How Does Gut Health Affect Your Skin & How To Improve It?
We’re sure you’ve heard the saying: “You are what you eat.” And that’s completely true! Your gut health has a significant impact on your general physical health, immune system, susceptibility to chronic diseases, mental well-being, and much more.
But what’s the link between your stomach and your health, and what exactly does gut health mean?
With so much speculation around gut health, it may be hard to tell what’s real and what’s fake. So, let’s go through the facts together, as provided from a professional’s point of view!
What is Gut Health?
Gut health covers the health of the entire digestive system, from the oesophagus to the intestine – the sections of our body that break down our breakfast, lunch, and dinner intonutrients that we use to keep our bodies running.
When nutrients are broken down, your body will be able to use them with the help of the bacteria that live in your small and large intestines. The bacteria and microorganisms in your gut are known as microbiomes, which help to break down food, turning it into nutrients your body can use. Thus, gut health covers both the general health of the digestive system and the wellness of the bacteria that live in it.
How Does Gut Health Affect Your Skin?
Many studies have discovered that itchy skin can occur when gut health (or digestive equilibrium) is disturbed. Breakouts, skin irritation, redness, ageing indications, and other symptoms of skin irritation may occur.
According to a study , the microbiome can be linked to a broad range of skin problems. An affected microbiome can lead to certain skin diseases. The microbiome is an important immune system regulator because it works to maintain the body by interacting with organs and tissues.
Our skin is the biggest organ in our body, and it reacts differently to things that cause inflammation. If the bacteria on our skin or in our gut are not balanced, our immune system might not work effectively, leading to skin problems like eczema, acne, or dandruff.
Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
There are various symptoms within the body that can be caused by an unhealthy gut. We’ll focus on the effects it may have on your skin, but we’ll also mention a few other warning signals.
1. Irritation of the skin
Your skin could suffer as a result of a bacterial imbalance in your intestines. Common skin issues associated with an unhealthy gut include eczema, acne vulgaris, dandruff, skin sagging, and a breakdown of collagen.
2. Dull complexion
While many skin-related problems might result from poor gut health, there are also some unattractive skin issues that can age your appearance. Inflammation is one of the main causes of a dull complexion, and as we all know, inflammation is intimately related to gut health problems.
3. Acne breakout
Acne is a skin condition that is associated with digestive issues. Numerous studies have revealed that intestinal inflammation is more prevalent among acne sufferers.
4. Wrinkles on the skin
Although wrinkles are a normal part of ageing, they can also indicate a gut health issue. According to one study, those with wrinkles have more intestinal inflammation than people without wrinkles.
5. Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that results in redness, bumps, and zits on the face. It frequently begins with episodes of blushing or flushing. Rosacea has been connected to gut health issues such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
6. Weight gain or loss that is unintended
Bacterial proliferation in the stomach has been associated with unexpected weight fluctuations. High fat and carbohydrate diets may increase gut bacteria that disrupt the natural, healthy balance.
Ways To Take Care Of Your Gut Health
Everyone’s gut microbiome is genetically determined from birth. External factors like the foods you consume, medications, lifestyle, and environmental factors influence it from there.
If you have experienced more than one of the symptoms listed above, we urge that you see a doctor. There are a few other things you can attempt to improve your gut health in your daily life:
1. Take Probiotics
Probiotics are naturally occurring, beneficial bacteria that help enhance your gut health by working from within! Probiotics can be obtained through supplements or food. Fermented foods such as tempeh and miso are natural probiotic sources.
If you’re looking for a good probiotic drink in Malaysia, we highly recommend the WonderDewi Good Gut™ probiotics sachets. These goodie packs are filled with nutrient-rich ingredients and created with our proprietary blend of 10 billion CFU of probiotics, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D to promote gut health!
It helps to enhance and balance the digestive environment, produce key nutrients like Vitamin K and Vitamin B, regulate immune cells to defend our bodies from infections, as well as remove waste from our bodies for a healthy skin complexion.
2. Consume a High-Fibre Diet
High-fibre diets enhance the microorganisms in the stomach. Furthermore, fibre can decrease the pH level of the colon and inhibit the growth of potentially hazardous microorganisms. An example of a high-fibre food is bananas, which you can easily find everywhere! However, remember to consume everything in moderation!
3. Get Enough Sleep
Bad habits such as not getting enough quality sleep can have a major influence on your gut health. This subsequently contributes to even more sleep problems. Set an alarm, go to bed on time, and exercise regularly! Your body needs rest, relaxation and all the good nutrients to function effectively.
4. Eat Slowly
Chewing your food properly and eating slower may reduce your likelihood of developing diabetes or becoming obese while also assisting you in making better food choices. This could help you lessen digestive discomfort and keep your gut healthy.
5. Keep Yourself Hydrated
To increase the diversity of bacteria in the gut, you should drink plenty of water. A separate study discovered that people who drank more water had lower levels of a type of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal diseases.
Keeping hydrated is also good for your overall health and can help prevent constipation. It could also be an easy method to boost gut health.
It really is easier said than done to alter habits for the sake of your general health. But at the end of the day, your health matters more! A healthy lifestyle, in addition to balanced food, will automatically enhance your gut health.
If you’re looking around for the best probiotics for gut health, look no further. The WonderDewi Good Gut™ probiotic sachets are the top choice for Malaysians. Click here to learn more about them !