Skin diseases caused by a leaky gut?
The term “leaky gut syndrome” refers to increased permeability of the intestinal wall. In a healthy intestine, the intestinal wall acts as a selective barrier, allowing nutrients to pass through and keeping harmful substances out. With a leaky gut, the tight junctions, the connections between intestinal cells, are damaged. This can allow undigested food particles, toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger an immune response.
In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the relationship between a leaky gut and skin problems. Scientific research suggests that this increased intestinal permeability contributes to chronic inflammation and skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and ichthyosis (fish scale disease). This connection highlights the importance of a healthy gut and an intact skin barrier in managing these conditions.
An intact skin barrier plays an essential role in protecting against external stimuli, while a healthy intestinal barrier is necessary to reduce systemic inflammation that can worsen these skin conditions. Understanding and addressing both barriers can be a crucial step in improving skin health.
The role of nutrition
Relatively little attention is paid to the influence of nutrition on skin conditions in regular treatment. Yet there is growing evidence that dietary choices can play a significant role in managing skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. For example, recent studies suggest that anti-inflammatory diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics may be beneficial for reducing symptoms and supporting the skin barrier. Although this field of research is still developing, it offers hope for a more integrated approach in which nutrition is an important pillar in the treatment of chronic skin problems.
The importance of your gut bacteria
An updated way to approach skin health is to look at the so-called skin-gut axis. This concept emphasizes the connection between your gut health and your skin. Intestinal bacteria play a crucial role in this. They respond to what you eat and an imbalance of these bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can disrupt your immune system. This not only has consequences for your intestinal health, but also for your skin.
The intestine has three important components that together determine intestinal health:
- Gut bacteria: A diverse ecosystem of microorganisms that help digest food and regulate inflammation.
- The mucus layer: This outer layer protects the intestinal wall against harmful substances and bacteria.
- The intestinal epithelium layer: This is the inner barrier of the intestine, which allows nutrients to pass through but keeps unwanted substances out.
A disturbance in one of these layers can lead to inflammatory reactions that can have an impact on your skin.
What exactly is leaky gut?
The term “leaky gut” refers to increased permeability of the intestinal wall. In a healthy intestine, the intestinal cells act as a barrier that allows nutrients to pass through and keeps harmful substances out. With a leaky gut, the tight junctions that hold the cells together are damaged. This can allow undigested food particles, toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger an immune response.
Possible causes of a leaky gut:
- Unhealthy diet: Excessive consumption of sugar, processed foods and alcohol.
- Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the intestinal wall.
- Medication: Long-term use of antibiotics or NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen).
- Dysbiose: An imbalance of intestinal bacteria.
New scientific insights
Recent research shows that the gut microbiome plays a key role in the interaction between gut health and skin diseases. A disruption in the gut microbiome can lead to an imbalance in the skin microbiome, which can worsen skin problems.
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines: Leaky gut increases the production of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which can promote skin inflammation.
- Reduced absorption of essential nutrients: Leaky gut often disrupts the absorption of zinc, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin.
But also heart disease, Parkinson’s in relation to a leaky gut
As with the skin barrier, a disruption of the intestinal barrier can occur, leading to increased intestinal permeability. Inflammation and imbalance of various gut microbiota (dysbiosis) are all associated with intestinal barrier disruption and have been linked to a number of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, fibromyalgia, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, psoriasis, acne and atopic dermatitis.
Anti-inflammatory antigens leak out
Although not fully elucidated, it is thought that impaired gut barrier function allows the passage of antigens (substance that activates the immune system) from the gut, stimulating the immune system to produce an inflammatory response in people predisposed.
In addition to a barrier function, the intestine has a specialized task to absorb nutrients as well.
Digestion, hormone production, disease protection
The gut microbiome consists of a huge community of bacteria that play a crucial role in digestion, the production of hormones and vitamins B and K, inhibiting pathogenic cells, and helping to metabolize drugs.
How Drugs Need Bacteria (Or Not)
Research has shown that sulfasalazine, a drug used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis), needs gut bacteria to activate it. Conversely, an intestinal bacterium Eggerthella lenta can inactivate a heart medication digoxin. Enterocytes prevent intestinal contents from passing directly into the blood through tight intercellular connections, allowing only specific nutrients to pass while blocking others.
A secret health center: your GALT
Deep within the gut barrier is a network of immune cells organized into a specialized structure called gut-associated lymphoid tissue, or GALT. The GALT is an important organ that contains up to 70% of the body’s immune cells and plays an important role in our immunity.
How do you measure gut health?
While skin barrier function can be quantified with measures such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the intestinal barrier is often measured by oral administration of a sugar mix, usually lactulose, along with mannitol or rhamnose. The excretion of the sugars in the urine is examined.
When certain sugars pass through the intestinal wall
If there is significant intestinal barrier disruption, the larger molecules of lactulose can cross the barrier. While the smaller molecules (mannitol or rhamnose) are absorbed transcellularly, independent of the barrier function. The ratio lactulose/mannitol or rhamnose can be calculated and with a disturbed intestinal barrier the ratio increases because more lactulose crosses the barrier.
Bring back balance with pre- and probiotics
A 1986 study showed a lactulose/rhamnose ratio that was greater in children with atopic eczema compared to a control group. Treatment with probiotics significantly improved the ratio.
The usefulness of pre- and probiotics
What is prebiotica?
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that serves as food for the good bacteria in your intestines. They are not digested by your body, but reach the large intestine, where they are fermented by intestinal bacteria.
What is the function?
- Stimulate the growth of good bacteria: Prebiotics support the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
- Improve intestinal health: They help strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce inflammation and support a healthy mucus layer.
- Indirect effect on the skin: By supporting healthy intestinal flora, prebiotics can contribute to reducing inflammatory reactions that cause skin problems.
Examples of prebiotics in food:
Galacto-oligosaccharides (in legumes such as beans and lentils)
Inulin (found in artichokes, garlic and bananas)
Fructo-oligosaccharides (in onions, asparagus and leeks)
Probiotica
Probiotics are also regarded as positive (good intestinal bacteria) in a Cochrane review in 2013. Four studies with 1428 children showed reduced atopic dermatitis after taking prebiotic supplements.
In a meta-analysis of 16 studies, it was shown how beneficial probiotics were for people with normal eczema complaints as for people with a very high risk of eczema complaints.
Search for the right dose
Specifically, a subgroup analysis showed that Lactobacillus and Lactobacillus with Bifidobacterium may also be protective against atopic dermatitis. However, the optimal dose, type of bacteria and duration of treatment with probiotics is still unclear.
What else can you do to improve a leaky gut? The gut moisturizer…
Just like a good moisturizer for your skin, is there a gut moisturizer? Possible gut moisturizers are gelatin tannate or xyloglycan. The exact effect is unclear, but it is thought that a protein layer is formed superficially in the intestinal wall, creating an intestinal barrier. There is not yet any research into the role of an intestinal moisturizer and the reduction of eczema.
FAQ about leaky gut
Can leaky gut heal completely?
Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, can improve in many cases with the right approach. The recovery process takes time and consistency. Dietary adjustments – such as avoiding processed products, added sugars and excessive alcohol – play a central role in this. In addition, adding fiber-rich foods, omega-3 fatty acids and specific nutrients such as zinc or glutamine can support the recovery of the intestinal wall. Reducing stress and addressing possible underlying triggers, such as food intolerances or medication use, also contribute to a more favorable recovery process. Although complete recovery is not guaranteed in all cases, many people can significantly improve their gut health with the right guidance.
How do I know if my skin problem is related to leaky gut?
If you have both long-term digestive issues — such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, or constipation — and recurring skin issues such as eczema, acne, or rosacea, there may be a link to increased intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut. Although skin issues are often treated locally, in some cases there may be an underlying cause in the gut. Gut and skin health are connected via the immune system and inflammatory pathways.
Are all probiotics suitable for skin problems?
Not all probiotics have a proven effect on the skin. Although they are all living microorganisms that can support gut health, their effects vary from strain to strain. Some probiotic strains have a demonstrable effect on skin conditions by influencing inflammatory responses or indirectly supporting the skin’s barrier function. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve have been studied in scientific studies for their potential positive effects on skin conditions such as eczema or acne. Other strains may have no effect or have not been studied in relation to the skin. Therefore, it is important to choose probiotics that have a well-substantiated effectiveness for specific skin conditions.
How do I choose a good probiotic for skin problems?
When buying a probiotic, it is important to look beyond the word “probiotics” on the label. Pay attention to three elements: the genus, the species and the strain code of the bacteria. For example: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Bifidobacterium breve M-16V. Only probiotics with a clear strain name have been scientifically tested for effectiveness.
In addition, you should check how many living bacteria are in the product, indicated as CFUs (Colony Forming Units). For skin problems, a dosage of at least 5 to 10 billion CFU per day is usually recommended. Preferably choose a supplement that guarantees the number of living bacteria until the end of the shelf life, and not only at the time of production.
And check whether this strain is suitable for your specific skin problem
Finally: Poor skin barrier increases permeability of allergens
Animal research has shown that a weakened skin barrier leads to increased absorption of allergens, which activates the immune system and can cause eczema. Strengthening the skin barrier with a suitable skin care cream has been proven to help keep eczema better under control
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Literature
While you are here
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is associated with an increase and decrease in disease symptoms over many years. It is more common in fair-skinned people. These symptoms consist of redness in the face, skin inflammation, eye complaints and skin thickening of the nose (popularly known as the nose, forehead or chin). Once considered a condition limited to the skin and eyes, today rosacea goes deeper than the skin. There is strong evidence that rosacea is associated with non-skin related skin or systemic conditions.
