Acne and gut health. How they're linked + how I can help.
Today, I want to talk about how poor gut health can lead to the development of acne.
Yes, you heard that right – your gut health and acne may be related.
Something that really prompted me to delve into the gut-skin side of things, was how I felt after speaking with Jessica (my PA) about how she has dealt with acne for most of her adolescent & adult life.
We were having goodbye drinks together before she moved overseas, when she sheepishly admitted that she had gone back onto Accutane for her acne...😭
The thing is, I felt more ashamed than she did, because I realised that I hadn't been able to help her when she needed it. I knew that Accutane medication was bad news, and I knew that she had been on it before when she had poor gut health and had come to me for help.
And while I had educated her and supported her through gut healing protocols and she got better over time - now with the stress of moving overseas and life getting in the way again, the nasty acne seemed to be coming back and she felt like she had no choice.
And of course - she actually didn't have a choice because I hadn't provided her with one.
That's why I sat down and wrote this protocol:
I researched:
a) what causes acne in the first place
b) what Accutane does to improve acne, and
c) how to naturally support the gut/skin axis to rid a person of acne for good
Something doesn't exist until it does. I just had to do this for my friend, and for anyone else who came to me and needed a clear pathway to clear skin.
It’s not just about what you put on your skin or how you cleanse your face.
It’s about what’s going on inside your body.
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that form your gut microbiome. They play a crucial role in keeping you healthy. But sometimes, due to various factors, the balance of your gut microbiome can be disrupted. This imbalance is called dysbiosis and it can lead to a range of health issues, including acne.
So, what can lead to an imbalance of the gut microbiome?
Well, there are several factors:
Poor diet: Eating a diet high in processed and sugary foods can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome. These foods can feed the harmful bacteria in your gut, leading to dysbiosis.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria in your body, but they can also kill the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Chronic stress: When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol. A hormone that can, in excess, disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome.
Lack of sleep: Poor sleep habits can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome (think circadian rhythms & sleep quality)
Now, let’s talk about how gut health is related to acne. Your gut and skin are connected through what’s known as the gut-skin axis. When your gut microbiome is out of balance, harmful bacteria can produce toxins and other inflammatory substances that can irritate the lining of your gut. This can trigger a systemic inflammatory response that can affect different parts of your body, including your skin.
Check out this post & find out!
Inflammation can also increase the production of sebum, an oily substance that can clog your pores and lead to the development of acne. Sebum provides a perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria, which can multiply rapidly in the presence of inflammation.
In addition to inflammation, an imbalanced gut microbiome can also lead to a condition called leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut occurs when the lining of your gut becomes permeable, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into your bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and further exacerbate inflammation throughout your body and your skin!
So, how can you heal your gut?
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on eating a diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are packed with nutrients that can support the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Take probiotics: Probiotics are supplements that contain live bacteria that can help restore the balance of your gut microbiome. Look for a high-quality probiotic supplement that contains a variety of strains.
Reduce stress: Try to find ways to reduce stress in your life, whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to support the health of your gut microbiome.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: Only take antibiotics when they’re absolutely necessary! If there is ANY other way to rid yourself of an infection such as a sinus infection, parasite, or UTI (see UTI protocol here) then you need to try that first for the sake of your gut health. If you do need to take antibiotics, take a probiotic supplement to help restore the balance of your gut microbiome such as Lifespace Broad Spectrum AND a Saccharomyces Boulardii strain then do a full microbiome restoration protocol after you have finished the full course.
To sum this all up, the health of your gut microbiome is SO important for overall health, including the health of your skin. When your microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to the development of acne.
By taking steps to support the health of your gut microbiome, you can help reduce your risk of acne and other health issues. And that is precisely why I have developed “Fuck-u-tane”. An acne-reducing, skin clearing, gut healing protocol.
So, focus on eating a healthy diet, taking probiotics, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics.
Your gut (and your skin) will thank you!
LM ❤️