Why is the gut important to skin health?
Apart from the obvious role of gut health in energy and physical comfort, it plays another equally vital role – that of skin health.
An effective digestive system which balances good vs bad bacteria, and efficiently processes the components of our diet, is the primary source of the nutrients essential for maintaining youthful, healthy skin. When the necessary nutrients are released in the right proportions, our skin will not only look healthy & youthful, it will also be able to play it’s vital ‘barrier’ role more effectively.
In a recent study conducted at Yale Medical school, the nation’s top Gastroenterologists were in total agreement - that restoring the health of the gut wall will be one of the most important goals of modern medicine in the next 10 years (source: The Gut Health Project 2016).
The Gut and Mental Health
We all know people who experience issues with chronic stress, anxiety and even depression. All of these signs are now proven to be clear indicators of problems with gut health. There are millions of neurons in our gut wall that make up our enteric nervous system, which is responsible for balancing mood, reducing stress and keeping our mental health in check.
The Gut and the Immune System
It is now known that 75% of our immune system is found in the gut. Our unique collection of bacteria (microbiome) has a huge impact on our digestive process and several digestive issues can literally disable your immune system from functioning at full strength. If your digestive system is compromised, it weakens and strains your immune system.
The Gut and Skin Health
Our skin is one of our largest and most important functioning organs. Multiple studies published in the Journal of Dermatology have linked gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, bloating, bad breath and acid reflux to the development of skin issues like dermatitis, acne and rosacea. One study showed 54% of acne patients suffered from bacteria overgrowth in their small intestine which is 10x higher than the average population. Acne patients have higher levels of systemic inflammation than individuals with healthy skin…and gut issues are a major factor in inflammation.
So how can we improve gut health?
1. Probiotic supplements – rebalance the good vs bad bacteria
2. Healthy Diet – maximum nutrients from ‘close to nature’ foods, and minimal artificial ingredients which load up the body’s toxicity
3. Hydrate – flushes out the system and provides important water component for cells and systems
4. Exercise – keep the body strong, builds immune system, flushes out toxins, enhances mood
As a starting point, why not try our Rubifresh CLEANSE Signature Tea – high quality peppermint tea which has been proven to enhance digestive health;
- Improves digestion by reducing inflammation & boosting the immune system
- Anti-bacterial (therefore helps prevent sickness)
- Used as far back as 10,000yrs ago as a dietary supplement
- Natural sedative and anti-spasmodic (reduces stress)
- Moves gas through the system – prevents bloating and discomfort
- Stimulates bile flow to improve the rate/efficiency of digestion and anti-inflammatory action
Read further into the guts role in our skin health, along with other tips and tools to help better your skin health in our FREE MINI EBOOK '10 Habits for Healthy skin'. Download by clicking the 'FREE EBOOK' tab at the bottom left of the page!