FIR Episode 24: Can the gut and the brain be the solution to your skin issues?

Would you believe two dermatologists first spoke about the brain, gut, and skin connection in 1930?

It’s only recently that the brain-digestion-skin link is helping people break free of their long-standing acne and skin issues.

In this Free and Inspired radio episode, Philip breaks down how the gut, brain and skin interact with each other for either better or worse.

For example, mental health conditions that develop as part of living with a skin condition can rebound and worsen through the digestive system.

Digestion and diet are also directly and indirectly linked to acne.

For example, studies in adolescent girls suggest that a standard western diet, classically containing red meat, dairy and high glycemic foods, may aggravate acne.

Philip looks at the main dietary change that unlocks the gut, brain and skin connection and reveals how surprisingly easy it can be.

Probiotics play a massive part in acne.

Even back to the pioneers of the digestion, skin, and brain connection in the 1930s and earlier. 

Just not in the way you might think.

Topically administered probiotics including L.plantarum, for instance, have potential to treat certain forms of acne.

You can learn about the early evidence on this and why probiotic creams may help skin conditions in the future.

Learn about substance P and the way it brings the gut, brain and skin together.

Substance P is called a neuropeptide. Stress and infection are among the things that cause its release. This molecule is highly inflammatory and participates in diseases across the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems, and worsens acne.

Learn about how probiotics can downregulate this important mediator between the gut and the brain for the benefit of the skin.

All this and more in this episode of Free and Inspired radio!