There is epidemiological evidence that shows a clear connection between gut dysfunction and skin conditions. We know that those living with SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) are 10 times more likely to have acne rosacea. With treatment for SIBO there is a marked improvement with the rosacea.
In 14% of those with ulcerative colitis and 24% with Crohn’s disease both can have skin manifestations. Celiac disease also has a manifestation in the skin called dermatitis herpetiformis. It occurs in 1/4 of those that suffer with celiac disease. Celiacs also have an increased frequency of oral mucosal lesions, vitiligo, and alopecia.
Why or how does altered gut function affect the skin?
Intestinal permeability or aka ‘leaky gut’ causes both local and systemic inflammation which then leads to skin rashes, conditions and diseases. There are many studies that show that increased intestinal permeability is an issue for many acne patients.
So anything that irritates the lining of you gut can cause you to become inflamed. This could be anything like food allergens, food additives, alcohol, medication, antibiotics, common food stuffs of the modern diet, or diets low in fiber and high in sugar.
When the gut becomes irritated and inflamed a cascade of physiological processes are set in motion. The stress response is triggered and the inflammatory cascade has started, with the stress response comes a supercharged immune system. When this process occurs chronically and the immune system is chronically overstimulated, this is when the autoimmune process starts to happen.
If you are suffering from a skin condition and you have not been fully assessed, using a whole body assessment this may be the missing piece to the puzzle.
