Glowing from the inside out

Did you know that your gut health can directly impact your skin? 

In the quest for radiant and healthy skin, we often focus on topical solutions—creams, serums, and treatments. While these are an important piece of the puzzle, the foundation of skin health is often rooted in an area we might overlook: our gut. A balanced microbiome, healthy digestion, and adequate nutrient absorption are crucial for maintaining skin integrity. In addition, recognizing and eliminating foods that may be triggering inflammation can also make a significant difference. Inflammation can present as dryness or flaking, itchy or burning sensation, cracked or red or brown patchy skin, redness, bumps, pimples, or rashes.

 Some of the skin conditions linked to gut health include: 

- Acne

- Eczema

- Psoriasis

- Rosacea

- Dermatitis

Functional testing for skin health:

Both the gut and the skin serve as vital barriers for the body and possess microbiomes that maintain a bidirectional relationship; the gut microbiome can influence the skin microbiome and vice versa. The skin’s microbiome serves to protect from pathogens, toxins, and dehydration. However, certain microbes release toxins associated with inflammatory skin conditions and provoke immune cells to release inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins.  

The inner lining of the gut and the outer layer of the skin are both composed of epithelial cells that interact directly with the external environment (1). This connection is critical, as both surfaces play a significant role in immune health by responding to external factors. With many of the above skin conditions, linked to immune regulation, its essential to evaluate how dietary factors may influence both the gut and skin. This is why I use food sensitivity testing as a component of my holistic approach. 

To effectively manage these conditions, I rely on two complimentary functional tests. The Mediator Release Test (MRT) focuses on food sensitivity identification in order to calm the immune system, while the GI MAP evaluates digestion and nutrient absorption capability, as well as dysbiosis (imbalanced microbiome). These factors, together with proper nutrition are required to maintain the integrity and radiance of the skin. These 2 testing tools are powerful allies in supporting the body’s efforts to correct leaky gut, regulate immune dysfunction, and reduce inflammation that manifests on the skin. 

For those interested in further diving into the research linking the gut and the skin, here are some PubMed articles that explore this relationship: 

Research:

1.     https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916842/#ref-list1

2.     https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6048199/

3.     https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10876011/ 

Tips for optimizing the microbiome:

• Focus on the right kind of carbohydrates-mainly vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and whole grains-these provide fiber which is the prebiotic fuel necessary for the proliferation of commensal (beneficial) microbes

• Include fermented foods-kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, apple-cider vinegar and kimchi-probiotic rich foods directly provide beneficial microbes which in turn produce metabolites such as short chain fatty acids-although kombucha is also rich in probiotics, it's can be high in refined sugar; consider in moderation if blood sugar imbalances are present

• Probiotic supplements-probiotic supplements can be a great alternative to fermented foods if these are not tolerated or enjoyed-seek support from your nutrition professional in selecting the right probiotic

• Antioxidants and polyphenols-these anti-inflammatory compounds are generally derived from the same whole food, fiber-rich plants mentioned above-seek vitamin A, C, and E-rich foods such as carrots, tomato, sweet potato, bell peppers, citrus fruit, nuts and seeds.

• Stay hydrated-this will help prevent constipation which can further exacerbate dysbiosis

• Have a plan to manage stress-chronic stress impacts the gut-brain axis and composition of the microbiome

Even for those without overt skin disorders, optimizing gut health is a crucial step toward ensuring your body absorbs all the nutrients necessary for your skin to radiate vitality. If you're interested in exploring how gut health can transform your skin, I invite you explore my packages or book a free consult. Together, we can work on enhancing your overall well-being, one gut-friendly choice at a time!

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Carla Abate is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She specializes in functional nutritional strategies for women and families. She is a level 3 Restorative Wellness Solutions Practitioner, a Certified Nutrition Therapist Master, and a Postpartum Doula. She also holds a Master's degree in Counseling. Carla is dedicated to fostering health and wellness through evidence-based nutrition coaching.