Skin issues and toxin elimination are directly linked. Our skin needs to eliminate toxic waste through proper elimination channels. Perspiration via our skin is a less commonly thought about method of eliminating toxins from our bodies. How many of us actively perspire every day? A lot of us tend to manage our perspiration by sitting in climate-controlled environments.
Skin is an organ of elimination for perspiration, and if our other channels of elimination are blocked we will see the adverse effects on our skin. This can occur if our bowels are not eliminating each day, if our kidneys aren't flushing properly by not drinking enough water, if our liver is congested and overwhelmed, if our lymphatics are stagnant as we haven't moved enough, and our lungs haven't expanded properly if we aren't breathing diaphragmatically.
Skin issues with poor toxin elimination
The gut and skin barrier share surprisingly many features. Both organs have lots of nerves and blood vessels, as they are both essential for immune function. They are linked by what is called the gut–skin axis. The 'inner' surface of the gut and the 'outer' surface of the skin are both covered by a very thin epithelial cell layer. Both, importantly, have direct contact with the outside environment and our immune system protects both the environments in its front-line defence system. If our gut and bowels are clogged via constipation, or our diet is poor, or the gut epithelial layer is compromised, we have set ourself up for skin issues. Intestinal barrier integrity plays a crucial role in protecting microbes from entering our bloodstream and to help avoid inflammation in the gut. Certain foods can impair the intestinal barrier, which leads to gut bacteria entering the bloodstream.
Skin issues directly link to what is happening in your gut
Skin issues from poor elimination
Acne
Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dandruff
Pimples
Rashes
Spidery veins
Bulbous, red nose
Helpful solutions to skin issues and toxin elimination
A good starting solution to ensuring we keep our skin looking great is to drink 2-2.5L of good quality, fresh water per day so our kidneys and bowels work well. Breathe diaphragmatically and move your body so the lungs and lymphatics work properly. Reduce our toxin load on our poor liver, and eat a nice anti-inflammatory diet with lots of colourful fruits and vegetables. Our skin will naturally benefit.
It would be beneficial to speak to a Naturopath who can help you get your gut examined via a stool sample. This points us in the direction that is specific to your needs so we can get your skin looking great again.
If you want to know more, please read the clinical paper referenced on the Gut-Skin Axis. If you would like to discuss how to deal with any of these concerns in person, please don't hesitate to make an appointment on the Bookings tab on my website.
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References:
Gut-Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions, PMI: 33670115,
Physiology of sweet gland function: The roles of sweating and sweat composition human health, PMID: 31608304, DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2019.1632145
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