The Gut-Skin Connection: Dr. Aruna's holistic intervention for skin healing
Gut - Skin connection By Holistic Psychiatrist Dr. Aruna Tummala, M.D. for Hemptress®
According to AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), 84.5 million Americans — one in four — were impacted by skin disease, which cost the US healthcare system $75 billion in medical, preventative, and prescription and non-prescription drug costs (1). Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually (2). Although acne is a disease of adolescents and young adults, we are seeing an increase in acne in the adult population as well—approximately 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne. In 2013, the costs associated with the treatment and lost productivity among those who sought medical care for acne exceeded $1.2 billion.
Given that these numbers are based on 2013 healthcare claims data, one can only assume that these numbers have gone up since then.
The typical response by mainstream dermatologists, according to AAD's 2016 treatment guidelines (3) is to consider topicals such as: Benzoyl peroxide, Topical retinoids, Topical antibiotics, Clascoterone, Salicylic acid, and Azelaic acid. If there is an inadequate response, systemic agents are recommended, such as antibiotics (Doxycycline, for example), hormonal agents (combined oral contraceptives or spironolactone), and isotretinoin. A review of the side effects is enough to give anyone pause and ask, "Is there a better way?"
As a holistic psychiatrist, I am here to assure you that yes! There is a better and surer path to healing from any skin condition. As a psychiatrist, I did not start off to heal acne, eczema, or rosacea. When I applied the holistic principles to help my patients heal from their mental illness, I observed that their whole mind-body system was healing. Here are just a few patient examples.
Nathan came to be for OCD, Depression, and ch PTSD. In the process of healing from these conditions, he also healed his chronic eczema. (https://youtu.be/5-GvDTY4eVY)
CF came to me for schizophrenia. As her schizophrenia resolved, her severe rosacea and her autoimmune thyroiditis both went into remission. (https://trinergyhealth.com/new-testimonial-i-knew-we-could-cure-here-using-ayurveda-functional-medicine/) and (in this blog, before and after pictures show the healing of rosacea - https://psychiatry2.com/schizophrenia-psychosis-novel-solutions-to-an-old-problem/)
A young 14-year-old came to me for depression. As she reversed her depression, she also healed her severe acne.
These are just a few examples. All these people have been able to stay healthy and in remission from all the health issues that brought them into treatment.
How was this possible? Frankly, it is not rocket science. Rather, it is the result of applying holistic medicine, specifically Ayurveda and functional medicine.
India's 5000-year-old medical system, Ayurveda, is a complete medical system that has helped generations of people heal from many seemingly incurable illnesses. Ayurveda is enjoying a resurgence worldwide now. One of the core features of Ayurveda is the importance of digestive function and overall health. In fact, restoring gastrointestinal function and health is considered the core intervention for almost all (if not all) chronic diseases. Most illnesses (barring acute infections, acute trauma, and such) are caused by lifestyle, which creates disordered metabolism and impacts the physiological function of many organ systems in the body. So, in Ayurveda, using lifestyle changes (and herbs and detoxification protocols), we work towards restoring the metabolism and function of every organ system, thus restoring health and vitality in the whole mind-body-spirit system.
Today, we hear about the gut-skin axis which refers to the bi-directional relationship between the gut microbiome and skin health (4). Ayurvedic texts also talk about this gut-skin axis.
Ayurvedic texts describe the structure of skin in incredible similarity to modern understanding of the structure of the skin (5). Ayurvedic texts also refer to the gut-skin axis and posit that problems in the gut-skin axis cause many skin diseases. In the Ayurvedic understanding, skin diseases are a result of problems not just with the microbiome, but many other causes are also identified, such as impaired digestive abilities, inflammation in the gut, nutritional deficiencies, leaky gut syndrome, where the gut lining is disrupted, etc. (6).
Modern science is also finding these root causes of skin disorders. Some articles that have delved into the gut-skin axis are listed here (7, 8, 9).
However, it has been studied that it takes 17 years for cutting edge valid scientific research to be implemented into mainstream clinical practice. Which is why even though we are seeing credible research implicating the gut-skin axis showing up, how to implement this fascinating information in clinical practice so patients can find relief, is not here in mainstream physician offices.
I hope you are glad you came by this blog 😊. If you are struggling with acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or any other skin condition, read on to find out how the patients above healed themselves, so you can, too!
If I were to sum up my intervention, here it is: "Remove the bad, provide the good —at the level of the body, the mind, and the spirit." This.is.it. We repeat this until a person finds healing, joy , and vitality. Now, we are able to help our patients achieve this in under 6 months.
First, let's understand the root causes with some clarity. IMHO, there are only 3 root causes – (wrong) Diet, Trauma, and Toxins. For example, salad is considered healthy here in the US. However, according to Ayurveda, food is healthy not just by its quality (fresh, organic, chemical free, nutrient-dense, seasonal, minimally processed, non-GMO, etc.) but also by your ability to digest it to extract nutrients and eliminate the waste. So, you are what you eat and are able to digest. Otherwise, any undigested food will lead to leaky gut, microbial dysbiosis, indigestion, and toxicity.
If you are struggling with any chronic illness, you have impaired digestion. So, switch to well-cooked food that is also anti-inflammatory (so remove dairy and gluten for sure – some people may need to remove other food groups), loaded with nutrients, and make sure you are eating "clean" food. Whenever we enter the repair and regeneration phase, our nutrient needs go up. Hence, I offer supplements to support the repair and regeneration process. Ayurvedic herbals are also highly effective in addressing the root causes whether it is inflammation or poor digestion. For example, CCF tea – cumin, coriander, and fennel tea, when sipped prior to meals, can gently support the release of digestive enzymes. Omega 3 fatty acids provide the building blocks for repair of the gut lining as well as healthy skin – as within, so without. What the gut lining needs to repair, the skin needs as well!
Next, let's talk about trauma. Follow us on Instagram for a detailed summary of the trauma-skin axis. In brief here, early life trauma or chronic stress leads to inflammation and excess cortisol, which causes a leaky gut, and in some people, these imbalances can manifest in the gut-skin axis. So, exploring early life trauma, resolving it, meditation to enhance self-awareness, enhance emotional resilience – all these become important elements of a holistic treatment plan for any disease, including skin diseases.
Finally, we live in an increasingly toxic world. Our food, air, water, and soil are all contaminated with harmful chemicals that our ancestors just 70 years ago did not have to contend with. Chemicals also abound in our personal care products (body, teeth, hair, and skincare products). Our bodies also regard pharmaceuticals as toxins because they are non-native molecules. Sadly, pharmaceuticals also contain many harmful chemicals in the form of preservatives, artificial dyes, petrochemicals, artificial flavors, etc.
All of these chemicals cause a variety of harms as they can be – immune toxic, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic, and toxic to the gut lining, to name a few. In my view, the contraceptives recommended in the ADA guide as a treatment for acne are also endocrine disruptors.
Hence detoxification is a must to restore order and balance within the mind-body-spirit system. Detoxification is 2-fold.
1. Eliminate (or minimize) chemicals in your food, environment, personal care products and switch to toxin free products (Hemptress's Love Me, Heal Me® Facial Serum, anyone? 😉). Jokes aside, Hemptress's signature product is lovingly made without any "petro-cosmetics" and carefully crafted with pure organic botanicals that provide nourishment, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation to the skin.
2. Support body's detoxification and repair processes. We have to eliminate the toxins that have already accumulated in the body. This can be with food that includes high-quality fat – as all toxins are fat soluble, and eating food rich in sulfur-containing amino acids so our body can make its own glutathione. Supplementation with NAC or glutathione is also recommended. Also, supporting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative processes will help with healing and repair. Sweating (with sauna or exercise) and jumping jacks for lymphatic drainage can all support detoxification processes. Hydration keeps the blood and lymph moving and doing its job. Regular bowel movement is crucial. In fact, when constipation happens, toxins get reabsorbed into the systemic circulation and may find expression in the skin as acne or boils, for example.
So, to recap:
1. Eliminate inflammatory foods – mostly dairy and gluten.
2. Eat "real" food as described above.
3. Targeted supplements – Omega 3 fatty acids (dose will vary between skin conditions, so you may want to consult a holistic doctor), NAC, glutathione, Vit D, Iron (for women especially), methylated multivitamin such as MitoBoost.
4. Stress reduction skills. Steps to resolve trauma and build self-worth, self-love.
5. Detox – switch to clean products, support with supplements, sauna, exercise, lymphatic drainage, Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage followed by sauna, etc.
6. Work with a holistic doctor who can help you reverse these conditions and heal, rather than suppress or tame the symptoms.
Reach out for any comments or questions.
Thank you for your attention to this article.
References:
https://www.aad.org/member/clinical-quality/clinical-care/bsd
https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers#:~:text=Acne%20is%20the%20most%20common,to%2050%20million%20Americans%20annually.&text=Acne%20usually%20begins%20in%20puberty,experience%20at%20least%20minor%20acne.
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(15)02614-6/fulltext
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01459/full
https://www.ijcap.org/journal-article-file/6042#:~:text=Compared%20to%20the%20categorization%20of,vedini%2C%20rohini%2C%20and%20mansdhara)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8441427/).
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01459/full
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7916842/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9138548/
All content found on the hemptress.org website, including: text, images, audio or other formats were created for educational and informational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the statements or claims made on this website. This website is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease and does not replace an evaluation by a qualified medical professional.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. This website is for educational purposes only.
Trinergy Health and Dr. Aruna, M.D. use functional medicine and Ayurveda-based approach to provide comprehensive treatment protocols for the benefit of our patients. Our goal is to improve cellular function. We focus on dietary and lifestyle guidance and advanced nutritional monitoring to improve cellular function and physiology that is science-based, but has not been evaluated by the FDA yet.
