We’ve long known that probiotics, like those found in natural yogurt, restore the good bacteria in your GI tract and improve digestive health. But, did you know that specific probiotics can heal your skin, too?
A study involving more than 13,000 participants found that gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is an important risk factor for skin disorders such as eczema and acne. In the study, participants with the skin disorders seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and rosacea were more likely to have gastric reflux, abdominal bloating, and constipation than non-acne patients. The study found that daily supplementation with a probiotic improved their symptoms.
Other studies have shown increased blood levels of toxins absorbed from the gut in acne sufferers. The body responds to these toxins by increasing inflammation throughout the body. These toxins can be suppressed, and inflammation reduced, with probiotic supplementation.
Another study showed that in young adults with moderate acne, those who took a probiotic drink showed significant improvement in their acne. After taking the supplement for 12 weeks, this group had 23% fewer pimples in total and 40% inflammatory lesions.
If you’re taking any kind of antibiotic treatment for a skin disorder, this information is essential to maintain both your digestive and skin health.
Now, before you head to the dairy department or health-food store, know that not all probiotics are created equally. Antibiotic therapy to treat acne, such as Tetracycline, Erythromycin, or Clindamycin medications eradicate the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes, but in doing so, also eliminate a wide range of good bacteria throughout your body, including your digestive tract. To compensate for this loss, select a probiotic that replenishes the beneficial bacteria, specifically from the key probiotic families Lactobacillus and Bifodobacterium.
Within each of these two probiotic families are species that are hardier than others. Species like L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and L. salivarius are remarkably tolerant of the harsh conditions in the digestive tract. Other species like L. casei and B. longum are beneficial in preventing diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.
The best probiotic supplement will also be enteric-coated. This ensures that the probiotic supplement bypasses the harsh conditions of the stomach and doesn’t break down until the small intestine.
A supplement that combines a probiotic with a prebiotic (the food these beneficial flora like to eat) is ideal. The prebiotic food ensures that the beneficial bacteria have an ideal environment in which to flourish.
VitaMedica’s Probiotic-8 supplement meets all of these criteria. Finally, you can feel great and have beautiful skin for life! Probiotic-8 can be taken right along with your antibiotic acne medication and is safe for long-term use. Even if you are currently not on an antibiotic regimen, Probiotic-8 can help those who are dairy-sensitive to relieve GI discomfort by “predigesting” some of the lactose in dairy and metabolizing it to lactic acid.
Not dairy-sensitive? Probiotic-8 boosts your natural defenses by providing a regular source of good bacteria. When the microflora of your intestinal tract is in good balance, your body’s immune health is strengthened and supported. Over 70% of the body’s immune system is located in the digestive tract where specialized cells play an important role as first line of defense against invading bacteria. Beneficial bacteria occupy the lining of the intestinal tract and create a physical barrier to pathogens. Regular consumption of probiotics like Probiotic-8 strengthens this lining.
Clear skin, healthy digestion, and a strong immune system – all from probiotics! VitaMedica supplements can be purchased at The Elizabeth Roche MD MedSpa. Speak with Dr. Elizabeth Roche and her team of professionals to learn if VitaMedica Probiotic-8 is right for you.
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