Microbes are Living all over your Gut
What’s the Verdict?
Skin microbes exist, but so do microbes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which begins at the mouth, runs through the throat (pharynx), esophagus, stomach, and intestines, and proceeds to the anus. Each organ is its own borough and contains a unique balance of microorganisms that help regulate the immune system, just like the skin.
The Rundown
In the body, their job is to maintain homeostasis through continuous communication with tissues and organs. Your microbes are also in contact with the epithelial cells, which cover the inner surface of your gut. As the bridge between the external world and the internal body, these cells are vital. In the GIT and on the skin, dendritic cells engage in consistent conversations with epithelial cells to help regulate the immune system. The first time a foreign substance enters the body or contacts the skin, your dendritic and epithelial cells make copies of its DNA. Thus, such intruders will be more easily detected and eliminated in the future.
Like the skin, gut permeability increases when the microbiome is out of balance. It allows unwanted substances to pass through the GIT and enter the bloodstream. They travel to different parts of the body, causing the body to overreact and recruit the defense team. Recurrence of this situation can lead to leaky gut, which in turn can cause digestive problems and other health complications. This is in addition to the various skin conditions mentioned in the previous script. Among them are acne (low Firmicute counts and high Bacteroides counts), and Rosacea (possibly triggered by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
Is the buzz about microbiomes in the GIT solid? The gut is home to a diverse population of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that partner up with humans. Gut bacteria can produce at least thirty hormone-like substances, making it the body's largest endocrine gland. Essentially, the endocrine system functions as a telephone. Endocrine glands are the senders of hormones (voice messages), which are transported through the bloodstream (the Telecommunications tower) to reach the organ's inbox (the recipients). The hormone acts on the recipient. The skin is one of these recipients. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), cortisol, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA are some examples of hormone-like substances. Here are some other benefits of the gut microbiome:
digests indigestible polysaccharides (fiber) into essential nutrients:
Vitamin K
Vitamin B12
Butyrate
Propionate
Nutrients such as these affect the epithelial barrier, keeping it tight so large food particles can't enter the bloodstream to activate the immune system
aids in bone health - increases calcium absorption
helps maintain appropriate weight
boosts immunity – competes with pathogens for nutrients and secretes antimicrobial compounds
In terms of demographics and residence, gut and skin microbiome differ with age:
The more topics we explore, the more apparent the pattern will become; human metabolism is a holistic process rather than a system-by-system operation. Throughout the gut and on the skin, microbes communicate constantly to ensure everything is running smoothly. Having gained a better understanding of the gastrointestinal tract's role in skin health, let's examine some of the key nutrients required for healthy skin. We'll then get into the nitty gritty of Lichen Planus. Until next time, Stay Strong & Stay Vivid!
Reference
Skowron. K. et al. (2021). Human Skin Microbiome: Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Skin Microbiota. MDPI. h https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030543.
Ratanapokasatit. Y. et al. (2022). How Microbiomes Affect Skin Aging: The Updated Evidence and Current Perspectives. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12070936.
De Pessemier. B. et al. (2021). Gut-Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020353.
