cream may be, it can never fully compensate for poor gut health. While topical products can certainly help to improve the appearance of the skin, they can only do so much.
The health of the skin is closely connected to the overall health of the body, and the foundation to this is the gut.
When the gut is unhealthy, it can lead to inflammation and a range of health problems, including skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. By contrast, when the gut is healthy, it can support the immune system and help to keep the skin looking and feeling its best.
–THE ROLE OF GUT HEALTH & THE GUT MICROBIOME–
The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microorganisms play a number of important roles in the body, including supporting the immune system and helping to break down and absorb nutrients.
–THE GUT & SKIN BARRIER–
The gut and skin both have barriers that protect the body from external harm. In the gut, this barrier is known as the gut lining, while in the skin it is the outermost layer of skin cells known as the epidermis. These barriers help to keep harmful substances out of the body and maintain overall health. When the gut barrier is impaired, it can lead to a range of health problems which reflects clearly on the skin.
–GUT ABSORPTION–
The gut is responsible for absorbing and distributing nutrients throughout the body. When the gut is healthy, it can absorb and utilise nutrients efficiently, which can support overall health, including the health of the skin. In contrast, when the gut is unhealthy it struggles to absorb the nutrients from your food, which in turn can lead to poor health and dull lifeless skin.
–GUT HEALTH & STRESS CONNECTION–
Stress can have a significant impact on the health of the gut and skin. When you are stressed, your body produces high levels of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and impair the gut-skin barrier. Again, resulting in inflammation and a range of skin problems. Managing stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, and exercise can help to support the health of the gut and skin.
–TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT–
There are several things that you can do to support the health of your gut and skin. These include:-
Eating a nutrient rich diet, which includes fibre, fruits, vegetables and a good probiotic
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial bacteria that are found in the human gut. They are often referred to as “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help to keep the gut microbiome balanced and support overall health. As mentioned earlier, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the body, including the skin. Including a good probiotic in your diet can be especially helpful for maintaining the health of the skin. Be sure to choose a high quality probiotic and follow the recommended dosage.
Getting enough sleep & managing stress
Adequate sleep and managing stress are both important for maintaining the health of the gut and skin. Lack of sleep and high levels of stress can have a negative impact on these systems, leading to inflammation and a range of health problems.
When it comes to sleep, it’s important to aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Adequate sleep is necessary for the body to repair and regenerate, including the skin.
Managing stress is also important for gut and skin health. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and exercise can help to manage stress and support the health of the gut and skin.
Overall, it’s important to prioritise sleep and stress management to support the health of the gut and skin.
Drinking plenty of water
Water plays a number of important roles in the body, including transporting nutrients, and flushing out waste and toxins. When you are dehydrated, it can have a negative impact on the health of the skin and gut.
Being dehydrated can also lead to dry, dull, and wrinkled skin. Adequate hydration is necessary for the skin to function properly and maintain its elasticity and youthful appearance.
It’s generally recommended to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day, though individual needs may vary depending on factors like age, gender, size, and activity level.
Avoid smoking & excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking can damage the gut microbiome and impair the gut-skin barrier, again, leading to inflammation and a range of health problems. It is also a major cause of premature aging of the skin and can lead to wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and other skin problems.
Alcohol can also dehydrate the body and lead to dry, dull, and wrinkled skin. Limiting alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether can help to support the health of the gut and skin.
Exercise regularly
Exercise helps to improve circulation, which can support the health of the skin by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Incorporating regular exercise into your routine, can be an important part of maintaining the health of the gut and skin and supporting overall health and well-being. It’s generally recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The health of the gut and skin are closely connected and maintaining the health of both is important for glowing skin and overall well-being.
While it’s important to take care of your skin with the right products and practices, the main focus should be on maintaining good gut health. Because without working on the inside, you’re basically throwing good money down the drain.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Juice Medic.