I’m preparing for my talk at the upcoming Wise Traditions Conference in Santa Clara, CA on November 10th. I’ll speaking on the “gut-brain-skin axis”, a fascinating topic that I’ve been exploring for some time. I hope some of you will be able to come to the conference, but I thought I’d share a little slice of my research here for those of you who can’t. (If you don’t make the conference and want to watch my entire presentation, I believe the Weston A. Price Foundation sells DVDs of the talks after the fact.)
I’ve discussed the gut-brain axis several times on my radio show, and I’ve at least mentioned the triangular connection between the gut, brain and skin. In this post I’d like to go a little deeper on the gut-skin connection.
And as a clinician who works with people on these conditions, I’d go as far as to say this:
If you want to heal your skin, you have to heal your gut.
Associations between Gut Disorders and Skin Conditions
Epidemiological evidence shows a clear association between gut problems and skin disorders. A recent report indicated that small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition involving inappropriate growth of bacteria in the small intestine, is 10 times more prevalent in people with acne rosacea than in healthy controls, and that correction of SIBO in these individuals led to marked clinical improvement. (1) 14% of patients with ulcerative colitis and 24% of patients with Crohn’s disease have skin manifestations. (Interestingly enough, a study just came out showing that a drug normally used to treat psoriasis is also effective for Crohn’s disease.) Celiac disease also has cutaneous manifestations, such as dermatitis herpetiformis, which occurs in 1/4 of celiac sufferers. Celiacs also have increased frequency of oral mucosal lesions, alopecia and vitiligo. (2)
How Altered Gut Function Impacts the Skin
In a study way back in 1916, acne patients were more likely to show enhanced reactivity to bacterial strains isolated from stool. 66 percent of the 57 patients with acne in the study showed positive reactivity to stool-isolated bacteria compared to none of the control patients without active skin disease. 1 In a more recent study involving 80 patients, those with acne had higher levels of and reactivity to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins in the blood. None of the matched healthy controls reacted to the e. coli LPS, while 65% of the acne patients had a positive reaction. Both of these studies suggest that increased intestinal permeability is an issue for a significant number of acne patients. (4)
Speaking of permeable barriers: most of you have heard of leaky gut by now, but what about “leaky skin”? The main function of the skin is to act as a physical, chemical and antimicrobial defense system. Studies have shown that both stress and gut inflammation can impair the integrity and protective function of the epidermal barrier. This in turn leads to a decrease in antimicrobial peptides produced in the skin, and an increase in the severity of infection and inflammation in the skin. (5)
The gut flora also influences the skin. Substance P is a neuropeptide produced in the gut, brain and skin that plays a major role in skin conditions. An altered gut microbiome promotes the release of substance P in both the gut and the skin, and probiotics can attenuate this response. (6) The gut microbiota influences lipids and tissue fatty acid profiles, and may influence sebum production as well as the fatty acid composition of the sebum. (7) This may explain why a Russian study found that 54% of acne patients have significant alterations to the gut flora (8), and a Chinese study involving patients with seborrheic dermatitis also noted disruptions in the normal gut flora. 2
Like what you’re reading? Get my free newsletter, recipes, eBooks, product recommendations, and more!
Probiotics Improve Skin Conditions
The first formal case report series on the value of using lactobacilli to treat skin conditions was published in 1961 by a physician named Robert Siver. He followed 300 patients who were given a commercially available probiotic and found that 80 percent of those with acne had some clinical improvement. 3 In a more recent Italian study involving 40 patients, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum in addition to standard care led to better clinical outcomes than standard care alone. (9) And another recent study of 56 patients with acne showed that the consumption of a Lactobacillus fermented dairy beverage improved clinical aspects of acne over a 12-week period. (10)
The beneficial effect of probioitics on skin may explain why pasteurized, unfermented dairy is associated with acne, but fermented dairy is not. I haven’t seen any studies on raw dairy and skin conditions, but my guess is that it wouldn’t be associated either. Orally consumed probiotics reduce systemic markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are elevated locally in those with acne. (11) Oral probiotics can also regulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the skin. (12) The fermentation of dairy reduces levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by more than four-fold. (13) This is significant because studies show that acne is driven by IGF-1, and IGF-1 can be absorbed across colonic tissue. (14) This would be particularly problematic when increased intestinal permeability is present, which as I mentioned above is often the case in people with acne.
Better supplementation. Fewer supplements.
Close the nutrient gap to feel and perform your best.
A daily stack of supplements designed to meet your most critical needs.
- Strickler A, Kolmer JA, Schamberg JF: Complement fixation in acne vulgaris. J Cutaneous Dis 1916, 34:166-78. ↩
- Zhang H, Yu L, Yi M, Li K: Quantitative studies on normal flora of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Chin J Dermatol 1999, 32:399-400. ↩
- Siver RH: Lactobacillus for the control of acne. J Med Soc New Jersey 1961, 59:52-53. ↩
Hi,
I have seborrheic dermatitis&dandruff since 5 years now.
Also I sometimes have acne problems, I noticed my skin clearing up on a paleo diet, but when things got better I cheated and eated fries with cheese and chocolate with soy in it etc. etc. Now I started 5 days ago with the paleo autoimmune protocol. My face I think is slowly clearing up again, dandruff takes longer I think. I really hope to clear it all up because it’s so annoying. I also try to eat sauerkraut more frequently because I think it could be due to a combination or one of the two things. Candida/yeast overgrowth and or leaky gut. I had a bloodtest on grains I never had problems with them when I was younger, but now I reacted to all of them incl. soy corn etc. So I hope this new journey will help, if anybody has tips for me (and others) I would appreciate it.
I hope anyone who suffers from whatsoever finds health and a possible cure!
Tim, have you tried using Tea Tree Oil in your shampoo to clear up your dandruff? Buy a bottle of 100% TTO and add one drop to your shampoo. Lather it together between your hands and then massage it for one minute into your scalp and let the shampoo/oil mixture sit on your scalp as you shower. Rinse thoroughly. You should notice a difference pretty fast.
I was diagnosed Crohn’s disease when I was 20. Developed alopecia areata at 31. I feel very strongly they are connected as they are both auto-immune conditions. It is very hard to get a doctor that feels the same and to treat them both- the GI tells me to see the dermatologist and vice versa. Since developing alopecia I tried Cimzia for Crohns, but it made almost all of my hair fall out in a couple of weeks. So frustrating…
Angela, I suggest and encourage you to do the GAPS diet with the guidance of a certified GAPS practitioner. Some of them work long distance. Another possible approach is the auto-immune paleo protocol. Best of luck in addressing the heart of the matter and resolving the underlying cause. It can be done.
hi there
My name is francesca. My journey is an ongoing battle but started i believe to this day few years back when i took a few rounds of antibiotics for a bladder infection. This that episode iv taken antibiotics every year for impetigo, cysts and also for ongoing mysterious facial condition.
I have never had any problems with food and my test results prove i have no allergic response to gluten or dairy however i can not seem to tolerate it. Last december it all started when i ate way to much dairy and a few days later i had a horrendous facial rash which spread all over my face , swollen and all i can explain it was like ants under my skin. It was unbearable. Please contact me if you wish to see my pictures. Your mouth will drop
I believe food was creating these symptons. I just felt when i ate certain foods like dairy or starchy foods or gluten i get now these little spots around my face which will get out of control if i continue eating them. When i stop eating these triggers my skin clears completely. I have been sent to dermatologists, gp after gp visits, antibiotics, steroid cream and also had an endoscopy appointment. I have told doctors my theory on overuse of antibiotics and maybe this has damaged my intestinal lining causing inflamation and even leaky gut. NO ONE takes my seriously. NO ONE sees the connection and they all believe food can not been creating my problems with my skin. I dont use make up or facial products apart from basic emoliant.
Doctors tell me all these things i dont have but after a year i am no closer to getting an answer. I have been treating myself through food, no gluten, no sugar, starchy foods and no dairy. I have turned my life around with food that no medicine has been able to do.
I have now been diagnoised with gastritis but they think can be because of the hellibacter bacteria. Therefore another round of antibiotics…. But heres my theory… Aparently half the population has the hallibacter bacteria and causes no problems apart from 15% which suffers from digestion, gas and stomach ulcers. I do not have any of these problems and only noticed food intolerance after taking antibiotics. BUT what if i had this bacteria inside my stomach way before my gastritis. How can they be 100% sure that this is the cause and NOT the antibiotics. Is it worth to take antibiotics even though i do not siffer from stomach ulcers.???
I have flaxseed oil, L glutamine, probiotics, dygestive enzymes, b complex vitamins on a daily basis along with my modified diet and i am seeing results. Does anyone have any advise which can help my recovery?
Yes! We can help. You haven’t mentioned anything about Chris Kresser, his book, his blog his approach. There is so much information here on healing your guy and also other related places. You also have not said where you are located? Maybe people can recommend a Functional Medicine practitioner. It seems like you have discovered alot for yourself and now you need some support. god luck!
I say keep doing what you’re doing since you are seeing results. Look into bone broth and colostrum too.
http://draxe.com/the-healing-power-of-bone-broth-for-digestion-arthritis-and-cellulite/
Hey have you tried seeing a naturopath? Also do you have issues with your skin flaring up after taking a shower? http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/what_is_leaky_gut_syndrome.htm
I finished a course of tablets 2 week ago for h-pylori but wish I hadn’t of bothered .
My doctors sent me for bloods/urine/stool tests based on my symptoms (heartburn/stomch aches/excess gass/abnormal BM) they found hpylori and give me the meds.
Think I feel worse now if anything and after a little research it seems that unless you have an ulcer then treatment for hpylori can cause a whole list of other issues.
Francesca, I healed my gastritis by cutting all acidic foods (Google acid vs alkaline foods, you may be surprised), 2-4 oz. aloe vera juice every morning, and a cayenne pepper capsule with every meal. Best wishes, gastritis is painful. X
Caprylic Acid was the key to bloating, acne and fatigue. I have Hoshimotos Thyroiditis as well. After about 3 months, I had so much more energy, regular bowel movements and a very clear complexion. Caprylic Acid is expensive and a large pill, but WELL worth it!,,,
I’ve had psoriasis since childhood and tried many different treatments. Things improved a lot when I started making my own fermented food like yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables and sauerkraut. Combining this with juicing turned out a 75% improvement after just a few weeks. That was amazing. So for sure, the diet affects health very much.
“The most common misconception is that dietary changes alone can cure inflammatory skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea. After treating a great many skin disease sufferers and hearing their stories, I have come to understand this is very much the exception, not the rule. The great effort these patients expend to modify their diet often leads to disappointment.” – Adina Stanescu, C.Ac., DCHM
If I am understanding you correctly, I disagree. I have had eczema and seborrheic dermatitis since I was a kid. Earlier this year I had a severe flare up. It got so bad that the entire back of my scalp was like one large open wound. It was bright red and weeped constantly. The ithching was unberable. It had spread down to my scalp and into my ears leading to ear infections. My arms itched constantly and were covered in eczema. I went to many medical doctors who all prescribed me steroid creams. I went to a walk-in clinic one day because I thought I had gotten shingles on my shoulder. Turned out to be eczema. He looked at my scalp, my ears, and my arms. He looked up what creams I had been prescribed. He turned to me and said, “I highly suggest you change your diet. Creams obviously aren’t helping and you have been prescribed the strongest stuff available.” I left that day and did hours of research. I found the Paleo diet, Chris, Robb Wolf, and various other resources. I changed my diet right away eliminating grains. Today I am eczema free. My scalp cleared up and even the dandruff that plagued me since I was a child is gone. Changing my diet has saved me from clutches of debilitating itch and oozing infections.
Well, then you are the exception and congrats on that.
In the overwhelming vast majority of cases, this result does not occur. The etiology of inflammatory skin conditions is obviously quite varied and complex and diet usually figures little or not at all in the process. I know that may seem counterintuitive and certainly counters the rallying cries of various proponents of fad diets, but after years of personal experience, research, and compiling of peoples’ stories, I have found this to be the case.
Anyone you chat to who’s cleaned up their diet almost always mentions their skin having improved as well. You can see it. When stress and poor diet kicks in, skin is the first thing to show it – breaking out in spots. My mum and I both had our annual Christmas-indulgence spots this January.
My friends who manage their eczema and rosacea know which foods trigger their condition. For example, my friend who’s an actor, only eats her trigger-foods when she knows she’s not on camera for a few weeks and her appearance isn’t such an issue.
The connection between food and skin condition is so visible, tangible, commonplace… maybe the dietary changes that were so disappointing to the skin patients in your quote, weren’t paleo-inspired changes. Years ago, when I strove to ‘improve’ my diet – replacing sugar with ‘healthy’ whole-grains – the poor skin condition that persisted was pretty disappointing, sure enough.
Then my son, my husband and myself are all exceptions. We have all suffered life-long conditions and tried everything under the sun, only to find that changing to a paleo-type diet is the one thing that works for all of us. That’s kind of strange, right? You might say my son and I share genes and that could be a link to our success, but since my husband and I are obviously not blood relation there must be something more to it. As someone who suffers from Autoimmune disease, I have done mountains of research. It would seem after reading countless experiences of others that we ARE NOT the exception. My doctors for the most part are always impressed with what I have figured out on my own, the others feel threatened by it. Rightly so, because finding out that so much of today’s illness is treatable without conventional medicine really doesn’t help the future of their careers! Conventional medicine practitioners can take heart though, most people are not willing to make the changes in their lives that will help them so they are in no danger of losing their livelihoods any time soon 🙂
Then I am an exception as well! Got rid of all of the processed foods, sugar, gluten, grains and diary and my skin problems COMPLETELY disappeared! But you have to be compliant…which is VERY hard to do. You cannot cheat! Most people do. I believe that most skin conditions are caused by food sensitivities. We might share the same skin condition but it might be caused by a different food. If you strip your diet of all bad foods and concentrate on eating healthy proteins, LOTS of green leafy veggies and veggies in general with limited fruit -(depending on your activity level), and LOTS of water…..and NO alcohol, you will feel GREAT and your skin conditions will greatly improve if not completely go away!
I can confirm that changing to a diet like paleo does cure skin conditions such as eczema. I use to suffer from bad dandruff and eczema with frequent flair ups. I also take Spirulina, fish oil and astaxanthin every morning.
Hey I am 24. I started having these outbreaks about 2 years ago. They recently found out what it is. I have seborrehea dermatitis. I have tried all kinds of creams. Ive found the only thing to calm it down is UV lights. Now they have me on Doxycycline, Aczone cream, benzoyl peroxide. I have tried everything. I’m trying to learn more about this and I’m wondering if I change my diet what would help control this. About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycysytic ovarian syndrome) it has caused me to become insulin resistant. I use a tar shampoo and head and shoulders for my scalp. I use purpose face wash that is dermatologist recommended. I have the outbreaks all over my forehead, top lip and in between my eyebrows. Its beyond embarrassing I hate going out in public and I’m just trying to find out if I can take something to help it. I did some research and it said you could possibly have a biotin,vitamin deficiency. It even could even be a liver issue. I just really need some advice. Thank you so much. Here is my email address if anyone wants to contact me through there
[email protected]
You might be on to something with vitamin/mineral deficiency. PCOS and insulin resistance can be symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Any type of antibiotics would drive your levels of magnesium down even further. Taking a calcium supplement does the same thing. Magnesium is often suggested to help with dermatitis as well. A soak in Epsom salt (pure magnesium) might help your skin. Salt from the dead sea is very high and magnesium and is reported to help dramatically with skin conditions…. Epsoms would be much cheaper to try first!
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/what_is_leaky_gut_syndrome.htm
Id also recommend seeing a naturopath
What is a naturopath? Never heard of it before?
in the US a naturopath is a “Naturopathic Doctor” ND or someone who practices naturopathy which is a mixture of natural medicine styles: herbal, nutrition etc. I would suggest since you are on Chris Kresser’s blog that you read more deeply into his approach (the blog, the book) and if you want to see someone, you see a Functional Medicine practitioner (could be an ND could be an MD could be an L.Ac like Chris) as they will be trained in a similar way and that is, in my opinion , much more up to date with the research than just any old “naturopath”.
Yes it does flare up after I shower. I have been trying a few different things recently. I put vinager water on my face and its really helped it. I’ve also been laying in the tanning bed a few times a week and that’s really made big change. I just wonder if it’s something I eat or something in my body triggers the flare ups. It’s very frustrating.
i just started taking krill oil with astaxanthin in it per Dr, Mercola’s suggestions for inflammation. I had never heard of it before this past year. I’m hoping it helps me as I have perioral dermatitis….although it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be, I still get an occasional flare up. I follow Dave Aspery’s Bulletproof diet with HIGH fat and do a little bit of sweet potato in the evening…..so far I’m feeling pretty good on it.
Hi Tracy! I have had perioral dermatitis for over 10 years now. I have recently followed the paleo diet and am losing lots of weight, but so far no improvement in my skin. It remains red and flaky. Let me know how you do with the krill oil! I have been using fermented cod liver oil for a couple of months now, also no improvement in my skin. I wonder if this has a strong emotional component. Do you consider yourself a very sensitive person? Good luck!
Please email me your diet. I’ll try it. Doctors n medicines are not working
Thanks
David, if you have digestive issues, this is a very good diet to start with: Fast Track Digestion:IBS (the book) and read the blog posts on Fiber, SIBO and other at Digestivehealthinstitute.org
I am just suffering under seb derm. I need to get rid of it somehow. Can you please please help me out with the diet! My mail id is [email protected]. Please do help me!
i was healed but you have to follow the eating plan 100%. If you cheat you won’t get better!
This person is a specialist practitioner with lots of success stories on her website. If I lived anywhere near Toronto I would see her. But since she didn’t actually post that herself here, I am going to say that TCM, when practiced by someone like herself, with specialist experience in skin issues is working with the body, the gut, the whole system, in a different but comparable way to “healing the gut” in other ways, like Chris is talking about here. I think what she is saying that people who have ongoing chronic problems like eczema and perioral dermatitis often get no relief from changing their diet and they come to her and she helps them. Eczema is hugely widespread, it afffects something like 25% of the population. Many people do find relief by avoid foods and many people get a complete “cure” by combining this with actually healing their gut. It’s not one thing or the other, it’s finding what your body needs and giving it that.
Who are you referring to?
Diet worked for me! I went on the whole 30 diet and got rid of all grains, dairy, sugar and all processed foods. Amazing skin results. All my skin issues cleared up within days! No more dry skin…at all in the middle of the winter. My acne Rosacea totally went away! Skin was completely clear, although redness remained. But my skin had a healthy glow. Also my Seborrheic Dermatitis totally cleared up. Had it in my hair and on my face below my eyebrows and behind both ears. Just changing my diet WAS AMAZING!!! It is definitely worth a try for anyone who suffers and I would absolutely recommend it to your patients. You have to be compliant with the diet in order for it to work, which can be difficult at first. Beyond my skin totally clearing up, it made me feel amazing! I had energy, mental clarity and just overall felt so peaceful and happy! I didn’t know how bad I was feeling until I went on the whole 30 and felt better than I ever have. Thanks
Hello everyone. I just stumbled across this article while I was researching skin problems I’ve been having. I’ve heard about this gut health connection before but never really researched it. So I wanted to ask those of you that have experience with this your thoughts on the problems I am having. I’m 29 years old 6’2 185lbs in pretty good shape and not overweight. I developed psoriasis when I was 16. My doc said it was genetic but when I looked into it no body else in my family has or had it; not in my immediate or extended. For the first 5 or so years it would only pop up every couple months; now I have it all over my scalp, in my groin area, and armpits. It is most prevalent on my scalp and only in small patches on the other areas. I never had a problem with dandruff then I started getting that about 6 years ago. I always had pretty good skin up until my mid 20s. I would get a small breakout maybe once every 3 or 4 weeks. Now I get small pimples every week and have a lot of blackheads mostly all over my nose. I get small cystic body ance on my side and back that I can’t pop. I never ever had body acne until about 3 years ago. The skin in my butt crack is cracked and tender, I have a very hard time getting it to heal. Oh and now on the left side of my scalp I have about a half dollar coin sized spot where my hair is thinning and the skin feels smooth like alopecia haha that started about a year ago. It’s like some new problem everyday and it’s extremely frustrating. I try to eat well, I cook my meals from scratch. I eat fruits and vegetables daily and drink only water. I do drink beer but only on the weekends. I am very stressed at my job and I work very long hours. Sorry for the long post haha any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
hi man,
(hope you’ll see this)
actually I’m 29 too and few months ago I got alopecia areata (that small coin-like hair loss) on my beard.
I did quite a lot of research about it and that’s what I found so far:
1. low levels of vitamin D are highly correlated with alopcia areata (check out this study from earlier this year: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25058999)
I did a blood test for vitamin D which was about 20 ng/ml (it’s low) and started supplementing in order to bring it to about 40-45 ng/ml and above.
actually from what I read lake in vitamin D is connected to many diseases (including skin diseases) so making sure your vitmain D is high enough should be on your *TOP proirities*.
I’ve found this site to be a valuable source for data about vitamin D: http://www.vitamindwiki.com.
after raising you vitamin D level make sure to supplement with about 100mg/day of Vitamin K2 (MK-4 or M-7) as well (there is info of why in Chris’s website (this website)).
2. lake of essential bacteria in the gut is probably the main cuase to autoimmune diseases (such as alopcia areata and psoriasis).
after reading this blog: http://coolinginflammation.blogspot.co.il/
and taking advice from this page: http://freetheanimal.com/2013/12/resistant-primer-newbies.html
I’m now conviced that lake of soil-based bacteria is the problem (read about it to underdstand).
The solution I’ve found (didn’t implement it yet myself – I’ve ordered needed stuff from Amazon but since I’m living out of the US (Israel) it takes some time for me to get it):
a. taking probiotics – 3 kinds of soil-based probiotics (those which are recommended in the ‘freetheanimal’ website above). also I want to start eating Kefir daily.
b. taking prebiotic – resistant starch and soluble fibers (to feed the good bacteria).
c. get out more of the house to soil-terrains (I’ve been studying alot the last year and almost didn’t go out at all during the day) – so I would be more exposed to mud and soil (that way you can get the needed bacteria).
3. there’s a study that found that onion juice is effective to treat alopecia areata: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12126069
I haven’t tried it yet but I believe it may be affective for the short run but not necessarily for the long run (without fixing the above mentioned problems) especially in the case you have more than one autoimmune disease which clearly indicate a deeper problem TMHO.
Anyways (didn’t intend to make it this long but wanted to cover much),
I really hope it’ll help you, good luck!
Thanks for all the info Chen! I will look into this. My psoriasis is steadily getting worse and the doctors keep prescribing steroid cream that is not very affective anymore. Hopefully a modified diet will help. We’ll see. Thanks again.
Hi there,
I have a very similar problem to you. Psoriasis from about 16 (Im 40 now) and recent unexplainable acne for the last two years. I am vegetarian (not sure if thats relevant) and pretty healthy as it goes.
My psoriasis is now calm and stable (though still around) and my acne is gone!
Here is what has worked for me:
1. No milk or caffine
2. viridian organic soul food greens
3. Kombucha
Honestly it has made such a difference. I swear by the green food supplement in particular which I take on an empty stomach first thing in the morning 15 mins before any other food as it works best in an alkaline environment.
I wish you all the best!
I have had Rosacea for many years and it has gotten a lot worse in the past several years. My skin is incredibly dry – Hands, feet and face. My face will feel really dry and tight, like a bad sunburn and then turn red on my forehead. My skin on my forehead will start to flake especially by my hairline and my eyebrows. Its like I get burned from the inside out. I went on the Whole 30 diet last year – Removed everything from my diet except healthy protein ie meat, chicken, fish and fresh fruits and veggies, some nuts and olives and ALL of my skin issues disappeared! I did it for 45 days and have NEVER felt better. All of my dry skin went away and my Rosacea bumps and flaky skin disappeared. It was amazing! I am not on the diet anymore and my skin is worse than ever!
I had a skin condition called Dermographia………it was horrible. I went to my doctor and an allergist and was told that it was probably caused by stress. I noticed that at the same time this condition presented itself, I was having lots of problems with my stomach. I began taking nearly anything and everything that would help to heal my gut…………..Glutamine, DGL, Colostrum, probiotics. Within a few months the condition vanished. I still use the DGL before most meals.
I was on strong antibiotics as a kid. I’ve been on gluten and dairy free diets while on probiotics but nothing seems to help my eczema and acne.
Only eczema and acne are shown on my face and no where else and this has been a problem for years.
The right side of my hand stays inflamed and has cracking and splitting skin that bleeds often. I do notice if I eat super clean then my hand will heal
I have the same issue one my right hand, I quit eating gluten and use organic soaps and lotions only, 100% better than before.
I have been suffering with painful cystic acne for almost a year now. I have always been acne prone but nothing like this. I am now figuring out that I have a candida overgrowth and am modifying my diet because of it even though I ate pretty close to the paleo diet anyway. My question is on fermented foods and candida. I have read a couple studies that say you should not have fermented foods like kombucha and sauerkraut. Can anyone give me a recommendation?
Hello Rachel,
My recommendation would be to avoid it for now. The fermented food is good for your gut (probiotics) but it can also feed the Candida. So I would remove it from your diet and in about a month or so you could try reintroducing it and if you notice any reactions/symptoms that’s a sign that you need to continue to keep it out of your diet. And this applies to all foods that you aren’t sure about, test them out.
There is a definite connection with me. I am suffering from a systemic Candida Infection in my gut along with a leaky gut. This is causing me to react to almost any food I eat. I have been on a super restrictive diet (mostly meats and cooked veggies) for the past 4 months. The closest thing to it would have to be a even stricter version of the AIP diet. One of my reactions is that my hands and fingers will get really dry and lose some of their elasticity. Then my fingers will crack badly and form all of these funky looking lines that can sometimes be painful.
Mine does the same thing. It’s very painful. It’s definitely in the diet
Hey Caleb, I too get cracks on my hand and it’ll bleed. It comes and go. So how’s the diet going for you thus far? What diet are you doing? I’m contemplating trying to remove high FODMAP, then Candida diet, and then GAPS. Thoughts? The reason for those 3 steps is because I’m nursing and don’t want to detox too much. Any tips you have will be greatly appreciated!
I suffered from cystic acne as a teenager that progressed into seb derm & rosacea into my 20’s plus hair fell out when none of my brothers or father have any hair loss(or skin issues). I can’t for the life of me figure out what triggered this. I definitely have some constipation issues and frequent bloating. Mostly 99% dairy and gluten free but symptoms still persist. Gave up on doctors a long time ago.
Hello Steven
You probably were on a course of antibiotics during childhood.
Try slippery elm powder. 2 teaspoons 3 times per day, away from meals.
Hi, Steven.
I am guessing you have leaky gut. Check out the GAPS protocol by Dr. Campbell-McBride as well as the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). I had terrible acne and severe joint and neurologic conditions that have plagued me throughout my life but I believe they all stem from leaky gut. A strict Paleo diet has taken much of the issues away, but not entirely. I think I need to heal my gut entirely (I believe I now have SIBO from a misguided attempt at probiotics) and am waiting for test results now. I received massive amounts of antibiotics as a child and, but for the miracle of modern medicine, I would likely not have survived infancy. Good luck to you!
Cheryl, have a look at Fast Track Digestion for IBS. Norm Robillard has the best understanding of dietary related SIBO issues of anyone I have read in 2 years. This post explains how GAPS and SCD can cause SIBO to perisist. His book is excellent and his website has a good forum for support. http://digestivehealthinstitute.org/2012/08/17/sibo-diet-and-digestive-health
Try the Whole 30 diet for one month and then switch to a paleo diet. No fast food or anything processed and drink LOTS of plain water- fresh lemons & limes can be added for flavor if you want. It’s not easy but will be life-changing!! I have the same conditions as you and if i’m compliant, all my skin issues go away completely away! Good luck!!!
I’m a 27yo guy… been taking antibiotics for my acne since i was about 18. It always kept it manageable, but it never fully cured it. Creams never worked for me… I have the deep cystic acne that starts deep below the skin and forms painful boils as well as the associated whiteheads.
I ran into this page and was reading about candida overgrowth in the gut. I took the advice seriously, got off the Bactrim. I am pretty strict on the Paleo diet already, so my diet modification didn’t take too much effort.
In place of the Bactrim, I got the strongest probiotics around – 15 billion units. Its been a few months, but I have not had any major acne breakouts. (My skin is not perfect, but no worse than it was on the Bactrim).
It blows my mind that the very medication that we take to cure acne could actually be causing it or making it worse.
There is a Ultimate Flora Super Critical 200 billion probiotic. I took it for a skin condition I had…………..worked great.
Awww Chris! I just got your email about accepting NEW patients and it’s already full. I hope you’ll accept new patients soon!!!!
So I have rash that comes and goes on my hands (starting last year). I’m 33 years old. I definitely had/have bloatness all my life, bouts of depression, strong sugar cravings, etc. I typically eat a Paleo type diet. I have tried GAPS but not strictly as I am nursing. I am currently reading Sarah’s book on AIP. It seems that I react to nuts and nightshades but its hard to tell with a 3 year old asking me “Why” for the 100th time and my 9 months old needing attention.
Anyway, I’m rambling but I hope to become your patient one day because I feel that you’re the only one who can truly get to the bottom of this. Thanks!
Forgot to mention. (I’m not being prideful here) I actually have amazing skin (just a few pimples here and there as a teenager). Which is odd to me that I would get this rash on my hands when I have great looking skin everywhere else. I did get a new rash on the side of my left breast when I tried the GAPS about 3 months ago….I thought that perhaps I was detoxing. Strange!
Cindy, your sx sound a lot like mine. Have a Look at Dr. Norm Robillard’s FAST TRACK Diet for IBS. I stopped eating foods with high fermentation potential and it really cleared up confusion about what foods I was reacting too. Read his blog post on IBS and SIBO. He is REALLY onto something that I think Chris and others will be following. He explains why there are a few foods on some of the digestive health diets that are really problematic for Sibo. I started following his diet and my bloating cleared up in THREE DAYS. And I stopped having undigested food in my stool, no more gas and burping is WAY Down. It is like a miracle. I can still digest well chewed Jasmine rice. He will explain why in his book. It is a really do-able diet as nuts and low-lactose and fermented dairy are allowed if tollerated. Good luck. http://digestivehealthinstitute.org/2012/08/17/sibo-diet-and-digestive-health/
need some advise. live in lake oswego, or. just went on fodmap diet a month or so ago. working well except just had surgery for huge hiatal hernia plus achelasia which means only liquids for min. of 6 weeks. don’t like coconuts but other than that am open for suggestions where can find tasty drinks with some nutitional value. thanks, les
I am sitting here wondering ..I am just getting over a terrible bout of c-diff and have been drinking two glasses of kifer a day to get my gut flora up…and I have notice my the skin on my face looks better…I didn’t have dry patches but a reddish looking face and I was trying to cover up my face skin with liquid make-up.the past few days I have been not used liquid makeup ( after 69 years of using makeup) and I think my skin is looking better everyday ..after reading these posts I wonder if it is the probiotics making my skin better…
I had acne throughout my teenage years, but as my hormones changed (I am female so my male hormone levels are decreasing as I am leaving puberty) I began to get symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. I find this very interesting but I cannot seem to find any websites directly approaching this connection. Does anyone know anything about acne + IBS specifically?
I’m a 27 yo male who has had acne since puberty. I have been prescribed several antibiotics over the years (currently Bactrim) to control my breakouts. It really does work, however I have been developing lots of symptoms which I only recently became informed of.
Since the Bactrim is indiscriminately killing off my gut flora, I am sure that my gut has some serious issues. It may explain my frequent nausea which always intensifies on an empty stomach.
I have also ready about Candida overgrowth which can occur when bacteria are out of balance. The Candida fungus releases toxic byproducts into the blood stream.
To treat this, I am now committing to stopping with Bactrim, taking 15 billion units of oral probiotic per day, as well as adding more unpasteurized/fermented foods to my diet. I also just began taking Caprylic Acid which is supposed to reduce the Candida overgrowth without killing good bacteria off.
I already eat a pretty healthy diet by trying to stick to the Paleo eating plan. The Paleo plan’s goal is reduced inflammation and optimal gut health and I’m already pretty accustomed to this diet. I have noticed some improvement in my skin since beginning it a few years ago.
Is there any topical treatment that you or any reader recommends? I usually alternate between Benzyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid facial washes and an occasional dab from my last tube of retinol renewal complex (Clean and Clear Brand, no longer available in stores as far as I know). I have tried things like Tea Tree Oil, however applying any oil to my skin seems two only make things worse.
Apple cider vinegar (alive and unpasteurized, with the mother) morning and evening would probably be a good topical treatment for you. Dilute it 50/50 with water and adjust as needed. Give it some time and you’ll probably see good results.
Hi Matt, you need to stop using all chemicals on your face and begin to restore the natural ph and friendly bacteria to your skin as well as your gut. Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies, therefore, anything you put on your skin will sink in and enter your blood stream and affect your organs. You need to re-alkaline your gut and skin and a wonderful way to do this is by using Apple Cider Vinegar and coconut oil. I know putting more oil on your face seems scary but it will actually permeate the cell walls of much of the unfriendly bacteria and essentially “blow it up”. On another note you will want to detoxify your body and help the unwanted bacteria leave so I recommend Epsom Salt baths 3x per week. Lastly, while Paleo is an excellent diet for people who are already healthy, for someone trying to recover, most meat and all sugar types sans Stevia must be eliminated for 1-3 months. Also, you will want to buy everything organic and chemical free for a speedy recovery. In addition to caprylic acid, I highly recommend these supplements and herbs: N-A-C, CoQ10, Zinc, Biotin, Selenium, milk thistle, goldenseal, oil of oregano, pau d’arco, garlic supplement by Kyolic (they make one for candida and digestion), extra vitamin C, chlorophyll, vitamins A,E and B complex. I know it sounds like a lot but recovering from leaky gut takes a lot for your body to correct and it may take months but it will work! Drink tons of water as well and make sure that you allow your body to sweat often! I hope all of this helps. Just remember you will notice a difference in your appearance when your gut heals. The easiest way to figure out what someone is going through on the inside is by how they look on the outside. You will heal. I promise!
Hi LS,
Thanks for your suggestion to Matt. I’m curious to why one who has candida overgrowth should avoid meat for 1-3 meats? Also, should that person also avoid all grains/legumes or is it just eating veggies/fruits?
***for 1-3 months
This summer I have had a full blown skin rash on one arm, then the other. The dermatologists said I had dry skin. My medical (very holistic) doctor said my blood work was perfect and it had to be something external. I did 3 weeks of gluten free diet and still had the rash. I did discover a bacteria problem in our hot water heater which is now resolved, the rash is some better but still hanging in there.
About a month ago I had a thermographic imaging breast exam done. The image went from my throat to my pelvic area. The ta-tas are all good but a huge red mass in my stomach/pancreas/liver area and the diagnosis was that I had some kind of “gut” problem. I have changed my diet to diary free (except some fermented yogurt in my green smoothies), lots of dark green veges, fermented veges (sauerkraut…), sustainable seafood and chicken. and an organic Kombucha daily.
I have not been able to lose weight for the last 7-8 years. I have now lost 3 pounds in one week on this diet. My rash is considerably better (at least until I had wine last night).
There is a lot to this gut-skin connection. I think I may have been headed toward an auto-immune problem had I not begun a focus on my digestive system.
Hey Gail,
How did you find out that you had bad bacteria in your hot water heater?
I got my hand rash shortly after replacing our hot water heater but never thought about that until I read your message.
Any other you have will be greatly appreciated! -Cindy