It is a known fact that what we eat shows on our face. It turns out there’s a strong link between skin problems and gut health. Acne is considered a normal part of puberty, but it can also be a sign of poor gut health. There are other ways your skin is trying to show you need to take care of your gut. Want to know how? Read on to find out what an expert has to say about skin issues and gut health.
HealthShots contacted Dr Harshad Joshi, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra, Mumbai, to explore the link between skin problems and gut health.
He explains that the poor state of the intestinal microbiota causes collateral damage to the protective antimicrobial barrier of the skin. This can increase the risk of skin problems. Anything that irritates the lining of the intestine will inflame it. So whether it’s allergens, alcohol, medications, food additives, artificial colors, or low-fiber, high-sugar diets, they can irritate the intestinal lining. When this happens, the body also becomes inflamed. This, in turn, aggravates the inflammation of the skin.
Skin issues that show poor gut health
1. Eczema
An imbalanced microbiome in the gut can lead to a wide range of skin issues. This can lead to sensitive skin and ultimately issues like eczema, which is a condition that makes your skin dry and itchy.
2. Acne
It can usually be seen on the forehead and cheeks when there is something wrong with the gut. A parasite, gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, candida overgrowth, bacterial infection, gastroesophageal reflux, or even low stomach acid can invite acne (ways to treat acne).
3. Rosacea
It is induced due to poor gut health, says Dr. Joshi. You will have larger pores on your face and dry skin. It is linked to inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
4. Psoriasis
It is a condition in which skin cells accumulate and then form itchy and dry patches. Psoriasis can be related to stress, but it’s also linked to an imbalance in your gut. There is a link between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, you will have symptoms such as rashes or patches of red, inflamed skin.
Tips for improving gut health
A bad gut can cause problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, acidity, constipation, and weight gain or loss. So, improve your gut health by doing the following:
- Stress can be problematic for the gut, so try to relax with yoga and meditation.
- Daily exercise can also help improve gut health.
- Try opting for probiotics and fermented foods that reduce gut inflammation.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water to help support gut health.
- Avoid excessive consumption of sugar.
- Eat fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, sprouts, whole grains, and legumes.
- Cut down on smoking, alcohol, junk food, and processed foods that can upset the balance in the gut.
- Stay away from foods that contain artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners.
