The link between 'leaky skin', inflammation and disease
epitheleal tissue
Epithelial tissue serves as a protective barrier lining some organs and structures in the body, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and blood vessels.
These tightly packed cells regulate permeability and protect underlying tissues from pathogens and toxins.
skin-gut axis
In particular, there's an interconnectedness between the SKIN & GUT, with one influencing the other.
When the skin barrier is compromised or LEAKY from eg environmental pollutants, harsh skincare products, or underlying health conditions, it becomes more permeable, possibly leading to
increased sensitivity to external irritants, causing redness, itching, rashes
inflammatory responses triggering eczema or psoriasis
gut-skin axis
In terms of GUT–SKIN relationship, when the intestinal lining is compromised, undigested food particles, toxins, microbes can enter the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. This can manifest in the skin, potentially leading to acne, eczema, rosacea.
Fascinatingly, the gut and the skin have unique MICROBIOMES that influence each other. An imbalance in gut bacteria, can affect the skin's microbial balance, impacting its health and resilience EG
heightened immune responses, potentially triggering autoimmune conditions that affect various organs
persistent inflammation, contributing to chronic diseases, impacting organs like the liver, kidneys, heart
BUT more broadly speaking, epithelial tissues also line other organs like the lungs and kidneys. A compromised epithelial barrier in one area could reflect or influence barrier integrity elsewhere in the body
In short, the integrity of both the skin and gut barriers is crucial for preventing systemic inflammation and disease
To support skin health
Eliminate inflammatory foods like sugars, refined carbs, processed oils, and for some, dairy and gluten
Eat a balance of real food like colourful vegetables, well-sourced proteins, good fats
Manage stress eg with Psych-K
Ensure adequate zinc, Omega 3 fats
Use clean skin care products as the skin absorbs everything DIRECTLY into the bloodstream