The gut-skin connection
Our skin is the largest organ in the human body, it keeps vital chemicals and nutrients in the body while ensuring dangerous substances do not enter. It also shields us from ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. As humans, our bodies try to do our utmost to ensure we take care of our skin. But do we? What if I told you your gut health has a massive correlation to this.
So, what is it about our gut health that affects our skin?
A simple way to understand how our gut health affects our skin is to imagine our gut as a rose.
If the soil below the flower isn't healthy and full of great nutrients for the plant, the rose will struggle to grow and blossom. Our skin can be compared with that same analogy, we need the right nutrients and diet for our skin to glow and be healthy.
So how can gut health affect your skin?
When it comes to skin health, more and more studies are linking good skin to a healthy gut. Scientists have found links between gut health and skin issues such as eczema, acne, and rosacea. Studies are showing that where there is gut inflammation, there will be skin inflammation.
The importance of gut health and healthy skin is essential to understand, no matter how many treatments you have, or products you may use, no amount of it will allow your skin to radiate the natural glow it withholds, and nothing can replicate it either.
So, what can you do?
It's very simple and cliche but consuming good food & drink, and maintaining a balanced diet is key. Ensure you incorporate
- vitamin E (nuts and leafy greens)
- vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes)
- vitamin A and beta carotene (carrots, sweet potato)
- Selenium (onion, garlic, corn)
- Omega 3 acids (salmon, walnuts)
- Magnesium (figs, artichokes)
- and most of all...water!
Ensuring your diet is balanced, and has the correct nutrients will allow your gut health to stay in peak condition and allow your skin to glow and flourish.