We have previously posted about the role of the gut in general health, it’s links with inflammatory joint pain, psoriasis, asthma, and other autoimmune conditions; how it influences hormonal health – particularly female sex hormones and thyroid; the innate relationship with our mental and emotional health, and finally, the influence of gut health on the appearance of skin.

In short, the gut is the site of millions of bacteria that provide us with important roles such as metabolism of hormones, and minerals, assistance with absorption, repair and maintenance of gut wall integrity, digestion of carbohydrates, and production of short chain fatty acids. We could not survive without these bacteria for long, owing to the independent functions they provide. When the bacterial numbers become imbalanced (dysbiosis) and/or the gut wall is injured, a state of increased gut wall permeability ensues. Such a state enables passage of pathogenic, inflammatory and immune-sensitising molecules passage into the blood stream where they can cause damage at distance sites, essentially leading to the conditions described above.

Interestingly recent studies have found:

• Lactobacilli bifidobacteria has been found to improve eczema symptoms

• Lactobacillus reuteri has been show to increase anti-inflammatory molecules in skin

• Reduced lactobacillus and bifidobacteria in the presence of stress

• Streptococcus and candida produce serotonin and help to stimulate gut contraction, whereas Bacillus and Escherichia produce noradrenaline and reduce gastric activity leading to bacterial overgrowth, increased permeability and incidence of rosacea

• Tendency towards gut dysbiosis causes inflammation along the gut-skin-joint pathway, worsening psoriatic arthritis.

There is still much research to be done in this field, but the implications could be truly ground breaking for many disease sufferers.

Feeling like you could benefit from the improved gut health or prebiotic and probiotic skin care? Book a consultation with an Aescend artisan below