The Gut-Skin Axis

Your skin is the representation of anything and everything that goes inside your body. The functioning of your organs inside represents the beauty of your skin on the outside, and this really goes deep (pun intended) to prove that it's the beauty on the inside that matters. The gut is the center of all your organ’s functioning and that includes your skin. The skin shares a complex connection to the colonies of microbes that live in your gut and this relation between your skin and that of your gut, is referred to as the Gut-Skin Axis.

Getting clear skin isn't just about using the right skincare products, but also eating right. The gut microbiome, or bacteria dwelling in your digestive system and intestines, influences your overall health, which in turn improves your skin. Hence your food is one of the most significant aspects in achieving a healthy, clear skin. Your consumption of food isn’t just for you, but it also directly influences the microorganisms inside your gut responsible for the health of your skin. When there’s a bodily imbalance, it’s said that the skin will show this via pimples, redness, or dryness. Various studies have proved that skin conditions like breakouts, dryness, eczema, acne, etc. can directly be linked to the imbalance of your gut flora. The location of blemishes on the face represent the organ that is affected.

Mostly, acne breakout on the forehead reveals the instability in your digestive system as they are linked to your liver and gall-bladder. So maybe it's time you start ditching that junk and focus on your gut health to get rid of the forehead acne. You may also want to start increasing your intake of water to flush out the existing toxins.

Although there is no quick remedy for a clear face, a diet that limits or eliminates inflammatory foods like gluten, sugar, and alcohol can significantly improve skin’s health in as little as four weeks. Probiotics can also be beneficial, particularly if medicine is ineffective. A balanced diet should include lots of plant-based foods, food which is rich in fiber, because fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts and wholegrains feed healthy bacteria. Highly processed foods should be avoided because they commonly contain ingredients that either suppress or increase 'bad' bacteria. Probiotic foods, such as live yogurt, may promote the growth of more microbes. The highest concentration of microbe-friendly polyphenols is found in extra-virgin olive oil. Gut bacteria benefit from lettuce, chicory, leeks, shallots, onions, and garlic. And lastly, focusing on physical movement is a must to keep your gut functioning healthy.