Gut Skin Axis

Gut Skin Axis

So I took the important parts from several discovery documents and scientific research documents. I’m going to try to explain this the best way possible. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to post a comment or send me a message.

Let’s start with what the “gut” the Gastro Intestinal system is made up of mouth, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, gall bladder, large intestine, colon and rectum. 

In our gut there is a what is called a microbiome. A mini ecosystem or microcosm of trillions of microorganisms from over 1000 different species of bacteria. Everyones

“over 70% of our immune system”

2 Key Systems Influence the Gut 

Central Nervous System 

Enteric Nervous System 

both communicate via the Vagus nerve. This is called the Gut Brain Axis (different blog post)

So Skin vs. Gut

Both have protective barriers. For the gut it is the inner surface and for the skin it is the outer surface but both are covered with epithelial cells. This is the first line of defense. 

The second line of defense are the antimicrobial peptides, phagocytes, & innate lymphoid cells. 

An Impaired Gut happens when there is an imbalance in the microbiome, reduced mucus layer, decreased IgA secretion, barrier disruption, intestinal permeation into the bloodstream & gut inflammation. Basically the first line of defense gets weakened and holes get in it and then all the endotoxins leak out of the gut into the blood. 

An Impaired Skin Barrier is an imbalance of the skin microbiome, reduced human & microbial antimicrobial peptides production, skin then rashes, thickens, & inflames. 

When the gut is impaired it can’t fully absorb the necessary nutrients, endotoxins that would normally be ejected via the rectum are absorbed into the blood causing inflammation and causing the liver to work overtime. 

SIBO is 10x more prevalent in people with acne. Stress and excess hormones alter complexion by triggering inflammation in the gut. 

SIBO is 13x more likely in people with Rosacea. Common triggers are caffeine, red wines, red sauces, spicy food, and alcohol and of course stress.

Eczema is due to an over active immune system. Responding to inflammation that can be caused from the gut disbyosis. The gut tends to have a less diverse microbiome. The key is create more microbiome diversity within the gut. Triggers can be gluten, dairy, soy, and of course stress. 

To create a more diverse gut eat fibrous plant foods. Eating the rainbow (NOT SKITTLES) of veggies and fruits will help create a happy gut and provide your skin and body with he nutrients it needs to show up healthy and glowing.