The Naturopathic Co.
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“Are my skin problems happening because I’m constipated?”
It’s a surprisingly common question.
You may also have heard that if you aren’t opening your bowels every day, “toxins come out through your skin”.
The reality is more nuanced.
Constipation doesn’t simply redirect toxins to your face. But bowel function is an important component of gastrointestinal health and can intersect with the microbiome, diet, inflammation and hormone metabolism. For a broader overview, see our guide to the gut-skin connection.
Constipation isn’t only about how frequently you go to the toilet.
It can also involve:
Understanding why constipation is happening is more useful than simply forcing the bowel to move with supplements.
There isn’t enough evidence to say that constipation directly causes acne.
However, constipation and acne can share contributing factors.
Dietary patterns, hormonal changes, stress and alterations in gastrointestinal function can potentially affect both.
For people experiencing both conditions, it can therefore make sense to address bowel function while separately investigating the causes of acne.
Read our guide to the gut-acne connection.
The gastrointestinal system is one route through which metabolised hormones and their metabolites leave the body.
The gut microbiome can also participate in the metabolism and recycling of certain hormones.
This is one reason bowel function becomes particularly interesting when constipation occurs alongside cyclical or hormonal acne.
It doesn’t mean constipation automatically causes high oestrogen or acne. It simply forms part of the broader hormonal and gastrointestinal picture.
Rather than jumping straight to a “gut cleanse”, we consider potential contributors including:
Persistent or new constipation, particularly when accompanied by bleeding, unexplained weight loss, significant pain or other concerning symptoms, requires medical assessment.
Fibre does more than increase stool bulk.
Different types of fermentable fibre provide substrates that intestinal microorganisms can use to produce metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids.
Dietary diversity can therefore influence the gastrointestinal ecosystem, which is a core part of our nutritional medicine approach.
However, simply adding enormous amounts of fibre isn’t appropriate for everyone. People with significant bloating or certain gastrointestinal conditions may require a more gradual, individualised approach.
If constipation occurs alongside acne, eczema, bloating or other digestive symptoms, addressing gastrointestinal function may form one component of your treatment plan.
Read our broader guide to how gut health and skin health are connected.
Our Melbourne naturopaths for gut and bowel health provide consultations from South Yarra and via Telehealth.
We also provide online gut health naturopath consultations for Sydney and throughout Australia.
With 180+ verified five-star Google reviews, our naturopaths and nutritionists offer comprehensive 60-minute initial consultations, in person in South Yarra, Melbourne, or via telehealth across Australia. Book your consultation with The Naturopathic Co. today.
