We’re constantly told that topical products are the miracle answer to all our skin issues, and while they can be great for enhancing skin health, they won’t do too much if your skin issues are stemming from somewhere deeper. We’re here to talk about the quest for beautiful, glowing skin and good health - via the gut!
Recent studies have found that there is a clear link between gut health and skin issues such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, lacklustre skin and premature aging. This means that for anyone struggling with any of these issues, nourishing the gut can make a huge impact.
The Gut Health & Skin Connection
The gut microbiome is a complex world of trillions of bacteria and microbes. It sorts good bacteria from bad bacteria and ensures that your body absorbs the nutrients it needs and eliminates the stuff it doesn’t. When there is an increase in bad bacteria, it can break down the gut over time and let in the waste that the gut would usually dispose of.
If we experience gut issues, our skin is usually the first to know. This is because once the wall of the gut starts allowing harmful bacteria through, our gut will automatically begin to try to remove the bad bacteria from the body as quickly as possible, and as our largest organ, the skin is often the best way for the body to expel toxins.
While this is happening, the good bacteria is then prioritised for the more important organs such as the heart, meaning that the skin, hair and nails are essentially cut off and won’t receive the proper nutrition they need to be as healthy as they can be. *(sobs)*
Tips To Improving Gut Health
To heal the skin, it’s essential that you first heal the gut. Prioritising your gut health will mean that you’ll be able to simplify your skincare routine and more easily achieve smooth, balanced and glowing skin (not to mention feel great!).
- Look At Your Diet: It goes without saying that fuelling your body with high quality foods can help encourage the growth of good bacteria. Wherever you can, opt for unprocessed and unrefined wholefoods (food from nature, not processed in a factory), and even better yet choose organic so that you know your food is free from chemicals and is richer in nutrients. We love this Glowing Skin Grocery List.
-
Get Zen: Good bacteria isn’t a fan of stress, so it’s a big no when it comes to gut health. Make sure you’re prioritising calming practices such as yoga, meditation, walking, being outdoors and being kind to yourself in order to promote good bacteria.
- Up Your Prebiotics & Probiotics: Including a combination of prebiotics and probiotics into your daily routine is a great way to promote a healthy gut. Prebiotics aid in promoting good bacteria, while probiotics help add good bacteria to the body. See the linked articles for the best vegan sources of each!
- Herbal Remedies: There are many herbs that have been clinically proven to help aid digestion and promote a healthy gut. Try including a few of these in your daily diet: fennel, chamomile, slippery elm, ginger, peppermint, lemon verbena, lemon balm, dandelion root, liquorice root, oregano, garlic, ginseng.
*This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.