Let's start by defining what the microbiome is: the human gut microbiome is a collection of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and for many of us, parasites that reside in the digestive tract (stomach, small intestine and primarily the large intestine). All of these microbes affect each other and ourselves. The microbiome is influenced by our environment, what we eat, how we're born, what we drink, how we think/ stress levels and so much more- your microbiome is unique to YOU!!
How do I know if my microbiome is unhealthy/ imbalanced?
If you have an imbalance in healthy to unhealthy bacteria you may experience a few of the following, classic symptoms:
White coating on the tongue in the morning
Fungal overgrowth issues
Bloating
Bowel irregularity (IBS, diarrhea, constipation)
Brain fog, slow thinking or inability to concentrate
Cramping while or after eating
Fatigue
Acid reflux
Why is my gut causing my acne?
A rule of thumb is "If something is going wrong on the skin, something is going wrong in the gut". When acne shows up on the skin, we can attribute that to one of three things: a parasitic, yeast or fungal infection in the gut, a hormonal imbalance or a lifestyle issue.
When we have dysbiosis (an imbalance of good to bad bacteria in the gut), we can develop inflammation, increased immune activity, hormonal imbalances, detoxification issues and low stomach acid. All of these factors will lead to breakouts.
How do I support my gut to get clear skin?
Supporting your gut is incredibly dependent on what exactly is happening in your unique gut, and what microbes are present. For example, probiotics are typically a GREAT addition to a gut-healing protocol, unless you have candida, then a probiotic might worsen your symptoms.
As a generalized, gut-supportive tip, add more dark green veggies and proanthocyanidin-rich foods to your diet. Dark green vegetables, like kale, spinach, chard, collards, etc. are amazing for feeding the good bacteria in the gut. Proanthocyanidins-rich foods, like cranberries, blueberries, pomegranate, caco and apples, help to improve immune function,
Bottom line- microbiome and acne
Your acne is completely unique to YOU, your medical history, childhood, mindset, diet, lifestyle, water source, and so much more affect your current acne situation. It is always best to work 1:1 with an acne specialist to clear your skin for good. Work 1:1 with me to clear your skin: GET CLEAR SKIN
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