The Gut-Skin Connection: Why healing your gut may be the missing piece to clearing your skin

As a naturopathic doctor, I’ve seen firsthand how interconnected our bodies truly are. One of the most impactful connections is the relationship between gut health and skin health. Your gut microbiome — the trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive system — does so much more than help with digestion! It plays a huge role in the health and appearance of your skin.

The Gut-Skin Axis

More and more research shows that an imbalanced gut microbiome can show up as acne, eczema, rosacea, premature aging, and more. Your gut has a strong influence on systemic inflammation and your immune system, both of which directly impact your skin as well.

Is Poor Gut Health Behind Your Skin Issues?

How can you tell if your gut might be the culprit of your skin issues? Here are a few signs that point to this:

• Digestive problems: Digestive-related symptoms, like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or indigestion often present with gut-related skin issues.

• Food triggers: If certain foods make your skin flare up, it could indicate that the gut is involved.

• Frequent illnesses: A struggling gut microbiome can weaken your immune system, affecting both gut and skin health.

• Past antibiotic use: Antibiotics disrupt your gut microbiome, making it more likely for the bad (pathogenic) bacteria, fungi, or even parasites to take over, contributing to skin issues.

Nourishing the Gut to Heal the Skin

The good news is that you can support the health of your skin by taking care of your gut. As always, the foundations of health (diet, exercise, sleep, lifestyle) should be optimized! Here’s where to start:

Optimize Your Diet

1. Eat real, whole foods: Make sure that you are esting enough, not skipping meals, and filling your plate with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

2. Add fiber and probiotics: Load up on leafy greens, beans, yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.

3. Cut back on irritants: Reduce processed foods, alcohol, refined sugars, and artificial additives.

4. Stay hydrated: Water helps with digestion and keeps your skin hydrated.

Lifestyle Modifications

1. Manage stress: Stress messes with your gut and leads to inflammation. Try journaling, mindfulness, yoga, or even walks in nature.

2. Move daily: Regular exercise lowers inflammation as well as supports digestion.

3. Get good sleep: Quality sleep is essential for lowering inflammation, repairing your gut, and healing your skin!

Smart Supplementation

Supplements can be a great addition to your skin-healing journey. Some common options include probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, digestive enzymes, and herbs. But here’s the thing: supplements aren’t magic. As I always tell my patients, you can’t out-supplement a bad diet or lifestyle! Focus on building a strong foundation first. If you’re unsure which supplements to try (or want to avoid wasting money), work with a naturopathic doctor to find the ones that will work best for you.

Testing: Comprehensive Stool Analysis

One of the most common tests I run with those who have acne, psoriasis, eczema, or other skin conditions is a comprehensive stool analysis. My favorite is the the GI-MAP by Diagnostic Solutions. Getting this functional lab test is key for eliminating the guesswork and providing a targeted approach to addressing skin conditions. Rather than relying on trial-and-error methods and wasting time, energy, and money, a stool analysis allows for the identification of specific imbalances in the gut.  By identifying the exact issue, we can formulate a targeted treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the skin problem, rather than merely masking the symptoms.

For example, if a stool test reveals a pathogenic overgrowth, herbal antimicrobial and probiotic therapy can be used to eliminate the bad pathogens and promote growth of the good, commensal bacteria. If malabsorption or inflammation is detected, steps can be taken to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce systemic inflammation. Targeted approaches are far more effective and efficient, saving time and energy while providing lasting improvement!

Healthy skin often starts with a healthy gut. By getting testing done and making smart choices with your food, lifestyle, and supplements, you can achieve both better digestion and clearer skin. If you’re ready to take the next step, connect with me and book a discovery call today!