Acne and the Gut: A Holistic Approach

This chapter explores the significant link between diet, gut health, and acne, emphasizing that over 50 million individuals in the U.S. are affected by this condition. The discussion critiques traditional dermatological treatments that focus on topical solutions, advocating instead for a holistic approach that considers nutrition and microbiome health as central to effective acne management. Through patient case studies and analysis, the chapter highlights how dietary changes, particularly the elimination of refined sugars and dairy, can alleviate acne symptoms by addressing underlying inflammatory issues.

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Treating Acne From The Inside Out with Dr. Elizabeth Boham | This episode is sponsored by AirDoctor

Acne is the #1 skin condition in the United States, affecting not just millions of teenagers but an increasing number of adults as well. We spend over a billion dollars for prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) products to cure acne, yet at best these are short-term solutions. Conventional medicine deals with symptoms, so their solutions for acne include lathering on potions and lotions, and taking antibiotics or strong liver-damaging medications. Functional Medicine, on the other hand, addresses the problem’s root cause. From this lens, we can understand that numerous factors contribute to acne, including nutritional status, stress, toxicity, inflammation and hormonal and gut imbalances.

In this mini-episode, Dr. Hyman is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Boham to discuss the Functional Medicine approach to treating acne and other skin issues.

Dr. Elizabeth Boham is a physician and nutritionist who practices Functional Medicine as part of my team at The UltraWellness Center in Lenox, MA. Through her practice and lecturing, she has helped thousands of people achieve their wellness goals. She is part of the faculty of the Institute for Functional Medicine and has been featured on the Dr. Oz show and in a variety of publications and media including Huffington Post, The Chalkboard Magazine, and Experience Life. Her DVD Breast Wellness: Tools to Prevent and Heal from Breast Cancer explores the Functional Medicine approach to keeping your breasts and whole body well, a topic she is passionate about as a breast cancer survivor.

In this episode, Dr. Hyman and Dr. Boham discuss:

Why what you’re eating is so much more important than what you put on your skin

How topical skin treatments can work in short term but cause issues in the long term

Foods that can commonly cause acne, including sugar, starch, dairy, and processed foods

How sugar affects our microbiome and immune system

How Dr. Boham treated two patients with acne

The gut-skin connection

Nutrients that are really important for skin to turn over, including vitamin A and zinc

How toxins such as pesticides and BPA can affect skin and overall health

Supporting your detoxification system through diet, hydration, sweat, and more

For more information, visit drhyman.com/uwc

This episode is sponsored by AirDoctor. We need clean air not only to live but to create vibrant health and protect ourselves and loved ones from toxin exposure and disease. Learn more about the AirDoctor Professional Air Purifier system at a special price at www.drhyman.com/filter

Additional resources:

“Got Acne? What You Put IN Your Body is More Important Than What You Put on Your Skin”

https://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/2019/08/01/got-acne-what-you-put-in-your-body-is-more-important-than-what-you-put-on-your-skin/

“Inner Glow”

https://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/2017/07/17/inner-glow/

“Hormones and Neurotransmitters”

https://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/2012/10/17/lesson-3-hormones-and-neurotransmitters/

“Gut and Digestive Health”

https://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/2012/10/17/lesson-4-gut-digestive-health/

“Detoxification”

https://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/2012/10/17/lesson-5-detoxification/

“Energy, Mitochondria and Oxidative Stress”