The skin suffers under sick intestines
As a result, the intestines can’t absorb important nutrients and pass them on to the rest of the body. “The whole body then suffers, not just the skin”, explains Dauer. “Depending on the lack of nutrients that aren’t absorbed. This results in dry and dull skin as well as cracks in the corners the mouth, eczema, hair loss, nail changes and split nail plates.”
Sugar attacks the intestinal flora
Not only antibiotics can damage the intestines. According to the dermatologist, sugar is also the enemy of a healthy intestinal flora since it serves as a nutritional basis for pathogenic germs and fungi. “Just like antibiotics, too much sugar can change the bacterial colonisation of the intestines and alter the intestinal mucosa. Consequently, the intestines can’t fulfil their tasks properly, which also results in skin damage”, says Dauer. Even more problematic is the direct impact of sugar on the soft tissue fibres of the skin: “This process is known as glycation and describes the saccharification of tissue fibres. Final sugar products that the body can’t metabolise hang onto these fibres in the skin and form clumps”, explains the doctor. Acne, wrinkles and pigmented spots are the end result.
Intestinal toxins influence skin complexion
Sick intestines don’t only hamper the intake of important nutrients, pathogenic germs and fungi also propagate and produce toxins. These not only unbalance digestions, but also influence the skin. Skin diseases such as acne, neurodermatitis, psoriasis and allergies are associated again and again with a sick intestinal flora.
Consult your doctor about the causes of skin problems
But how can we determine whether a sick intestine is the cause of skin problems? “Dermatologists analyse certain enzymes and antibodies in the gastrointestinal tract that indicate the presence of food intolerances”, explains the dermatologist. This allows the doctor to recognise, for example, gluten intolerances, histamine intolerances or allergies towards certain proteins in food.
Experts also recommend going to a gastroenterologist if you suffer from constant skin problems. If a sick bowel is the cause of the complaints, then examinations and treatments from dermatology and gastroenterology are coordinated and applied together.
