Most people don't realize that your skin is an organ. In fact, it's your largest one. Your skin weighs in at about 8 pounds and stretches to about 22 square feet. That's a lot of surface area for potential problems! And, like all organs in your body, what you put into it affects its function and appearance. When your skin is breaking out or looking dull, it can be pointing to larger issues. 

One way to ensure beautiful skin is to take care of your gut. Eating clean foods such as fermented foods helps to support both your skin and gut microbiome—which are so vital for your skin. The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria that play an important role in immunity, digestion, and even mental health. When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to inflammation, which shows up on the skin as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and more. 

Here are some tips for how to promote gut health and say goodbye to acne. Achieve glowing skin naturally, from the inside out.

In addition to fermented foods, clean food choices such as fruits, vegetables (eat the rainbow), whole grains (sprouted and soaked if possible), healthy fats (avocado, wild-caught salmon, nuts, etc), and foods rich in fiber (legumes, beans, etc) and protein (eggs, meat, nuts) provide the nourishment that your skin needs to be radiant and glowing. 

Get some ideas for healthy beverages on our blog.

Hydration is critical for our overall health and well-being, but it’s especially important for our skin and gut health. Water makes up more than 60% of our body weight and is essential for all of our bodily functions and overall health. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can become dry, dull, and wrinkled.  When we’re properly hydrated, our skin looks plumper and more radiant, and our digestion process is more efficient. Water aids in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. Drinking enough water also helps to flush out toxins and keep our bodies functioning at their best. So next time you’re reaching for a snack, consider reaching for a glass of water first. Your skin and gut will thank you!

When it comes to staying healthy, getting enough sleep is just as important as eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly. It allows the body to repair itself and can help improve mood, concentration, and energy levels. Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health, and recent research has also shown that it can have a positive impact on gut health. In fact, sleep is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria by reducing stress levels and supporting the growth of good bacteria. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of inflammation and gastrointestinal problems, so getting plenty of rest is essential for keeping your gut healthy. 

Sleep also plays a role in skin health. Your body needs sleep in order to repair and regenerate cells—that includes the cells in your skin. When you don’t get enough sleep, it shows up in the form of dark circles under your eyes and a lackluster complexion. A good night's sleep helps to repair damage from sun exposure and other environmental stressors, and it also promotes collagen production, which helps to keep skin looking youthful and radiant. And sleep helps to regulate the production of hormones that can lead to inflammation and blemishes.

So if you're looking for a way to improve your skin and gut health, make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night! 

Stress is a normal part of life, but it can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Stress can cause headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue. It can also lead to more serious health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Stress can also affect your skin and gut health. When you're stressed, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone can cause inflammation, which can lead to skin problems like breakouts, acne, premature aging, eczema, psoriasis, and general loss of radiance. 

Stress can also disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. And as we know, gut health and skin health are connected. 

Hormonal imbalances can cause a whole host of problems—including issues with gut and skin health. Balancing hormones helps with the production of sebum, which can help to regulate the skin's oil production. Balancing hormones can also help to regulate the growth of intestinal bacteria, which can help improve gut health. In addition, balancing hormones can help to reduce inflammation, which can help to improve the appearance of the skin. This can be a complex process, but it is essential for maintaining healthy skin and gut health. If you suspect that hormones may be at the root of your skin issues, talk to a doctor or naturopath about ways to get them back into balance. This may include dietary changes, supplements, and/or herbal remedies. 

Beautiful skin doesn't have to be something that's unattainable—you can achieve it by following these simple tips! Beautiful skin starts from the inside out. 

Start with eating clean foods that provide nutrients for both gut and skin health; then move on to drinking plenty of water every day and getting enough sleep each night; stress management is also key for keeping hormone levels balanced which will show up in the form of clear healthy skin! Finally don't forget the importance of regular self-care—do something each day that makes you happy! 

When any of these areas are out of balance, it can lead to inflammation and a breakdown in the skin barrier which causes premature aging. So start from the inside out for beautiful skin at any age. By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to radiant glowing skin in no time!