The Gut-Skin Connection: How Leaky Gut Affects Psoriasis
If you suffer from psoriasis, you may already be aware that the health of your gut could be playing a role in your skin condition. Recent research has shown a link between leaky gut syndrome and psoriasis, and understanding this connection could lead to new treatment options for those who suffer from this chronic skin condition.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability, is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged and allows toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles to leak into the bloodstream. The body recognises these toxins as a foreign body, and attacks them, triggering an inflammatory response in the autoimmune system. In addition to psoriasis, leaky gut has been linked to a variety of other health issues, including autoimmune disorders, allergies, migraines, fatigue, depression, weight gain, and digestive problems.
One cause of a leaky gut is bacterial growth in the small intestine. This can lead to stomach upsets, constipation, and/or bloating. This is common in people who suffer from autoimmune conditions, such as psoriasis. According to the theory, if you improve the health of your gut, you can treat your autoimmune condition. The primary way of doing this is through your diet.
How does Leaky Gut affect the Immune system?
Leaky gut can have a significant impact on the immune system. When toxins and undigested food particles leak into the bloodstream, the immune system sees them as foreign invaders and launches an attack. This can lead to chronic inflammation, which can contribute to a variety of health problems, including psoriasis. In addition, the immune system may become overactive and start attacking healthy tissues in the body, leading to autoimmune disorders. By healing the gut and reducing inflammation, it may be possible to improve psoriasis symptoms and overall health.
The Connection Between Leaky Gut and Psoriasis
While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, research suggests that a leaky gut may be a contributing factor. A leaky gut occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes damaged, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to leak into the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation and can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. By addressing leaky gut through diet and lifestyle changes, it may be possible to improve psoriasis symptoms and overall health.
So what can cause a leaky gut?
· Gluten
· Medication
· Stress
· Poor Sleep
· Poor Diet
· Toxin Overload
· Bacteria Imbalance
If you think you may have leaky gut syndrome, your doctor can diagnose this. This can include blood tests, stool samples, food tests, and vitamin tests.
Foods to Improve Gut Health
- Brazil Nuts
- Seafood
- Seeds
- Fermented Foods
- Vegetables
- Bone Broth
- Turmeric
- Sweet Potato
- Fruit
- Fibre Rich Foods
- Gluten-Free Grains
- Lean Meat
Foods to Avoid to Improve Gut Health
- Triggers & Allergens- Follow the Elimination Diet to identify and eliminate food allergens and triggers
- Alcohol
- Dairy
- Gluten- Bread, Pasta, Cereal, Flour
- Sugar- Baked Goods, Sweets, Soda
- Salt
- Processed Meat- Deli Meats, Sausages, Bacon
- Saturated Fats- Crisps, Sweets, Junk Food
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Sauces
- Refined Cooking Oils
Supplements and Lifestyle Changes to Support Gut Health and Improve Psoriasis Symptoms
In addition to dietary changes, there are also supplements and lifestyle changes that can support gut health and potentially improve psoriasis symptoms. It’s important to consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or supplement routine.
· An Elimination Diet - One way to manage leaky gut is through an elimination diet. This involves removing certain foods from your diet to identify triggers that may be irritating the gut lining. The Elimination Diet often involves eliminating gluten, dairy, corn, eggs, processed foods, sugar, alcohol, or soy.
· Skin Condition Support Supplements– Our Skin Condition Support Supplement is a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals, combined with anti-inflammatory ingredients, chosen specifically for eczema and psoriasis sufferers. It should be taken every day as part of your supplement schedule.
· Vitamin D- Go outside for at least 20 minutes a day to ensure you get adequate levels of Vitamin D. Our supplements also contain 100% of your recommended allowance of Vitamin D. Research has suggested that vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining the intestinal barrier function and preventing leaky gut. Studies have shown that vitamin D can help regulate the expression of tight junction proteins, which are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. In addition, vitamin D can also reduce inflammation in the gut by suppressing the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
· Anti-Oxidant Supplements- Quercetin or Ginkgo Biloba. One approach to improving gut health is to incorporate anti-oxidant supplements into your diet. Anti-oxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can harm the gut lining, leading to a leaky gut. There are several anti-oxidant supplements that can be beneficial for leaky gut, including quercetin, NAC, Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and glutathione.
· Zinc Supplements- One of the most effective ways to support your gut health is by taking zinc supplements. Zinc is a trace mineral that plays an important role in many bodily functions, including supporting the immune system, wound healing, and gut health. Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of the intestinal lining, which forms a barrier that keeps harmful toxins and bacteria out of the bloodstream. When there is a zinc deficiency, the gut lining may become more permeable, allowing unwanted substances to pass through and cause inflammation and other health problems. Our Skin Condition Support Supplement contains 100% of your recommended daily allowance of zinc.
· Probiotics- Probiotics are "good" bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut. When taken as a supplement, they can help reduce inflammation and improve gut health. One study found that patients with a leaky gut who took probiotics experienced a significant reduction in symptoms. The study also found that probiotics helped to restore the gut microbiome, which is essential for overall health.
· Stress management techniques- Stress has been identified as a contributing factor to a leaky gut, which is why stress management is crucial for individuals suffering from a leaky gut. Stress management techniques that may be helpful include exercise, meditation, dietary changes, and breathing exercises.
· Exercise- Research has shown that exercise can be an effective way to improve gut health. Regular physical activity can help to increase blood flow to the gut, reduce inflammation, and improve gut motility. This can help to strengthen the intestinal walls and reduce the incidence of a leaky gut. In addition, exercise has been found to increase the diversity of the gut microbiota – the trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the gut – which can also play a role in improving gut health.
