The Link between Gut Health and your Skin Health



Your skin is often a reflection of what is happening on the inside. It should come as no surprise that an unhealthy gut can reveal itself through a number of skin conditions. Here is a short guide to everything you need to know about the relationship between your gut and your skin.

So what do we mean by ‘gut health’?

The word ‘gut’ actually refers to your gastrointestinal tract. It includes the entire digestive tract – the holes through which food enters, exits and everything in between!  

Your gut also houses the majority of the bacteria in the body. When you think ‘bacteria’ you’re probably thinking of bad bacteria such as pathogens, but it is important to remember that there are good bacteria (link to probiotic supplement), too – such as those that can boost the immune system, synthesise certain vitamins and amino acids that are essential for maintaining bodily functions.

The Relationship Between the Gut and the Skin

The Gut-Skin Axis is a widely researched concept — though not yet fully understood. Regardless, researchers are confident that there is a relationship between gut health and skin health.

A recent study from Frontiers in Microbiology concluded that  the gut microbiome influences distant organ systems, including the skin. Through modulations of ‘good’ bacteria (think: probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics), they have found proven benefits in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory skin disorders, like acne, atopic eczema, and rosacea.

More and more studies are showing that where there is gut inflammation, there will be skin inflammation. 

So how can I maintain a healthy Gut-Skin Axis?

1. Diet: Eating a diet high in plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, and low in animal based foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy. A good source of healthy fats is also important, such as oily fish, nuts, seeds, and avocado. 
2. Sleep: In short, get adequate sleep! We know it's difficult, particularly when you have kids! 
3. Limit Stress: Research shows us that stress plays an important role in skin wound healing. We know that the gut and brain are linked via the vagus nerve, and that just like the gut-skin axis, they both influence each other. This means that when we have stress responses, we send signals to our gut, which impact our bacterial community. This can be seen through increase inflammation and an unhelpful immune response. Reducing stress cuts this pathway down.

Can Pre and Probiotics Help?

In short, yes! Pre and Probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including promoting sking health.

At Suplibox, we’ve designed our 2-in-1 Probiotic Blend with prebiotics to help you get the most complete benefits and absorption for your health.

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