At some point in our lives (or maybe just mine!), we experience a skin flare-up. Many people suffer from acne, recurring breakouts and sport scars that never heal, which can be quite distressing. You wash your face twice or thrice a day, follow a strict skin regimen (not to mention use expensive skincare products), and just when you think everything is under control, those red bumps reappear.
I feel like there’s more to dealing with breakouts than using products and cleaning my external self. Maybe it has something to do with my insides. You are what you eat – a common phrase I hear most of the time, but what does it truly mean? We are influenced by the things we eat in more ways than we realize. And if you’re a foodie (like me), I need not say more. But have you ever noticed your skin reaction when you eat certain foods? I have. The minute I eat chocolates or drink coffee, in a day or two, I can see my skin just flaring up. If you’re wondering how food is even related to skin, we’ve got an answer just for you.
Understanding How The Skin And Gut Are Related
Both our skin and gut are vital organs for keeping our bodies healthy and steady. To keep the balance, they must be in sync. That’s because the gut’s microbiome helps to maintain and defend the intestinal barrier, making sure toxins are less likely to enter our circulation and potentially reach and impact our skin. If that barrier becomes weak, it results in the production of important inflammatory messengers called cytokines, which enter the circulation and eventually reach the skin, causing acne. Basically, an unhealthy gut will lead to skin issues and other health issues if left untreated.
Now you know about the relationship – but just having that knowledge isn’t gonna get the job done. Here’s a list of possible ways you can ensure you have a clean, healthy gut that’ll make you glow from the inside out.
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that we consume in the form of food or supplements to help with digestive, immunological, and general health. Probiotics have been shown in several trials to aid in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. One excellent food that contains probiotics is yogurt. I love yogurt and I often include it as part of my meal. You can go for plain yogurt or the one with fruits. Either way, it really helps clear your gut and ensure you have tonnes of good bacteria lingering around.
2. Drinking Water
Hydration is always key. One easy way to flush out those toxins in your gut is to drink plenty of water. I used to have parents and elderly people telling me to drink lots and lots of water. Too stubborn at first, but then I eventually realized that water does the trick. The basic 8 glasses a day is a good start, but if you’re not really a water person, try sprucing up your water with a slice of lemon.
3. Eat Right
Lately, I’ve been eating so much oily and processed food, and they really make me reap what I’ve sown. Dark, leafy greens should be your new besties, since they are not only kind on the gut, but also provide a variety of health advantages. Also, choose fruits over fruit drinks to receive the most benefits without the extra sugar or preservatives. Do you have a constant need for snacks? Popcorn is a terrific gut-friendly snack if you omit the butter and caramel, of course. Fresh carrots and cucumbers are another great snack choice. Most importantly, ensure you have more fibre in your diet because it helps bowel movements, which makes digestion easy.
4. Eat Slowly
How many times have you swallowed your meal instead of chewing it properly? Taking tiny bites of food, chewing it carefully, and then consuming it can help with digestion and nutritional absorption. It minimizes the likelihood of bloating, heartburn, acidity, and other digestive disorders, resulting in a healthy gut. The better your digestion, the easier you glow.
5. Herbal Teas
This is my absolute favourite. Every time I have a heavy meal, I make sure I have a hot cup of green tea the minute I get home. Sometimes, I keep spares in my bag just in case. In addition to green tea, infusions such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can help with indigestion. Simply soak for ten minutes in hot water, drain, and drink at least twice day, around an hour after meals.
More on healthy eating? Read this:
Eat These Foods For A Healthier And Smoother Looking Appearance
