Gut & Skin – Two Peas in a Pod

Happy Monday Everyone!  And Happy Post Valentines Day!
I Hope you’ve been enjoying this month’s topics all about skin health!

The first week of February we talked about the Brain/Skin connection, last week we went over the Liver’s role in skin health, and this week we will go over the ever trendy and seems like all everyone talks about: GUT!

Why is it talked about everywhere? 

Well.  The more we know about science and as the field expands, the more we are seeing how big of an impact the gut really has.  And by “gut” I mean your digestive system, mainly your intestines.  Although, we will be going over your upper digestion (stomach) some as well.

As we’ve talked about previously, the liver at gut are very closely connected in their role in digestion and detoxing.  So, if we neglect one or the other, you won’t achieve the health results you desire. 

FACT:

Our Human DNA has over 20,000 genes, but our gut biome has around 10 million!

This means we can actually have a greater affect working with our genes when we enhance the ability of the gut’s function.

But, how does this affect our skin? 

I’ve spoken previously about how the skin is basically our map of how well our internal environment is going.  And a HUGE role in that map is the gut.

The gut is saturated with something called the microbiome, it’s effect on the entirety of our body function is vital to your understanding.

“Our gut microbiome contains tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1000 different species of known bacteria. These microbes can, in total, weigh up to 2 kg. One third of our gut microbiome is common to most people, while two thirds are specific to each one of us. In other words, the microbiome in your intestine is like an individual identity card.”

Pretty cool huh?

We know now that a sick gut just doesn’t just cause digestive problems.  It’s also associated with many other health concerns like: emotional stress, obesity, decreased immunity, metabolic problems, hormone problems, brain inflammation and finally inflammatory skin conditions. 

It’s kind of known from people that allergies can cause skin reactions, right? And that eating foods like processed foods and dairy can cause skin problems like acne.

Here are the similarities between your gut and your skin to help clarify a bit:

  • They both have a role in keeping pathogens/toxins out
  • Both have a lot of nerves and blood vessels
  • Both the skin and the gut communicate with your immune, nervous and hormones
  • Both the skin and the gut have microbiomes!
In more and more research, it links inflammatory skin conditions to something called dysbiosis which means improper gut function.

What causes dysbiosis?

  • antibiotics
  • stress
  • diet rich in carbs, processed foods, gluten and vegetable oils
  • infections
  • brain inflammation (brain/gut connection)

When your gut bacteria are healthy, your immune system is healthy.  This is because the good guys in that microbiome keeps the bad guys at bay, produce anti-inflammatory markers, and help regulate your neurotransmitters.  These help fight against the inflammatory skin conditions like : eczema, dermatitis, acne, rosacea and psoriasis.

BUTTT..

The effect of these guys to do that job relies on the environment that they reside in, and also if they are fed what they need. 

This is a very important point.  If the good guys DON’T have the food that they need they WILL find something.  Their survival depends on it.  So, what do they eat when they don’t have what they need?

They eat the mucus layer that surrounds all our intestines.   This layer is meant to be protective, to not let bad guys, food and other chemicals into the deeper layer of our intestines.  We need a healthy mucus layer in our intestines.  But, when theres no food, the bacteria start to eat up this mucus layer, creating holes = LEAKY GUT.

LEAKY GUT= food allergies as well, as food particles get through the layer.

There will be no good barrier.

If you have a leaky gut, you basically just have an improper mucus layer.

 So……….. what do we need to feed the good guys to make our skin more healthy?

Well there may be some things we need to address first before rushing right into the dysbiosis.

We FIRST, need to make sure you are breaking down your proteins and fats properly.  So, we need to make sure your stomach acid is acidic to digest the proteins, and that your liver ( we talked about last week) and gallbladder are functioning well to help you digest your fats.

*** If you have ever been on any acid blocking medication you already have dysbiosis.  When you stall your digestion, your stalling your colon.  It’s difficult to dig yourself out of that ant-acid hole as dependency comes in only 14 days or less of use.  An addiction takes a couple months to break with this medication!!  The rebound phenomenon from ant acids is horrible as well trying to get off of them.  It’s actually easier to get off an opioid than these medications.

With weak stomach acid, you’re not breaking down your proteins, B vitamins, minerals, and lowers your bone density.

After we’ve addressed this, we can then start to feed the good guys.  

I will also say, if there are other infections going on like yeast, parasites, viruses or bacteria in the gut as well, this protocol looks a little different.  It’s a process of killing the bad guys and feeding the good guys and rotating for many months (talk with your provider).

GOOD GUYS LOVE:

  • FIBER.  Good guys feed off fiber from fruit and veggies.  That which is lack in the western diet.  Increase your veggies, and add in some great lentils and legumes for some added fiber.  ( If beans give you gas, then you don’t have enough good bacteria).
  • Lactic Acid– Good guys also feed off lactic acid.  Something that is found naturally in fermented foods!
  • Pre-biotics–  Fiber is a pre biotic, but they also need other prebiotics to help feed them.  Some great sources are onions, jicama, garlic, asparagus, avocados, dandelion greens, and potatoes with the skin.
  • Eat probiotic rich foods!  Anything fermented including veggies and yogurt.  Getting probiotics from your foods gives you a wide range to replenish.

Notice I didn’t say TAKE A PROBIOTIC did I?  GASP! 

Actually, we know now through research that probiotic supplementation is not that successful.  It does NOT repopulate your intestines.  Probiotics that are manmade are transitory.  Meaning they just go right through the intestinal tract.  They DO however, create an immune response which is good, but if your really want to feed these good guys and repopulate them, probiotics from a bottle aren’t that reliable. 

The only time I give probiotics now is right after antibiotic use, and for infants after C-section births.

It’s way better to get them in our food, to get a WIDE variety and switch them up daily!

STAY AWAY FROM-

  • Any non organic food.  Anything non organic has glyphosate which depletes your body of minerals and is shown to give LEAKY GUT.
  • GLUTEN-  gluten has been proven to cause inflammation in the gut and now in research leads directly to autoimmune conditions
  • sugars
  • Processed foods and dairy
  • All the “alkalizing” things.  You NEED acidity in your gut.  Too much alkalinity will cause dysbiosis.

Clean this up, you’ll have some healthy looking skin from the inside out!

Oil of the WEEK.

This week is BOGO week with Do Terra!!! Today’s BOGO is Buy one pettigrain get a lavender for free!

LAVENDAR:

  • For restful sleep, diffuse Lavender oil at bedtime to calm your mind and create a peaceful environment.
  • Take internally to reduce anxious feelings.*
  • Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and to add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts.
  • You can add Lavender to an evening bath to soak away the cares of the day, or put a drop on your pillow at night.
  • Freshen your linen closet, mattress, car, or the air by combining Lavender with water in a spray bottle.
  • Keep a bottle of Lavender on hand to soothe occasional skin irritations.

LEARN MORE

Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and balancing properties. doTERRA Lavender essential oil is distilled from the freshly harvested flowering tops of the True Lavender plant (also known as English Lavender) from lavender farms in Bulgaria and France. Although often used at bedtime, Lavender essential oil is equally calming during the day. Lavender is popularly used to ease feelings of tension and encourage feelings of mental clarity and focus.

Lavender essential oil supports the immune system, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system.* Used topically, Lavender can help keep the skin and scalp looking clean and healthy. It can also soothe minor skin irritations and bites. Lavender helps ease feelings of anxiousness and can be particularly calming during times of stress. It evokes feelings of self-awareness and relaxation.

The varied uses of Lavender essential oil make it perfect to keep on hand for topical, internal, and aromatic use. Use Lavender Touch Roll On for convenient topical use. Alone or as part of a blend, Lavender essential oil delivers benefits for people of all ages.

PETTIGRAIN:

  • Diffuse for a relaxing and calming effect on emotions.
  • Take internally to help calm the nervous system and promote restful sleep.*
  • Rub a drop of Petitgrain together with Lavender or Bergamot and fractionated coconut oil to the bottoms of your feet to promote feelings of relaxation.
  • Take one or two drops in water or juice to support cardiovascular, immune, nervous, and digestive systems.*

LEARN MORE

Petitgrain essential oil is often referred to as “Lavender for men.” It provides many of the same benefits, but has a fresh, herbaceous aroma that is popular among men and women. Petitgrain helps enhance other fragrances, making it a common ingredient in the perfume and cologne industry.

Historically, Petitgrain essential oil has been used to clean surfaces, and to support healthy immune system and nervous system function when used internally.* Emerging scientific evidence is providing support for these traditional and other uses.

Petitgrain contains the chemical constituents linalool and linalyl acetate, both of which are known for their calming properties. Taken internally, Petitgrain may help to calm and soothe the nervous system.* It also has a calming aroma that can help reduce anxious or tense feelings when inhaled. Diffusing Petitgrain before bed promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation. Experimental research suggests that Petitgrain helps to promote healthy relaxation and sleep when consumed internally.*

The benefits of Petitgrain are not limited to the nervous system, however.* Taken internally, Petitgrain helps support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems.* It also provides antioxidant support.*

Petitgrain has powerful surface cleansing properties. Add to a spray bottle of water and use as a fresh-scented surface cleaner.

The essential oil is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. doTERRA Petitgrain is sourced from Paraguay through the Co-Impact Sourcing® initiative. By supporting rural development projects and small-scale farmers, doTERRA provides an economically viable alternative to clear-cutting land. This helps protect the remaining patches of the Atlantic Rainforest in eastern Paraguay from deforestation.

 

 

 

 

Spiraled Fermented Beets

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 medium sized beets, peeled and spiralized (or sliced or grated) – $1.50
  • ½ tablespoon sea salt (or more to taste) – $0.12
  • Half a sprig of dill – $0.05

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1

Wash two half pint mason jars well with warm soapy water. Rinse well.

2

Use scissors to cut the spiralized beets into smaller, bite-sized strands. Place them into a large bowl and sprinkle over the salt. Massage with your hands for about five minutes until they release a bit of liquid. You can use your bare hands, the beet juice washes off easily, or slip them into plastic bags if you’re worried about dying them.

3

Pack the beets into the mason jars, tossing in a few leaves of dill from time to time. Squish the beets down to ensure that the juice covers them entirely. If not, you can make a brine of ¼ cup (60 ml) filtered water (don’t use tap water) and a pinch of sea salt. Add as much as is necessary to submerge the beets completely.

4

Take a leftover end of a beet from the spiralizer (the bit that looks like a mushroom), turn it upside down and wedge it into the jar, “stem” sticking up. This is to hold the beets down in the jar and ensure that they maintain submerged. If it’s not working, you’ll have to find something heavy. You can boil rocks and put them on top (seriously).

5

Cover the jars with a towel and leave to ferment. Begin checking them after a couple of days to ensure that the beets are still submerged, add more brine if necessary, and taste to see how they’re doing. They may develop a bit of scum on top, scoop it off, it’s harmless.

6

You can eat them when they have enough sourness for your taste. They will continue to sour until you’re ready to eat them or put them in the fridge to maintain their level of sourness.

 

 

 

 

That is all for now.

 

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Week.

 

Dr. Hamel