There has always been plenty of advice about eating healthily to achieve a fresh glowing complexion. This is still true of course, but in recent years, that advice has become more specific, as scientists understand more about the importance of the gut microbiome in keeping the skin healthy.
This connection is sometimes referred to as the ‘gut-skin axis’. Scientists have already established strong links between the immune and mental health, and some doctors now believe that the root of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may lie in the gut-brain axis. The latest discovery focuses on the direct link between the gut and the skin.
The condition of our skin is often the first warning sign that something is not quite right with our health. For example, when we are tired, we may become more pallid than usual, and develop rough dry patches. If we are stressed out, we may break out in acne, or notice that our skin is dull and sallow, and less supple and plump than usual.
Considering the amount of activity that takes place in the gut, from metabolising hormones to detoxifying enzymes and regulating the immune system, it is not surprising that it also affects the condition of our skin. Poor gut health has now been linked to several conditions, including acne, eczema, and rosacea.
What are the signs of poor gut health?
It is not the most glamorous of topics, but good health is too important to ignore. If you suffer from persistent bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea, then this is a real red flag that your gut microbiome is out of balance. If you are often low in energy, and find it difficult to maintain a stable weight, this is another sign of a gut imbalance.
How can you improve your gut health?
Some of our gut microbiome is genetic, but we can also make a difference by following a careful diet. This can be a complex business, because of course we are all different, and what works well for one person may cause more inflammation in another. However, improving the diversity of your gut bacteria should positively impact your health.
Doctors recommend eating high fibre foods, such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, beans, and legumes. In particular, garlic, onion, bananas, leeks, and chickpeas contain gut-friendly prebiotics.
Probiotics, which contain live bacteria, such as live yoghurt, and fermented foods such as tempeh, kombucha, and kefir are also high in friendly bacteria. If you are not keen on these foods, you can always top up with a probiotic supplement, which are available in varying degrees of potency.
It’s not all about diet
Now that so much more is understood about the link between physical and mental health, and the gut-brain axis in particular, it is important not to ignore overall lifestyle factors. This includes taking the time to develop a consistent exercise routine, which you enjoy enough to stick with, and getting a good night’s sleep as often as possible.
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