Good digestive health is essential for good skin. The role of the digestive system is to provide us with nutrition from food and to clear waste products from this process. If the digestive system is overworked or underactive, waste products have to be eliminated via another bodily system. The skin is one of our backup waste elimination systems and if the digestive system is not working well enough, our skin can suffer. The connection between a healthy gut and healthy skin is evident in one particular clinical trial in which 50% of patients with severe acne had increased blood levels of toxins that had not been eliminated but rather reabsorbed from the intestines. This highlights the role of poor digestive function as a potential underlying cause of acne.

To really get to the underlying cause of your acne, we need to establish whether your digestive system is operating well or not. The digestive system quite complex and incorporates a number of different organs all of which can be performing sub-optimally (this doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with the organ itself, just that it may not be functioning as well as it could). It is therefore important to evaluate the whole digestive system, not just assume your acne is due to low hydrochloric acid levels or poor detoxification, which are commonly cited causes.

This is where the final stage of digestion occurs. Waste products from the food we eat is collected and processed into faeces (waste). The large intestine also helps to maintain the body’s fluid balance, absorbs vitamins such as B12 and processes undigested fibre.

Issues such as the slow transit time of waste materials can cause toxins and hormones that the body is trying to eliminate to be re-absorbed into the blood stream. A balance of healthy bacteria in the large intestine is also essential. Imbalance in healthy to unhealthy bacteria can lead to issues such as Candida, yeast infections and microbial overgrowth.

To evaluate your digestive health answer the following questions. Based on your answers, you can rate the health of your large intestine and get an indication of your digestive health.

  1. Do you experience excessive gas (flatulence)?
  2. Do you suffer from constipation regularly (defined as less than one bowel motion per day or incomplete evacuation on a regular basis)?
  3. Do you experience bloating in your lower abdomen?
  4. Have you taken a course of antibiotics in the past 6 months?
  5. Do you have a history of antibiotic use?
  6. Do you have a diet low in fibre (fresh vegetables, whole grains and fruit) and high in processed foods?

There are many ways you can support good elimination:

  • Ensure adequate water intake. Constipation may be the result of poor hydration levels. Avoid diuretic fluids such as coffee, alcohol and colabased soft drinks.
  • Stress may be an exacerbating factor in constipation. Make the time to chew properly and eat in a relaxed environment (not in front of the TV). Avoid overeating and instead have small meals more regularly.
  • Cut out refined and processed foods. Instead increase fibre rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruit. These will help to “sweep”out your bowel.
  • Increase your consumption of essential fatty acids (good oils). These will help to lubricate your bowel making it easier to pass a motion. Deep Sea Fish is an excellent source of essential fatty acids. Sources include tuna, salmon, sardines, anchovies and mullet. Flax oil is vegetarian alternative and can be found at your health food store.
  • Start the day with a large glass of warm water and lemon juice. This will stimulate your bowel first thing in the morning and encourage a bowel motion.
  • If you are experiencing lower bowel or gas pain, drink a glass of warm water or a cup of peppermint or fennel tea. A hot water bottle over the affected area may also help to relieve pain.
  • You can also give your bowel a good cleanse by taking a fibre supplement on a regular basis. Be sure to read the ingredients on any fibre supplement and avoid added ingredients such as artificial flavour, artificial colours and sweeteners and/or sugar. Look for ingredients such as Psyllium husk powder, Slippery elm, Marshmallow root, Linseed and good bacteria. One such product is Motion Potion. Motion Potion is a naturopathically formulated fibre and nutrient rich powder drink. It contains beneficial fibres (both soluble and insoluble), cereal grasses, friendly bacteria and other nutrient dense foods.
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