Gut health and glowing skin health go hand in hand. Our gut impacts many organs in our body, especially our skin. The relationship between these organs is known as the gut-skin axis, with many studies linking gut health to skin health.
So how do you know if you have an unhealthy gut? An unhappy gut can make itself known in various tell-tale signs, everything from bowel movements, energy levels, stomach discomfort, bloating, gas, constipation, leaky gut and not to forget, skin irritation and those visible pesky spots.
When you hear the word bacteria, you might think of a bad thing, but for our gut health, some bacteria are extremely helpful. We can do many things to improve our skin through our gut health, creating a natural glow and boosting confidence from the inside out.
Want to improve your skin? Go with your gut by following Surya Kim-Greze's top 5 tips...
1. Identify Food Sensitivities
Food sensitives are SO common, and can often be the culprit of skin issues due to the irritating factor they have on the gut. No need to go and spend tonnes of money to get professionally tested - my favourite way to find your particular sensitives is at home through an elimination diet & food journal. For three weeks, you’ll want to cut out the top common allergens and irritants: gluten, soy, dairy, corn, coffee and refined sugar. After three weeks, one by one, start implementing each food separately into your diet and journal any changes or reactions. Through a process of elimination, you’ll be able to get clear on what foods are triggering you, your gut, and ultimately your skin.
2. Focus On Nutrient-Dense Foods
After you’ve eliminated the foods that aren’t honouring your gut-skin axis, now it’s time to add in the foods that will. I love focusing on a colourful, nutrient-dense diet filled with quality protein (look for free range, organic, hormone-free and grass fed,) tons of healthy fats (think quality olive oil, wild salmon, avocado,) plenty of detoxifying dark leafy greens and probiotic rich-foods, (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha are some of my faves) - just keep an eye for hidden refined sugars.
3. Implement A Daily Supplement
Implementing a daily gut health supplement is one of the best things you can do to rebalance and restore your gut health, and for me personally has been a game changer for my skin. I always recommend a supplement that includes probiotics, prebiotics (which essentially helps the probiotic work better) and digestive enzymes. Not only does proper supplementation support a balanced microbiome, but it’s also going to help your body better absorb the nutrients you need from food for healthier, glowing skin.
4. Stay Hydrated
We often look to our favourite moisturiser to hydrate and nourish our skin, but hydrating from the inside out is one of the most simple yet effective ways to care for our gut and skin. I highly recommend investing in a quality water filter, which will eliminate any chlorine, bad bacteria and chemicals from your tap - which can actually cause more harm on your gut than most people realise. I also love taking a skin supplement with hyaluronic acid to further hydrate my skin and give me that glow - I’m all for edible skincare.
5. Stress LESS
Stress plays such an integral role on our gut health, and thus the health of our skin too. I’m such a huge advocate for lowering stress in ways that you actually enjoy - for some that’s a guided meditation or a yoga class, others it’s a long walk unplugged in nature or at-home spa day. Whatever it is, make sure you’re prioritising it and doing it consistently - you’re gut and skin will thank you for it.
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