8 Healthcare Innovations Innovative healthcare, alternative remedies & beauty


How does gut health affect skin?


We’re becoming increasingly aware of the intimate relationship between the mind and


body — but what’s the link between gut health and skin? Consultant dermatologist Dr Hextall shares her insights. Words: Emma Gibbins


psoriasis when your mood is low, it’s unlikely to be a coincidence.


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Symbiotic relationships In many cases, infl ammatory skin conditions have been directly linked to disruptions in gut microbes — the collective name for the microbes and bacteria that live inside of your digestive system. Research has shown that stress and mental health issues can disrupt the gut — and vice versa — and new research is revealing that the knock on eff ect of this may impact skin health as well. T e relationship between the gut


and the skin — referred to as the ‘gut-skin axis’ or sometimes the ‘gut-brain-skin axis’ — is an emerging area of research, though the concept was identifi ed as far back as 1930, when dermatologists Stokes and Pillsbury attributed depression to altering the gut microbiome, leading to infl ammatory skin diseases. “Although not fully explored,


the gut microbiome appears to infl uence the skin though its eff ect on immunity,” says Dr Hextall. “Gut bacteria and their metabolites


People with acne or rosacea are 10 times more likely to have gut


issues, and 34% of people with IBS experience skin ill health


GETTY


hether you’ve noticed your acne fl aring up during periods of stress or an outbreak of


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have been found in skin, which suggests that a disturbed intestinal barrier can allow gut bacteria to leak into the blood and directly accumulate in skin.” Dr Hextall adds that both reducing


stress and promoting a healthy gut through diet can optimise skin barrier function and skin health. “T ere’s increasing work being done looking at this symbiotic relationship,” she says.


What the research shows People with acne are 10 times more likely to have gut issues, and 34% of people with IBS experience skin ill health. A study of 113 rosacea patients


also demonstrated that those with rosacea have a higher incidence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) when compared to controls. T ose with SIBO were treated with either antibiotics for 10 days or a placebo. T ose who were treated with antibiotic therapy experienced an improvement in their symptoms for at least nine months. T e research is still fairly limited,


but gut health is important regardless of its eff ect on the skin.


Improving gut health Dr Hextall suggests introducing an eff ective probiotic, such as Symprove. “Probiotics provide the gut with a healthy microbiome, as long as it can be delivered to the gut without being broken down by digestive acids,” she says. In 2014, a study by University College London showed Symprove was able to arrive — and thrive — in the gut. Other studies have suggested that it can relieve symptoms of IBS-C (constipation predominant) and IBS-D (diarrhoea predominant) — but


this research was conducted by the brand itself. Dr Hextall recommends taking


a course of Symprove for 12 weeks. “Often my patients notice an improvement in bloating, anxiety and skin issues within weeks,” she says. “Following this probiotic course with a diet rich in prebiotics is important. I’m currently investigating whether probiotics alone can help rosacea, but more research is required on the eff ects of probiotics in infl ammatory skin conditions.” justinehextall.co.uk @tarrantstclinic


Probiotics PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY


DR HEXTALL’S TOP TIPS FOR A HEALTHY GUT


1. Take a course of a probiotic (daily for 12 weeks)


2. Eat lots of fi bre and prebiotic foods that feed healthy microbes in the gut, such as apple cider vinegar, onions, garlic, leeks and asparagus


3. Avoid processed foods, alcohol and smoking, as these will affect a healthy microbiome


4. Exercise regularly, get a good night’s sleep and minimise stress as much as possible


‘I DIDN’T WANT TO BE TAKING MEDICATION FOR MY


ACID REFLUX PROBLEM FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE’ Linda found a way to cure her acid reflux. This is her story.


Some time ago I began to suffer with acid reflux. I had a burning sensation in my throat and chest, which gave me a lot of discomfort.


I woke up in the night because of the irritation, then found it hard to go back to sleep. Perhaps it was an inevitable part of aging?


My doctor prescribed medication, which caused me to have an upset stomach. I took the medicine, but was not happy to read the long list of negative side effects.


When I read about the IQoro I was initially very sceptical. How could a piece of plastic possibly cure my problem? But I was unhappy with the idea of taking medicine for the rest of my life. I decided to give it a try; at least it couldn’t do me any harm.


Three months since beginning to use the device for 90 seconds’ each day, the symptoms of acid reflux were gone! So far I have had no pain or burning sensation. I can sleep normally and I feel ‘myself’ again – without any medicine.


IQoro is a neuromuscular training device that strengthens weakened internal muscles in the swallowing process; the root cause of acid reflux, snoring and swallowing problems.


NICE have developed a Medtech Innovation Briefing on ‘IQoro for Hiatus hernia’ for the NHS.


Don’t vary your prescription without consulting your doctor. If you have questions, or want help in getting started don’t hesitate to contact our free support.


CE-marked Class 1 Medical Device Evidence-based Swedish innovation,


manufactured in Sweden.


Over 20 years of research. Peer-reviewed and internationally-published scientific studies.


Read more and order from


IQORO.COM 020 3966 0723 Free support every weekdays


SHIPPING USE CODE:


30th Mar 2021


KE83H Valid until


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