BLEMISH-FREE SKIN? WE ‘GUT’ YOU!
Every one of us wants clearer, acne-free skin! Who doesn’t? Regardless of our skin color, blemish-free skin can boost our self-confidence. However, most good skin regimes need good fortune. And some people who tried and tested these many anti-acne products, may still be wondering why are these not working for them? The problem may not be your skin, it may be your gut! And the answer to your skin problems may just be sitting inside your fridge!
Several studies have unravelled the connection between skin and gut. Gut, also known as our small and large intestines, host a vast collection of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, both good and bad. A healthy gut microbiome provides important metabolic and immune benefits to the host. Thus, several studies found out that a healthy gastrointestinal system leads to clear, glowing skin! So how do we keep our GI system healthy? We can do these by maintaining a greater number of good microorganisms than the unwanted pathogens. Good micro-organisms that provide health benefit are called probiotics. Probiotics can now be found in household items ranging from yogurt to beverages. Here are some of the examples of probiotic-containing foods found in the Philippines market.
Yogurt and yogurt-drinks
Yogurt is produced by fermentation of milk using lactobacilli cultures. The product is normally colored white, smooth, and sour. Mixing it with different fruits is therefore, a very good idea to improve the taste. Since yogurt is a type of milk product, it is high in calcium which is good to prevent osteoporosis.
Pickles
Pickle is a process of preserving fruit or vegetables in vinegar or saltwater. Pickled cucumber is the most popular in the market. We also have several traditional foods that used pickling method. These are Burong mustasa, Burong mangga, and Atchara.
Cheese
Cheese is a dairy product derived from milk that comes in various flavor, texture, and appearance depending on the process of fermentation and type of milk. This food is high in calcium, protein, fat, and phosphorus which are good for health. Kesong puti made from cow or carabao milk is our own cheese made in the Philippines using lactic acid bacteria.
Kombucha
Kombucha has become increasingly popular. It is produced commercially or in private homes. It is fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened green or black tea. Though little scientific evidence backs up claims on health benefits, people who have been drinking Kombucha claims to have better digestion and immunity. The Food and Drug Administration states that properly prepared Kombucha is safe for human consumption.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a famous side dish from Korea. It is made by salting cabbage to draw out water and by adding spices. It is fermented by naturally occurring bacteria present in the vegetables. No wonder Korean popstars have glass, looking skin!
Probiotics are also being sold as supplements. Yet, these do not have approved therapeutic claims. So consult your physician or health professional when introducing new foods particularly when you are immune-compromised.
So there you go, try these probiotic foods and you might be able to achieve that blemish-free skin you always wanted. Take care of your gut and it’s got your back!
