Why naturopath’s think digestion when it comes to skin concerns
As a Naturopath, we believe that healthy skin starts in the gut. If there are digestive
symptoms present, it’s likely that other areas of health that are also imbalanced and
affected. I see this a lot with my clients here at SJM Skin Aesthetics where the start of their
skin problems continually is due to an underlying upset digestive system; alongside other
symptoms including depression, poor immunity, sluggish lymphatic system, impaired sleep
and low energy.
My clients often hear me talk about mindful eating as a way to improve
digestion on all levels in order to improve the basic levels of good digestion and healthy
bowel movement- essential for maintaining good wellbeing and healthy skin! Below I walk
you through the steps of digestion to give you a basic understanding of what happens when
you swallow your food.
On a basic level, we start the process of digestion when we start preparing our food. The
sight of appealing food stimulates secretion in the stomach, smelling the food and sending
messages from our olfactory senses to our brain to let the control centre know that food is
coming- get ready! We then start releasing digestive enzymes in our saliva called amylase
that help break down bonds while we decompose our food with our teeth in a process
called maceration.
The broken-down food is now a bolus ready to swallow. From here, the
bolus enters the stomach where hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) and enzymes secreted
from cells of the stomach wall further break down and digest food. The stomach muscles
contract periodically, churning the food to enhance digestion where the food enters the
small intestine ready for absorption of nutrients.
The small intestines carry our most of the digestive process, absorbing almost all the nutrients you get from foods into your bloodstream. The walls of the small intestine make digestive juices or enzymes, that work together with enzymes from the liver and pancreas to do this. Finally, the large intestine
absorbs water and salts from the material that has not yet been digested as food, and gets
rid of any waste products left over.
What is left is mainly fibre, dead cells shed from the
lining of your intestines, salt, bile pigments and water that form your bowel movement.
As you can see, there are many steps and processes that play a role in our digestion and
areas where things can become imbalanced therefore give an array of symptoms to reflect
disharmony at any stage of digestion.
Additionally, if inflammation is present in the gut, or
there is difficulty breaking down and digesting food, the body cannot absorb and make use
of those nutrients you’re eating. Given that vitamins and minerals (as well as carbs, protein
and fat) are the building blocks and foundation for so many body tissues and functions,
good digestion is vital for maintaining healthy body function, especially skin health.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms below in combination with skin problems it
may be time to consider seeing a holistic health specialist like a Naturopath or Nutritionist;
someone who is educated to recommend a treatment approach that is safe, efficient and
initialised for you and your health.
Bloating
Tenderness
Cramping or stabbing pain
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Alternating diarrhoea & constipation
Feeling sick or nauseous after fatty or protein dense meal
Reflux/heartburn
Nausea
Low appetite
Bad taste in mouth
Bad breath
Gas/Flatulence
Dairy intolerance
Gluten intolerance
FODMAP sensitivity
Treatment Options
I mentioned mindful eating at this start of this blog post as the nervous system has an
important relationship with our digestive system. It is holistic, budget friendly and easy for
everyone to do! We also have nutrients and herbal medicine that can assist with digestive
symptoms in efforts to clear up congested and inflamed skin that may be impacted from an
impaired gut. To make a booking click on the link below! Or call the clinic on 5916 1123.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not intended to be interpreted as
advice, to diagnose or treat any condition. Always seek advice from a qualified health
professional if you experience digestive issues or complaints, or if you have any concerns
whatsoever about your health. If you experience abdominal pain, seek advice from a
medical practitioner.