S To Get Rid Of A Candida Overgrowth
There are three indispensable parts of any Candida treatment plan: a low sugar diet, natural antifungals, and good probiotics. These three things help deprive Candida albicans of the food it needs, prevent it from colonizing your gut, and restore a healthy balance of good bacteria. Avoiding foods that cause inflammation can also go a long way towards recovering your gut health.
Here are three steps on how to get rid of Candida overgrowth.
The Research Confirms It: Acne Patients Also Have Gut Problems
Theres a growing body of studies that link impaired gut flora to skin problems.
Lets look at just a few.
One study from China showed the prevalence of impaired gut flora in a skin condition called seborrhoeic dermatitis that mainly affects the scalp, but can also affect the face, neck, and chest. Not exactly acne, but it does establish a connection between gut bacteria and an inflammatory skin disorder.
This one is a little more up our alley: in a Russian study, 54% of the acne patients studied had impaired gut flora. Not overwhelming numbers, but check this out: the authors of the study were able to cut their patients treatment time in half by treating the gut dysbiosis. If youre an acne sufferer, that should interest you.
Another study linked small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with rosacea, a skin condition related to acne . Basically, when you have SIBO, harmful bacteria like E. coli move from your large intestine into your small intestine and overpower what little microbial resistance they find there. This leads to all kinds of nasty things like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, bloating you get the picture.
No surprise then, that two studies found that acne sufferers tend to react to tests that show fecal coliforms in their bloodstream.
Wait a second Fecal coliforms? In the blood??
Yep. Pretty strong hint that acne patients have leaky gut, wouldnt you say?
Its all starting to paint a picture.
Benefits Of Probiotics For Acne
Probiotics offer both internal and external benefits, and one method of use may yield better results than another for each person.
- Calms internal inflammation: Taking probiotics is the best bet to keep the lining of your digestive tract smooth and robust. “Acne-causing bacteria promote inflammation in the skin, leading to acne breakouts,” says Zeichner. “The theory behind the use of probiotics for acne is that it can normalize the balance of healthy bacteria on the skin to reduce inflammation.”
- Inhibits production of Propionibacterium acnes: Probiotics applied to the skin consistently led to fewer instances of the P. acnesbacteria that causes acne, according to an article in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology.
- Protects skin from environmental damage: Fighting off external sources of irritation or infection is easier when probiotics bolster your skincare. “Probiotics can create ‘holes’ in bad bacteria and kill them,” Engelman elaborates. “Similar to the way antibiotics work in the treatment of acne and rosacea, probiotics can help fight harmful bugs from triggering that inflammation in the first place.”
- Strengthens skin’s natural moisture barrier: If you’ve scrubbed too vigorously with cleansers and other products, probiotics help restore the skin’s natural barrier function, which is vital to banishing redness, sensitivity, breakouts, and irritation.
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Reason #3 To Stop Taking Probiotics: Your Digestive Issue Is In The Past
This is why I stopped taking probiotics and this is when I tell my clients to stop taking probiotics. Nevertheless, many people continue to take pricey probiotic supplements for preventative reasons.
While I think thats safer than taking drugs like statins for preventative reasons, remember, fermented foods give us a far greater variety and complexity of beneficial bacteria than probiotic supplements. While we cant deny the benefits of probiotic supplementation, over the long term I trust the thousands of years of fermented foods in the human diet more than laboratory formulations.
Give me fermented foods over supplements any day.
Much tastier too.
What Are Sebaceous Glands And Why We Need Sebum
The sebaceous glands key function is in fact to produce sebum, a complex substance consisting of various lipids. Normally, sebaceous glands secrete a small amount of semi-translucent liquid which spreads over the skin surface, soaks up the keratinous layer mixing with the skins own lipids and provides protection from external damage. This thin lipid layer shields us from infection, toxic damage and nanoparticles brought about by urban pollution and at the same time it gives the skin comfort and softness. Not enough sebum means the skin is dry and sensitive. Too much sebum though is suffocating.
The activity of sebaceous glands is defined by hormones, mainly testosterone, male sex hormone which women also have. However, to affect the glands, this hormone needs to transform with the help of a clever little enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme grooms and preps the unsophisticated testosterone moulding it into an attractive active form, able to seduce the sebaceous gland cells into an increased sebum synthesis. The more testosterone a person has, the higher the chances of acne and oily skin. Which explains why young men have spots and greasy shine more often than women their testosterone levels are higher. This is why women are routinely prescribed contraceptive pills as acne therapy: among other things, the pills subdue the male hormones improving the skin condition as a result.
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Probiotics And Antibiotics: A Word Of Warning
Probiotics are good bacteria, but they arent a magic cure for acne or any other condition. In truth, their function is merely to correct the bacteria imbalances, including those that are self-inflicted by bad diet choices. Consequently, then, there are several issues that need to be accounted for before introducing probiotics into the acne management strategy
- They are not a replacement for other medical and dermatology treatments
- They are unlikely to completely remove acne symptoms
You need to know that probiotics will only have the desired impact when you choose a healthy option. This means selecting high-quality probiotic topicals and, even more importantly, high-quality probiotics supplements. Putting the wrong stuff into your body is never a wise move, which is why confirming plans with a medical expert, a dermatologist, or a nutritionist is advised.
As well as using probiotics, some people try to use antibiotics. Antibiotics do nothing to treat viral infections, though, and relying on them for bacteria corrections when they arent needed can cause several problems.
Essentially, anyone hoping to incorporate either antibiotics or probiotics into their lives must conduct the right research to ensure theyve taken the right type.
Acne And Probiotics: Which Probiotics Help
Many different probiotics, applied to the skin and/or taken internally have shown promise to improve the severity of skin breakouts in scientific studies. While probiotic topical products may be helpful due to the activity of the bacterial extracts in them, they should not be the only course of action since they are not healing your gut. My suggestions are:
- Clean up your diet. Consider nutritional consultations to find out which foods and lifestyle habits may be contributing to your problem and which foods, probiotics and lifestyle habits can help.
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Your Smartphone Is Spreading Germs
The sitch: If your cell is attached to your ear at all times and you coincidentally seem to be breaking out on one side of your face or jawline, more often than not, you can place blame on your mobile device. When you touch your phone, you transfer all the germs you have on your hands onto your phone not to mention the feces particles that landed on your phone while you were using the restroom . That bacteria gets into your skin, causing blemishes to brew.
The fix:
The Leaky Gut Syndrome And Endotoxemia
Stress, poor diet, and use of certain medications can affect the type of bacteria living in the gut. Certain drugs and lifestyle choices increase the number of harmful bacteria residing in the gut.
The harmful bacteria contain substances known as lipopolysaccharides . LPS are toxic substances that cause inflammation and have been linked to many chronic diseases. In large doses, LPS can lead to toxic shock.
The bacteria damage the gut wall, which allows LPS molecules to pass through. In other words, the gut becomes leaky. Once in circulation, they cause inflammation and cellular damage.
In medical terms, this is called endotoxemia poisoning from within.
So far two studies have tested acne patients for signs of leaky gut. One showed that 66% of acne patients tested positive, and the other study found 65% of acne patients tested positive. This is remarkable when you consider that none of the people with clear skin tested positive.
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What Else Can I Do For My Gut Flora
Weve talked about some things to avoid sugar, refined grains, antibiotic-laden animal foods, etc.
Another huge one that weve hinted at in this article: psychological stress.
Stress kills off your gut flora faster than anything else weve discussed. Researchers have shown that stressed mice, for example, possess only a fraction of the beneficial bacteria as non-stressed control mice.
It makes sense. The brain, gut, and skin are a single, connected, holistic system. When one suffers, they all suffer.
The subject of psychological stress is too big to delve into here, and again, it is very individual. We all must take steps to reduce stress in our own lives, in a way that is meaningful for us and works with our lifestyles. Maybe that means spending more time outdoors, in nature. Maybe it means getting better sleep, or working fewer hours. Maybe it means taking regular yoga classes, or learning how to meditate, or trying acupuncture. Maybe it means taking up an instrument or pursuing an artistic goal. Maybe it means spending more time with neglected friends or quality time with the family.
Whatever reducing stress means to you, make the time to do it. Yes, it takes time, but the rest of your life will be more relaxed and fun.
And one last thing you can do for your gut flora, skin health, and overall health? Read this book: Clear Skin Forever!
Reasons Why Probiotics Cause Skin Breakouts
Skin Breakout Reason #1: You Are Taking a Bad Probiotic
95% of probiotics do not contain the probiotics they claim on the label. In other words: most probiotics on store shelves are toilet flushers. This is due to a few reasons:
Many probiotic formulas are not designed to survive stomach acid, bile acids and digestion very few companies formulate probiotics with a special capsule or prebiotics to help the probiotic make it to your colonwhere the majority of probiotics belong. The result? Malabsorbed probiotic species in your upper GI .
Many probiotics are unstable and do not survive manufacturing itself due to high heat or poor processing practices. The CFU counts on a majority of probiotic labels represent the amount of probiotics that were in the formula before manufacturing, not after.
Most probiotics dont specify the strain being used on the label. A probiotic strain is like the specific type of probiotic species in the formula. For example, Lactobacillus casei NCFB 161 is a probiotic strain that prevents acne , whereas Lactobacillus casei TISTR 389 is a strain from the same species that over activates the immune system and may cause acne .
Skin Breakout Reason #2: You Have SIBO, Dysbiosis or Candida
Skin Breakout Reason #3: Youre Experiencing a Healing Reaction
Healing reactions or HERX reactions are side effects or symptoms that can arise when starting a new supplement, food or a detox habit.
Skin Breakout Reason #4: Youre Missing Pre-biotics
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How To Choose The Best Probiotic For Your Skin
Given the fact that the majority of probiotics do NOT contain the supportive bacteria they claimwhich probiotic should you get?!
Here are 3 essentials to find the best probiotic for you:
Essential #1: Look for Probiotic Strains on the Label
A complete probiotic name includes the Latin name for genus and species, and, ideally, the strain name: for example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Lactobacillus rhamnosusGR-1.
Many probiotics dont include the strain in their formula, which is a red flagsince not all probiotic strains are equal. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is ideal for skin conditions , IBS and beneficial in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, while Lactobacillus rhamnosusGR-1 is best for vaginal and urethra health.
Essential #2: Look for Clinical Trials
Is it tested? Third-party validatednot just tested by the company? If so, this is a winner, winner chicken dinner!
Essential #3: Look for the Survivability Factor
Many probiotics dont survive the acid and bile of the stomach and intestine. Quality probiotics take this into account and demonstrate survivability through digestion.
Ideally, the supplement will specifically list the CFU counts at the time aftermanufacture and may even include a symbiotic or special, additive-free gel capsule to transit the upper GIi to make it to the colon .
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There are hundreds of probiotics out there, but right now, I am crushing on Seed Probiotic!
Take A Mix Of Bifidobacteria And Lactobacillus Strains
Yes, this advice flies in the face of strain-specificitybut for a good reason. All the studies mentioned above used different strains, but they were mostly from the Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus families .
People with acne have low Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus populations , so by taking a blend, youll benefit from a range of probiotic qualities and may end up taking the strains your gut needs to rebalance.
The science here is developing all the time, so it likely wont be long before we have probiotic strain shown to help acne in most of us reliably. Until then, you just need to find something that works for youand trying one or both the above is a great place to start.
For evidence-based, hand-picked supplements for acne, check out the Inside-Out Skincare Bundle.
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How To Free Yourself From This Vicious Cycle
Whether it is the stress that is causing you to be constipated or whether the irregularity in your bowel movements is making your life more stressful, if you do not resolve the situation, you will be stuck in a vicious cycle. Following are some suggestions that would help you break free.
Know What your Regular Bowel Habits are: Everyones body in general and digestive systems in particular are unique and just because you do not have to go everyday does not mean that there is anything wrong with you. Regular bowel movements can range anywhere between three times a day to three times a week! Know what your schedule is and get comfortable with it, as it will save you from a lot of undue stress!
Try to Eliminate Stress as much as Possible: Our hectic lifestyle subjects us to an undue amount of stress every day however, you owe it to yourself to eliminate that as much as possible. Is the unfair workload at work putting you under duress? An open conversation with your boss might be in order. Going through a rocky patch in your relationship? Talk things out with your partner, and if needed seek some help from a relationship counselor. Still havent come to terms with your parents divorce? You need to stop blaming yourself and seek help from a psychiatrist if you have to.
In severe cases be prepared to undergo XRays, ultrasounds or MRIs of your abdominal area and a colonoscopy may be necessary as well!
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Are Probiotics Good For Acne
Theres no denying that there is a gut-skin connection that can influence acne after all, studies have shown that acne patient do tend to have impaired gut flora but can taking a probiotic really help with your acne symptoms? Im here to take a look at the benefits of probiotics as well as examine some of the counterarguments against them!
Felicity Mann
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So Are Probiotics A Miracle Cure For Acne
Unfortunately, the miracle cure mentality is alive and well on the Internet.
Heres the straight dope: skin issues are complex. That means no miracle cure!
Think of it like this: your skin is the last stop on a long, complex journey. By the time acne and inflammation show up on your skin, the underlying issues have made stops at Stomach Junction, Gut Village, Blood Valley, Brain Town, and numerous other organs and systems along the way.
Heres the good news: acne is a valuable, red flag indicator that something has gone wrong at one or more of those stations. Its like Lassie showing up barking, telling you theres trouble at the old mill.
If you think about it, it would be very strange if our organs didnt interact and pass their problems along to one another. The various systems in our body are connected. Why should heart problems only indicate heart causes? Why should liver problems only originate in the liver? Why should skin problems only start on the surface?
Same goes for cures.
It would be very strange if one single treatment was able to override all the other signals your body was getting, and just worked in isolation. Sure, taking probiotics might help balance your gut flora, but suppose you were still eating a diet high in omega-6 fats, thus triggering an inflammatory response throughout your body? It would be strange if your skin ignored the inflammatory response and simply healed itself simply because you were taking probiotics, wouldnt it??