Digestive health plays an important role in how skin appears on the surface. When digestion is not working optimally, it allows toxins to be reabsorbed in the body instead of being eliminated. The body then mounts a state of emergency as it's overwhelmed by toxins, some of them bad bacteria. These manifest directly on the surface for all the world to see, in the form of wrinkles, blotchiness, skin rashes, and acne.
This is where probiotics come into play. Probiotics contain potentially beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract--what some call good gut bacteria. They help strengthen the digestive system but they also play an important role in skin health. Probiotics consist of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic, and antiallergenic properties and can be used prophylactically and therapeutically.
There have been many studies showing benefits of probiotics to skin health. For example, there's a correlation between an imbalance of good and bad bacteria and the onset of acne. When bringing natural bacteria back into balance with a probiotic intervention, acne improves, in some studies, as much as 50 percent of the time.
There is no recommended daily intake for probiotics, but good food sources include buttermilk, kefir, miso, tempeh, yogurt, and other fermented foods. Supplements are generally higher in potency and are used for therapeutic purposes in treating irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colitis, and many other conditions.
While probiotics are essential for healthy skin and digestive health, there are many other appealing benefits to encourage their use, such as strengthening the immune system, replacing good bacteria after a course of antibiotics, and contributing to general health and well-being.
Because there are so many bacteria, it’s comforting to know that not all of them are bad. In fact, scientists are now discovering that most of the 2,000 strains of bacteria already identified on humans are beneficial. Our bodies are actually designed to have proper bacterial balance.
Bacteria help the immune system develop. Bacteria actually communicate with the B and T cells of the immune system. When bacteria are influenced by antibiotics, excess stress, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, or serious illness, the immune cells don’t receive their signal, resulting in a breakdown in immune activity.
If you are generally in good health, you may only want to use probiotics periodically, during times of high stress for example, or the time leading up to cold and flu season. If you are experiencing a specific ongoing health issue, such as gastrointestinal concerns like gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, you may want to think of probiotics as one of your foundation supplements.
For a free 32-page booklet on “Probiotics: Restore Your Digestive Health”, stop by my office or give me a call.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza, between the Post Office and Round Table Pizza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
