The Gut-Skin Connection

DYK that thebest skin care routine goes beyond the products on your shelf? We love a pretty-packaged product just as much as you – but healthy skin isn’t just about what you puton, it’s also dependent on what’s going onwithin. 

We’re talking about the gut-skin connection. And if you’re thinking, “wait, how does my gut affect my skin?” - then buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into this topic that’s bound to change the way you think about your skincare routine.

The Gut and Skin: Two Peas in a Pod

Let’s start by understanding the significance of the gut-skin connection. Your gut, aka the epicenter of your well-being, plays a critical role in your skin health. The two are like a pair of besties that never stop chit-chatting.

Now, you’ve probably heard us talk about the gut microbiome before - which is all those microorganisms like bacteria (good and bad) that live inside our tummies. But did you know that our skin also has its own microbiome?

Both the skin and gut microbiome work around-the-clock to keep our immune system in check. And if one of the two, or both, isn’t working properly - inflammation really starts to act up.

The friendship between the gut microbiome and the skin is known as the gut-skin axis. Andstudies show that the skin is a tell-all sign as to what’s going on in your gut. If you’re suddenly experiencing skin problems like breakouts, eczema flare ups, or overly dry / oily skin, it very well might be a sign of an imbalanced gut microbiome.

The Gut Microbiome: Queen of the Immune System

Now you might be wonderinghow this imbalance causes problems with the skin. Researchers say that 70-80% of immune cells live in the gut - which pretty much makes it the Queen B of your immune system. And when Queen B is off her game, the intestinal barrier – which is the lining that separates your gut from the bloodstream – can weaken and cause a condition that scientists callleaky gut. When leaky gut occurs, these little guys called “pro-inflammatory cytokines” escape into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body like a juicy rumor. 

When these pro-inflammatory cytokines escape the gut, the harmful bacteria that would normally go out through the digestive tract have to hitch a getaway car elsewhere – triggering inflammation and immune responses. And since the skin is the body’s largest organ, it’s extra sensitive to these signals and can cause skin issues such as redness, irritation, acne, eczema flare ups, and even signs of early aging.

Maintaining a Healthy Gut for Glowing Skin

Now that we’ve unraveled the basics of the gut-skin connection, let’s dive into some practical ways to keep your gut (and skin) health in check. Here’s some hot-tips to stay glowing from the inside out:  

1. Stay Hydrated: Water is your gut and skin’s BFF. Staying well-hydrated supports the mucosal lining of your intestines, preventing leaky gut and protecting against potential toxins. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day and consider adding hydrating snacks into your diet like watermelon and cucumber.
2. Feast on Fiber: Think of fiber as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria. Load up onhigh-fiber foods like avocado, apples, oats, and almonds to promote bacteria growth and diversity. A fiber-rich diet not only supports digestion but also improves the gut microbiome over time.
3. Power with Probiotics: Like fiber, probiotics also promote beneficial bacteria in the gut, enhancing its microbial balance. Try incorporating yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods into your meals. 
4. Savor the Flavor: Digestion starts in the mouth, and mindful eating aids the breakdown of food. Try to slow down and avoid gulping down food in a rush to give your gut the time it needs to process foods and absorb the nutrients it needs.
5. Dance with Detoxification: Detoxification isn’t just a wellness trend, it’s a key contributor to nurturing a health gut. Incorporate detoxifying practices into your daily routine – like lemon water and dandelion root. The citric acid in lemon water stimulates digestive enzymes to stimulate gentle detoxification, and dandelion root supports the body’s natural detoxification process.

Our Arrae Bloat Capsules were formulated with all-natural ingredients, including dandelion root and a digestive enzyme to support a healthy, balanced gut. Not only do they work to provide immediate bloat relief by optimizing digestion, they also work overtime to rebalance the microbiome for a healthy and strong gut-skin connection.

Plus, when you subscribe to Arrae Bloat, you get a free L-Glutamine in your order. L-Glutamine is an amino acid that works to repair your gut lining. It’s known for its ability to strengthen the intestinal barrier, fostering a healthier and more balanced digestive system.

*Disclaimer*: This article is purely informational and does not imply any evaluation by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases, nor should it substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.

References:

Leech, Joe. “22 High Fiber Foods You Should Eat.” Edited by John Bassham and Chris Doka, Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/nutrition/22-high-fiber-foods#22-high-fiber-foods. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

Marcelo Campos, MD. “Leaky Gut: What Is It, and What Does It Mean for You?” Harvard Health, 12 Sept. 2023, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/leaky-gut-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-mean-for-you-2017092212451.

Thye, Angel Yun-Kuan, et al. “Gut–Skin Axis: Unravelling the Connection between the Gut Microbiome and Psoriasis.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 30 Apr. 2022, www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/10/5/1037.

Wiertsema, Selma P, et al. “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, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Mar. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001875/#:~:text=The%20immune%20system%20plays%20a,the%20local%20mucosal%20immune%20system.