Exploring the Connection Between Gut Health and Eczema in Adults Using Microbiome Testing

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. There are several different types of eczema, and the most common is atopic dermatitis, which affects around 2–10% of adults. Eczema symptoms can develop anywhere on the body and can range in severity. While the exact cause of eczema remains unknown, experts believe that our gut health may play a role in its development. In this article, we will explore the links between our gut health and eczema in adults. We will also consider how gut microbiome testing can help us to understand this connection in more detail, allowing us to make proactive changes to our diet and lifestyle.

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Understanding Gut Health and Eczema in Adults

Evidence supports a direct link between our gut health and eczema in adults. What seems to be particularly important is the composition of our gut microbiome. Experts refer to this connection as the “gut-skin axis.”

Research has shown an association between common skin conditions and dysbiosis of the gut. Studies report a lower diversity of the gut microbiome in individuals with atopic dermatitis. In particular, these individuals have increased levels of harmful bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria within their gut microbiome. Furthermore, individuals with atopic dermatitis are more likely to have a food allergy and experience a flare-up of their skin symptoms as a reaction to certain foods.

So, how does what’s happening within our gut influence our skin? Firstly, our gut microbiome helps to regulate the functioning of our immune system. Inflammation caused by an overactive immune response is often responsible for the symptoms of eczema. If there is an imbalance of gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, it can lead to an exaggerated immune response, thereby exacerbating skin conditions.

Secondly, gut microbial dysbiosis can lead to an increase in the permeability of the gut walls. This causes large foreign substances from undigested food to pass through into the bloodstream, a process known as “leaky gut.” Now, if you are wondering, “Can leaky gut cause eczema?”- the short answer is yes. Patients with atopic eczema have been shown to have increased permeability in the lining of their gut walls, and addressing this may help improve skin symptoms.

How Can Microbiome Testing Help with Gut Health and Eczema in Adults?

Microbiome testing is a useful tool that can provide valuable insights into the makeup of your unique gut microbiome, helping to identify any imbalances. Using this information, healthcare providers can create personalized dietary and probiotic recommendations which can help to restore your microbiome’s equilibrium. This, in turn, can help to reduce inflammation and potentially reduce your eczema flare-ups.

Microbiome testing gives you a detailed snapshot of the types and quantities of bacteria present within your gut. This allows you to make changes aimed at increasing beneficial bacterial populations and decreasing harmful ones to optimize your gut health. After all, a well-balanced microbiome will support the functioning of your immune system, reduce inflammation, and even improve your skin’s barrier function—all factors that can influence eczema.

Could Personalized Nutrition and Probiotics Be the Answer?

Research has shown a strong link between eczema and diet, suggesting that dietary modifications can help to reduce inflammation in the body and potentially improve eczema symptoms. In particular, personalized nutrition and tailored probiotic supplements show promise as a potential approach to managing uncomfortable eczema symptoms. So, let’s consider these in more detail:

Personalized Nutrition

A customized nutrition plan is tailored to your nutritional needs and based on your unique microbiota profile. In this way, experts can recommend dietary changes that help to optimize your gut flora, increasing levels of anti-inflammatory bacteria and minimizing levels of pro-inflammatory bacteria. Moreover, for patients with a specific food allergy or intolerance, a personalized diet will take this into account. A personalized diet plan will be created which avoids foods that trigger inflammation or adverse reactions.

Probiotics for eczema

Probiotics may also be beneficial in treating adults with eczema and reducing the number and intensity of their flares. Probiotic bacteria are known to improve immune system function and gut health. They have also been shown to reduce the occurrence of childhood eczema when taken postnatally.

Probiotic supplements can help to restore balance in the gut microbiome for those suffering from symptoms of eczema. This is supported by studies which show improvements in clinical symptoms and quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis after taking a probiotic supplement.

Discover the Power of Microbiome Testing with Enbiosis

If you are struggling with symptoms of eczema and suspect that your gut health may be a contributing factor, Enbiosis can offer you comprehensive microbiome testing. We will help you to gain a greater understanding of your unique gut microbiome. We will also work with you to optimize your gut health through personalized nutrition and probiotic recommendations.