It’s no secret that an unhealthy gut can affect many aspects of your health – including your skin. A leaky gut and skin disorders often go hand in hand. But what’s the connection and how can you improve your gut health to improve your skin? Read on to find out!
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome relates to your gut health. The condition occurs when the intestinal walls become increasingly easier to permeate which allows toxins to leak into the body. Usually, people who already suffer from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis are more likely to develop leaky gut syndrome.
The reason for the connection between leaky gut and skin issues is that the skin, like the gut walls, is also highly permeable. This makes it easier for toxins and inflammation to surface in the body. Leaky gut often creates autoimmune responses that lead to flare ups on the skin’s surface.
Understanding the Gut Microbiome and Leaky Skin
The gut microbiome is the balance of bacteria within the gut A healthy gut is full of healthy flora that helps prevent inflammation. In contrast, if the microbiome is out of balance, the health of the skin can be negatively affected.
Anything that irritates the lining of the gut can cause inflammation. For example, an unhealthy gut can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or inflammation caused by food sensitivities, medications, antibiotics, food allergens, and alcohol.
So what happens when the gut becomes inflamed and irritated? First of all, the body responds by activating the stress response to help it fight. In essence, the body goes to war on itself as it believes it’s being attacked.
Signs and symptoms of a Leaky Gut
If you have an unhealthy gut, you may notice the following signs:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Gas or bloating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Food intolerances
- Unintentional weight changes
- Skin irritation like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea
Improving your Gut Health and your Skin
We all want to have better looking, healthier, and glowing skin. One of the best ways to achieve this is by transforming your body from the inside out. This can be done through lifestyle changes.
Change your Diet
To heal your skin from within, it’s important to watch what you eat. We recommend switching to gut-healing foods that support a healthy microbiome. Some of our favourite anti-inflammatory foods include heart-healthy oils like olive-oil, flaxseed oil, and coconut oil, colourful fruits and vegetables, and fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and shrimp. At the same time, it’s important to avoid inflammatory foods such as processed foods or foods high in refined sugar.
Improve your Sleeping Pattern
Getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep can benefit your gut and skin health. Of course, sleeping well is sometimes easier said than done. If you’re having trouble falling asleep due to itchy skin, we recommend investing in comfortable sleepwear that protects the skin and boosts the healing process.
Remedywear™ (TENCEL + Zinc) Long Sleeve Shirt - ADULT
Remedywear™ (TENCEL + Zinc) Long Pants for KIDS
Drink Enough Water
Have you had enough water today? Staying hydrated is an important part of maintaining a glowing complexion and promoting a healthy gut. It helps the gut by having a positive effect on the mucosal lining of the intestines which helps maintain a balance of good bacteria within.
Manage Stress
Stress is known for having a negative impact on the skin and body – including the gut. To lower your stress levels, we recommend exercising, meditating, breathwork, and self-care measures like a gentle bath.
