Have you ever heard of the intestinal flora? Or more exactly, the intestinal microbiota? Behind this name hides a whole ecosystem of microorganisms, which live in our intestines to ensure a healthy organism.
The vast majority are “good” bacteria, essential for our good health. They ensure the proper functioning of the metabolism (synthesis of vitamins, assimilation of nutrients) and protect our body (stimulate the immune system, strengthen the intestinal barrier).
When the microbiota is out of balance (in scientific terms, we speak of dysbiosis), there is only a small majority of beneficial microorganisms in the face of harmful microorganisms. This can result in various digestive and skin disorders.
For this reason, gut health has become more and more prevalent when we talk about general well-being. Our gut has the ability to control almost everything that touches the body. This means that our mental health, physical condition, and skin are all linked in one way or another to this complex colony located in the gut, which contains billions of strains of bacteria and microbes.
Scientifically, the intestine is home to a major microbiome that ensures the body’s self-regulation. This is no small task, as it creates a direct link between the intestine and all the organs in the body, especially the skin.
The correlation between skin and gut – the gut-skin axis – is now clearer: intestinal imbalances can affect the skin by inducing systemic inflammation, thus triggering dermatological diseases like atopic dermatitis (AD) or acne. This correlation was first described in 1930 with the theory regarding the interrelation between emotional states, the gut microbiota and systemic inflammation of the skin, the well-known gut-skin-brain axis.
How probiotics can play a positive role in reducing the onset of skin distress is due to their indirect help in improving the restoration of the gut microbiota, colonizing it with good bacteria, improving immune defense, and can also help the body digest food, produce nutrients and neutralize toxins.
Considering that the gut is involved in regulating overall health, consuming prebiotics and probiotics can absolutely lead to beauty and health benefits.
