GUT HEALTH VITAL FOR GOOD SKIN

Highlighting the vital role of gut health which manifests in several physical characteristics, the recent research article in Essential Ninja elaborates on direct link between gut health and overall wellbeing. Now physicians, therefore, term gut as second brain. Even patients with mental disorders are being treated successfully by Dr. James Greenblatt, a psychiatrist, by focusing on gut treatment with probiotics supplements.

With our specialization in skin health (Herbally Radiant), we found it interesting that a team of MIT biologists found that a specific probiotic strain (Lactobacillusreuteri) improved mood, restored a youthful appearance to the skin, and promoted general health by increasing levels of oxytocin, the love hormone.

With our own expertise, we are aware that epidemiological evidence in the past had proved clear association between gut problems and skin disorders. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition relating to inappropriate growth of bacteria in small intestine, is 10 times more prevalent among people with acne rosacea, and correction of SIBO led to marked clinical improvement.

Several other studies in the past have shown that both stress and gut inflammation can impair the integrity and protective function of the epidermal barrier which, in turn, leads to decrease in anti-microbial peptides produced in the skin, and increase in the severity of infection and inflammation of skin.

Gut flora thus influences skin health. Altered gut microbiota permeates the release of substance P in both gut and skin which plays vital role in skin condition.

While oral consumption of probiotics can reduce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are elevated locally in those with acne and other skin disorders, topical application of herbal organic ingredients can restore natural glow and shine of skin. Our experience with natural beauty formulations is that these have much healthier effect on skin, while gut health is being taken care of.  The chemicals and other petroleum based formulations in such cases have more negative impact on skin, mainly because the emphasis is to create a superficially attractive upper layer of skin rather than attempting to revitalize it.

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