The link between gut health and your skin

Gut health and skin health are intricately linked and play an important role in maintaining overall wellness - in fact our skin is our largest organ of our body!  A healthy gut is essential for healthy skin and vice versa so here's a closer look at the connection between gut health and skin health and how you can look after both and glow inside and out. 

The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that make up the gut microbiome. These bacteria help to regulate digestion, boost immunity, and control inflammation. When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to gut problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating but an imbalanced gut microbiome can also impact the skin.

Studies have shown that gut imbalances can lead to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. When the gut microbiome is compromised it can lead to an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria. This can lead to skin problems as the harmful bacteria release toxins that travel through the bloodstream and impact the skin. Moreover, an imbalanced gut microbiome can also increase inflammation, which is a key factor in skin problems.

On the other hand, a healthy gut microbiome can lead to healthier and glowing skin. Beneficial bacteria in the gut help to regulate digestion and reduce inflammation, which in turn can lead to clearer, more radiant skin. In fact, a healthy gut can help to boost the immune system, which is essential for fighting off many skin infections which cause redness, swelling and even acne. 

Here's our top 5 foods to incorporate into your diet to support your digestive health and in turn help achieve nourished and glowing skin:

• Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir are fermented foods that are a good source of probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are good for your gut. They help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, poor diet, and stress. By eating fermented foods regularly, you can help support your gut health and improve digestive function.

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, chard, collard greens are rich in fibre and nutrients that help support gut health. Fibre is important for keeping your gut healthy because it provides food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. These greens also contain antioxidants, which help protect your gut from damage.

• Prebiotic-rich Foods: Artichokes, garlic, onions, asparagus are prebiotic-rich foods that can help support gut health. Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. By eating these foods regularly, you can help support the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

• Bone Broth and Collagen Peptides: Bone broth is a nutritious and flavourful liquid made by simmering bones and connective tissues on a slow and low heat. The collagen and other nutrients in bone broth can help support gut health by helping to soothe the lining of the gut and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Collagen peptides are a form of collagen that can be easily added to your diet in a variety of ways, such as by adding it to your smoothie or mixing it into your coffee.

• Grass-fed Fats: Butter, ghee, tallow and fatty cuts of meat from grass-fed animals are good sources of beneficial fats that can help support gut health. These fats contain fatty acids that help support the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. They also provide energy for your body and help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

A balanced diet that is rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and probiotics can help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. But it's not just about adding the good stuff to your diet  but it is also important to avoid processed foods, sugar, and excessive alcohol as they can disrupt the gut microbiome.

All in all the link between gut health and skin health is undeniable. A healthy gut leads to healthy skin on a two way street. By maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding toxic and processed foods, you can ensure that your gut and skin are healthy, and your overall wellness is at its best.