Have you ever heard the expression 'you are what you eat'? Did you know that the saying is true when it comes to your skin too? There's a relationship between your gut and your skin called the gut-skin axis. Studies show that skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and atopic dermatitis are linked to an imbalance in your gut microbiome. If you're struggling to keep your skin healthy right now, read on to find out how healing your gut can help!
What exactly is the 'gut-skin axis'?
There is constant communication going on between your gut and your skin, this line of communication is known as the gut-skin axis. When there are problems in the gut, such as inflammation, it tells the skin so that it can show symptoms which are visible to us.
Our immune system and various bodily functions depend on gut health, affecting overall well-being and skin clarity. Despite its importance, gut health is often overlooked until symptoms arise, and even when symptoms arise we try to treat them topically rather than going to the root cause.
In the long run, this is ineffective and costly. For example, your eczema might be a symptom of inflammation in the gut, which means that while creams and prescription drugs will help the symptom, they won't treat the cause.
How can I know if there's a problem with my gut?
This part is tricky since there can be several causes for different skin conditions. How can you know, for example, whether your acne is caused by hormones, a reaction to a skincare product, or a message from your gut?
Experiencing multiple signs of inflammation at once is a good indicator. Is your skin red, itchy, swollen, dry, or experiencing rashes and breakouts?
Look at your diet, do you get breakouts or rashes when you eat specific foods such as dairy products, meat, alcohol or sugar? Cutting out one of these at a time and keeping a skin journal to see what happens is another solution.
It's important to keep your gut healthy consistently, and not just as a response to a problem. This is where probiotics come in.
What are probiotics and how can they help?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeasts that support digestion, aid in nutrient absorption, and maintain a healthy gut balance by crowding out harmful bacteria. They also boost immune function by forming a protective barrier in the intestines.
You can get probiotics through foods such as kefir, yoghurt and fermented foods, however, the easiest way to make sure you are taking enough of the right strains of probiotics daily is through supplements.
Which probiotic supplement is right for me?
When it comes to probiotics, I have been relying on the brand Optibac for years. It is a widely recommended brand backed by extensive research, with a focus on sustainability and delivering natural solutions to common problems. Optibac offers a wide range of probiotics which target different concerns, here's a quick guide to help you choose:
Optibac Every Day- An everyday supplement for anyone who would like to look after their gut and support their digestive system for optimal health and overall well-being.
Optibac Every Day Extra- A high-strength everyday supplement for sensitive guts and anyone who needs extra support.
Optibac Every Day MAX- An everyday supplement for anyone who wants maximum support for their sensitive gut. Particularly great for anyone who regularly suffers from constipation, bloating and IBS.
Optibac Immune Support- An everyday supplement for anyone who suffers from poor immune health, and who is looking for a daily probiotic supplement with vitamin C to help support immune function and digestive health.
These are just a few of the great supplements Optibac has to offer. All of Optibac's supplements are highly researched and extensively studied. Click here if you need help finding the right probiotic for you.
Do you take probiotics? Do you see a difference in your skin when your diet changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Optibac Probiotics Malta
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