Whilst attending a recent iiaa (International Institute of Active-Ageing) event in London I was fortunate to hear the fascinating Lorraine Perretta, Head of Nutrition at the Advanced Nutrition Programme, present on the importance of a healthy gut and its links to healthy skin. The guts’ role in both our immunity and inflammatory response make it key in maintaining not only skin health but also complete health.
For many years now, I have incorporated a food intolerance test as part of my skin assessment when treating patients with chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema and more often than not a gut component is uncovered. So why is this?
The gut and skin barrier surprisingly share many features, with the skins protective barrier being very similar in makeup to the gut. This gut–skin axis as it’s become known (referring to the unique relationship between the two organs) reveals a significant resemblance between the inner surface of the gut and the outer surface of the skin, both of which are covered by epithelial cells.[1]
Numerous studies provide evidence of the profound link between gastrointestinal health and skin health, for example; coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity has been linked with several skin conditions, such as dermatitis, and patients have been able to clear up skin rashes when shifting to a gluten-free diet. Other allergic and autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, have also been associated with gluten intolerance.
With 70-80% of immune cells being present in the gut, there is an intricate interplay between the intestinal microbiome and our immune system.[2] The close relationship between the intestine and the skin has been widely stated, seen from gastrointestinal (GI) disorders often accompanied by skin reactions. Gut health is also responsible for inflammation, with an imbalance of gut bacteria (dysbiosis), triggering inflammatory skin issues like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Our gut is also responsible for the effective absorption of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for skin health, as well as eliminating waste and toxins. If this detoxification isn’t working properly toxins can build up leading to skin breakouts and numerous other health issues. A healthy gut will have the ability to retain good hydration, keeping skin supple and soft and finally, the gut plays a crucial role in regulating and balancing our hormones, vital for glowing skin.
Improving gut health through a healthy diet, probiotics, prebiotics, post-biotics and proper hydration can lead to clearer, healthier skin, making the gut-skin connection vital for skin health. The Advanced Nutrition Programme is available at my clinic, and I consider it more important than skin care products, in achieving true skin health.
References:
[1] De Pessemier, B., Grine, L., Debaere, M., Maes, A., Paetzold, B. and Callewaert, C. (2021). Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions. Microorganisms, 9(2).
2 Wiertsema, S.P., van Bergenhenegouwen, J., Garssen, J. and Knippels, L.M.J. (2021). The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients, [online] 13(3), p.886. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030886.
