Doctors say what happens inside your stomach can clearly show up on your skin. The link between gut health and skin health is real and it is also called the 'Gut-Skin Axis.' This simply means that the health of your gut (the system that helps you digest food) can have a direct impact on the condition of your skin. Keeping your gut healthy can actually help improve your skin’s appearance.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant & Director, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Therapeutic Endoscopy, Aakash Healthcare explained the link between gut health and skin health; gut-skin axis.

Gut-Skin Axis

Doctors explain that the human gut is full of bacteria that help with digestion and support the body's immune system. These good bacteria also play an important role in maintaining healthy skin. When the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is disturbed, it can cause problems not just in the stomach but on the skin as well. Conditions like acne, eczema and even wrinkles have been linked to an unhealthy gut.

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One of the main reasons for this is inflammation. When the gut is unhealthy, it can cause inflammation in the body. This inflammation may show up on your skin in the form of pimples, redness or other skin issues. A poor diet, stress and lack of sleep can also affect your gut which in turn worsens your skin condition.

To keep both the gut and skin healthy, the first step is to focus on the diet. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut. Foods like yoghurt, buttermilk and fermented items like idli or dosa are rich in good bacteria that support gut and skin health. Doctors advise drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated as dehydration can make your skin dry and dull.

Another important factor is managing stress. If a person is stressed, it can upset the gut which in turn also shows up on the skin. Doctors advise that one should try to relax by taking short walks, doing yoga or simply taking deep breaths to reduce stress levels.

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Getting enough sleep is also important for both gut and skin health. During sleep, your body repairs itself including your gut and skin. Lack of sleep can lead to problems like pimples, dark circles and other skin issues.

Taking care of your gut can help you take care of your skin. A healthy gut means healthy, glowing skin. The key is to eat healthy, manage stress, stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep to keep both your gut and your skin healthy.