The Link Between Gut Health and Skin

Hello Ziddis! They say beauty starts from within. This is not just a philosophical ideology; in many ways, it does start from within. More than just digestion, your gut plays an important role in your immunity, mood and even the health of your skin. If you struggle with acne, eczema, dryness or dull skin, the answer might not just be in your skin care creams and serums but also what is happening inside your gut. Let us understand this fascinating link between gut health and skin and how you could nurture both.

Gut Skin Connection

Your gut and your skin are connected through what is often called as the gut-skin axis. This is a two-way communication that runs between your digestive system and your skin. This is impacted by any factors like your immune system, your hormones and even the microbes like bacteria and fungi that live in your gut.

When your gut is balanced, the nutrients are absorbed well in your bloodstream, and the inflammation is under control. This gives your skin a clear, healthy glow. But if there is an imbalance called dysbiosis and it shows up as flare-ups, acne, redness, premature ageing, irritation and puffiness.

How Gut Health Affects Skin

There are many ways in which your gut health affects your skin. Some of the impacts of bad gut health that show up on your skin are:

• Inflammation, which triggers excess oil production and clogged pores
• Acnes flare-ups
• Immune system issues since 70% of your immune system resides in your gut.
• Eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea due to leaky gut, toxins and undigested particles entering the bloodstream
• Nutrient absorption of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from food
• Dehydrated skin due to lack of absorption of key nutrients like zinc, vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Stress and hormone fluctuations can upset gut balance and show up on skin as breakouts and dullness.

Gut Health Diet for Clear Skin

If you want radiant and glowing skin, you need to eat your skincare and feed your gut well. A gut-friendly diet is also the best skin care routine. Here are some guidelines for it:

• Eat fresh foods
• Eat more plants like fruits, leafy greens, legumes, nuts and seeds
• Add probiotics to your meals
• Check for lactose reaction on your skin and find lactose-free alternatives
• Foods like garlic, onions, bananas and asparagus are a great prebiotic support system.
• Fats are important, but in the form of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds, walnuts or salmon. You can also start using omega 3 capsules.
• Make sure you have a vitamin-rich diet, and if you find it inadequate, start with vitamin supplements.
• Limit processed food and sugars
• Stay hydrated

What Foods Improve Gut and Skin Health

If you are looking to make your grocery list skin and gut-friendly, here are some of our top picks for you:

• Berries for their antioxidants, which fight skin-ageing free radicals
• Leafy greens like spinach, kale and fenugreek to help detox
• Fermented foods like saucerkraut, kimchi and kombucha
• Chia seeds and flaxseeds for additional fibre
• Avocado, salmon and walnuts for healthy fats
• Turmeric for its natural anti-inflammatory properties
• Ginger for better digestion and reduced bloating.

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Takeaway

Your skin is a mirror of your gut, so it is important to have healthy eating habits for clear, healthy and glowing skin. Your gut is very closely associated with your skin, so eating your skin care is always better than applying expensive serums. The next time you look in the mirror and wish for healthier skin, remember: the journey begins in your gut.