Did you know that the intestines and skin are connected? What we eat and how we digest it affects the condition of your skin. Consequently, our modern eating habits are increasingly leading to skin conditions such as eczema and acne. In fact, there is a link between skin problems and a dysbiosis (decrease in intestinal flora) in the gut microbiome. Therefore, the cause of many skin problems can be found in the skin-gut connection.
Skin-gut connection
The first indication that the intestines and skin are connected dates back to 1930. Research showed that there is a direct relationship between inflammation (inflammation) in the skin as in acne and changes in the gut microbiome. There is also a link between mental disorders such as depression, an unhealthy lifestyle and gut dysbiosis. Yet it took a long time for science to take the skin-gut connection seriously.
Intestinal microbiome
The gut microbiome interacts with the skin in several ways. First, through the regulatory effect of gut bacteria on the immune system. Certain gut microbes and substances that promote metabolism (metabolites) can be supportive of certain white blood cells called lymphocytes. These white blood cells, or lymphocytes, play an important role in the immune system. They can have an anti-inflammatory effect. On the other hand, some microbes actually increase pro-inflammatory lymphocytes, promoting inflammation. Short-chain fatty acids inhibit these pro-inflammatory lymphocytes and allow the immune system to properly defend against inflammatory responses. This is also visible on the skin, as it also stimulates the lymphocytes that promote wound healing.
Digestive problems
A decrease in gut flora can also result from digestive problems, such as hypochlorhydria and celiac disease. This can lead to skin disorders. Hypochlorhydria is a risk factor for SIBO, which can cause leaky gut. There is then excess bacteria that can interfere with nutrient absorption. Moreover, these bacteria can cause direct damage in the small intestine. Certain medication use, such as antacids or antibiotics can also pose a risk for bacterial infections.
A malfunctioning gut can cause many other (chronic) illnesses in addition to skin problems. See also my article “Most chronic complaints originate from your gut”
Disturbed balance
With a disrupted intestinal barrier, such as a leaky gut, intestinal bacteria and/or their metabolites (substances that support metabolism) move into the bloodstream. They then accumulate in the skin, disrupting the natural balance. This has been demonstrated by finding DNA from gut bacteria in the skin of psoriasis patients.
Celiac disease and eczema
In addition, celiac disease increasingly goes hand in hand with skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Specific forms of eczema such as atopic eczema also seem to be able to be caused by wheat and/or gluten. In addition, cow’s milk allergy and lactose intolerance may also play a role. Intestinal parasites can affect the immune system of the intestines and cause gastrointestinal symptoms, possibly resulting in skin disorders.
Interaction between gut and skin microbiome
The gut microbiome also affects the composition of the skin microbiome. The formation of short-chain fatty acids by the gut microbiome determines immunological responses in and on the skin. This provides antimicrobial effects in skin rashes, for example. Thus, there is a constant interaction between the gut and the skin, which should certainly not be ignored in finding a cause (and solution) for skin problems.
Specialist guidance BodySwitch Heemskerk
Through specialized lab tests on blood and stool, we identify the factors causing your problems. Based on this, a targeted plan is drawn up which consists of adjusting the diet and targeted use of specific supplements to solve the problems.
Want to know more?
Would you like more information about reducing skin and bowel problems, or have other questions about a healthy lifestyle? Frank Jonkers of BodySwitch Heemskerk is a specialist in the field of nutrition and health. Once weighing 135 pounds himself, he had incipient cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Maintaining the right diet and lifestyle can cure you! He has already helped more than a thousand people resolve health issues. Do you also want to address your symptoms from the root cause? Then contact me and discover the possibilities. Good chance I can help you.
Feel free to call BodySwitch Heemskerk, Frank Jonkers for more information or an appointment: 0251 234 000.
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Frank Jonkers
