Recent research has discovered the profound connection between our gut and brain health. Known as the "gut-brain axis," this intricate communication system highlights how the health of our digestive system can influence our cognitive function, mood, and skin.
Leaky gut occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes compromised. This allows substances that should remain in the digestive tract to enter the bloodstream. Similarly, a leaky blood-brain barrier occurs when the protective barrier between the bloodstream and the brain becomes compromised. This allows harmful substances to enter the brain. The connection key is that many of the same factors that cause a leaky gut—poor gut health, unhealthy diet, food intolerances, food sensitivities, toxins, and infections— also create a leaky brain. Likewise, inflammation triggered by a leaky gut can manifest on the skin as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
The Science behind Leaky Gut and Brain.
A protein called gliadin, which is found in wheat and gluten, increases another protein called zonulin. Zonulin weakens the tight junctions of the gut lining and the blood-brain barrier. This weakening allows harmful substances to literally leak through the barrier contributing to leaky gut and leaky brain. Other factors like chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and infections can also compromise the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.
How to Reverse and Heal a Leaky Gut and Brain – Stop and Start.
Treating a leaky brain starts by healing a leaky gut. This involves eliminating all the factors that cause a leaky gut and then adding dietary and lifestyle factors that support brain health. Your skin health is a helpful reflection of overall well-being. The good news is that you have the power to improve your skin by supporting gut and brain health:
STOP:
- Eating wheat and gluten (studies from Harvard³ show that wheat creates a leaky gut in all humans!)
- Eating inflammatory foods, such as sugar and processed foods
- Ignoring stress
- Allowing bacterial and viral infections to fester before getting treatment
- Drinking alcohol in excess
- Exposure to environmental toxins in air, water, and food
START:
- Detoxifying the body of pesticides and heavy metals
- Eating prebiotic foods, such as leeks, bananas, and oats
- Eating probiotic foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yogurt
- Eating essential fatty acids (vital for brain health), including avocado, coconut oil, flaxseed, hemp seed, fish high in omegas, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts
- Eating unprocessed foods, including fruits and vegetables
- Making quality sleep a priority
- Drinking at least 8-10 cups of water each day
- Reducing stress through exercise, meditation, and relaxation
Nurture your skin from within!
Wishing you wellness and beautiful skin,
The Jenn Joseph Team
Stay curious, stay informed, and remember that small, positive changes can make a significant difference in your health journey.
References and further reading to deepen your understanding of this topic. Knowledge empowers you to make informed choices for your health and well-being.
- https://mindd.org/leaky-brain/
- https://mindd.org/understanding-leaky-gut-syndrome/
- Sweeney, M. D., et al. (2018). "Blood-brain barrier: From physiology to disease and back." Physiological Reviews, 99(1), 21-78.
- Banks, W. A. (2016). "The blood-brain barrier in health and disease." Neurobiology of Disease, 107, 41-50.
- Rhea, E. M., et al. (2020). "Blood-brain barrier: Emerging concepts in health and disease." Journal of Neurology, 267(12), 3138-3152