The Beauty Chef: Gut Health = Skin Health

Here is a great explanation of how our gut health directly affects our skin health. This is directly from The Beauty Chef website.

The analogy makes so much sense to me, that I thought it would be a great write up to share with you all.

Q: I’m just wondering if you can explain in simple terms how what happens in your stomach can help your face?

A: I love the analogy of the gut being like the soil in a garden. The soil needs the right microbial balance and nutrient balance for the plants and their shoots to be healthy, strong and beautiful. Our gut is like the soil, it needs the right nutrient and microbial balance for our skin, hair and nails to be lovely and healthy.

Our gut is where so much that affects our skin happens.

It’s where hormones are metabolised (if not in balance, can wreak havoc on our complexion), where we make detoxifying enzymes (if we aren’t detoxifyng properly, toxins will flood through the skin – the body’s largest elimination organ), it’s where we neutralise pathogens (pathogens and infection can cause skin issues), it’s where we make nutrients (that feed the skin from within), it’s where we digest nutrients (if we are not digesting our food properly, then our body’s not getting the nutrients to feed our skin).

More and more studies show that there is a correlation between gut health and skin health. Studies show a high incidence of acne and rosacea in people with SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth). Studies are linking eczema and psoriasis to poor gut health. People with dermatitis have been shown to have a disruption of normal gut flora.

Research shows that where there is gut inflammation, there is skin inflammation and that people with a healthier gut microbiota, have a healthier fatty acid profile in their skin – meaning their skin is more moisturised, hydrated and protected.

This is why I am such a big believer that “Beauty begins in the belly”.