Introduction
The Gut-Skin Symphony: Unraveling the Microbial Interplay in Skin Health. After the last edition, The Gut Microbiome: A Deep Dive into the Nexus of Health and Wealth, I was overwhelmed with requests from readers for help on resolving skin issues such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. In earlier editions, I explained how within 6 weeks of taking in a cocktail of metformin, NMN(Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), peptides, omega 3 and 6, magnesium and multivatamins, I was able to overcome my stubborn foot and hand eczema which I had suffered from for 20 year!
(PS. I have a circle of trained medical professionals guiding me. Do not follow what I do blindly, always seek the help of qualified health experts.)
I was the patient of the famous Skin Doctor (internationally renowned dermatologist, and now late, Dr Naidoo) but his treatment was directed at topical reduction of inflammation via methotrexate (used in cancer patients) and he constantly told me that the eczema disease’s root cause was stress.
He was WRONG! He missed the healthiness of my gut completely from the treatment regime, which is a fundamental flaw and now turns out to be the root cause of my misery. The cocktail that I referred to earlier on effectively reconstituted the composition of healthy biomes in my gut. By the way, Dr H, Umhlanga based dermatologist, also got it wrong – she prescribed cyclosporine – that sent me to hell and back, together with an unending supply of Dovate topical corticosteroids – which will ultimately lead to truncal obesity and a barrage of related diseases. These diseases then lead to another cycle of pharmaceutical medicines that obvert the root cause of my condition, and if anything woud have placed me in a worse state of health. Why? Exacerbated dysbiosis.
It’s not their fault completely.
They are simply, and inadvertently, distributing agents of the products from big pharmaceutical companies that pay for their holidays on the pretext of attending conferences and conventions in exclusive areas, overseas. Very much like financial advisers who sell the products of a single insurance company. They are also incentivised by massive rewards – they too win trips overseas to salubrious destinations.
I am not attacking doctors in general. We still need the surgeons (orthopaedics, heart, plastic), radiologists, gastroenterologists etc. They have a serious role to play in healthcare. What I am attacking is their training at university level – the gap on root cause analysis in the patient treatment regime that is holistic in nature and not myopic, is glaringly evident.
If the ultimate motivation is to extract money from you – the root cause of your poor health will never be ascertained. Just like how the best financial advice to build your wealth can never be extracted from a financial adviser that sings the glories of a single insurance or investment provider.
Are there independent doctors in South Africa, my homeland, that see beyond the myopia instilled by big pharma and actively promote a healthy gut via a healthy lifestyle?
I am not talking about the ayurvedic and homeopathic kind. I am talking about scientifically trained doctors at the university level, that chose to set themselves apart. They chose be independent advisers on holistic health with a deep understanding of the gut and the role it plays in our good health.
Yes, there are.
I know a few of them. Dr Atish Vanmali, a friend, client, friend and brother to me – initiated the path that I am on. He told me that “health is wealth”. He exercises regularly, participates in running challenges, eats healthy meals and takes extremely good care of his gut.
Then there is Dr Ashley Naidoo, who reached out to me to form synergies in promoting a healthy gut, after reading my earlier work. He is a director of a company that sells “Africa’s First Skin Care Range with PostBiotics” – check the website here. I highly recommend his company’s range of products. In fact, reach out to him for a consult as well. I had a deep conversation with him and he is au fait with the latest trends and scientific research on microbiodata and the gut-skin axis.
I also must give credit to my brother Dr. Shaanil Jairam, M.D. who has also made himself a subject of clinical trials in the pursuit of happiness via healthy living. It was him and Bhavika Jairam that provided the eureka “aha! its in my gut!” moment. Shaanil is a consistent source of inspiration and guidance to all the Jairams and their allies.
Today my contribution is: homework
Rather than write my own technical paper on the subject matter at hand, I used AI to collate some well-researched academic papers on the gut-skin axis and how a healthy gut can influence skin diseases:
The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis by I. Salem, A. Ramser, N. Isham, M. Ghannoum
- Publication Date: July 10, 2018
- Abstract: This review describes the advancements in understanding how the gut microbiota communicates with the skin as one of the main regulators in the gut-skin axis. It explores how this potential link affects skin differentiation and keratinization, its influence on modulating the cutaneous immune response in various diseases, and how to take advantage of this communication in the control of different skin conditions.
- Cited by: 284
- Read Full Paper (PDF)
Microbiome in the Gut-Skin Axis in Atopic Dermatitis by So Yeon Lee, Eun Lee, Yoon Mee Park, S. Hong
- Publication Date: February 26, 2018
- Abstract: This review summarizes the recent findings on the gut and skin microbiome, highlighting the roles of major commensals in modulating skin and systemic immunity in atopic dermatitis (AD). It indicates that the gut and skin microbiome could be manipulated to treat AD.
- Cited by: 154
- Read Full Paper (PDF)
Microbiota in health and diseases by Kaijian Hou, Zhuoxun Wu, Xuan-Yu Chen, Jing-Quan Wang, Dongya Zhang, Chuan Xiao, D. Zhu, Jagadish B. Koya, Liuya Wei, Jilin Li, Zhe S Chen
And more…
- Publication Date: April 23, 2022
- Abstract: This review discusses the role of microbiota in health and diseases. It summarizes the research of microbiota in healthy conditions, including the gut-brain axis, colonization resistance, and immune modulation. It also highlights the pathogenesis of microbiota dysbiosis in disease development and progression, primarily associated with dysregulation of community composition, modulation of host immune response, and induction of chronic inflammation.
- Cited by: 133
- Read Full Paper (PDF)
Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions by B. De Pessemier, L. Grine, Melanie Debaere, Aglaya Maes, B. Paetzold, C. Callewaert
- Publication Date: February 1, 2021
- Abstract: This review focuses on the associations between the microbiome, diet, metabolites, and immune responses in skin pathologies. It describes an exhaustive list of common skin conditions with associated dysbiosisin the skin microbiome as well as the current body of evidence on gut microbiome dysbiosis, dietary links, and their interplay with skin conditions. An enhanced understanding of the local skin and gut microbiome including the underlying mechanisms is necessary to shed light on the microbial involvement in human skin diseases and to develop new therapeutic approaches.
- Cited by: 115
- Read Full Paper (PDF)
These papers provide insights into the gut-skin axis and how maintaining a healthy gut can have positive effects on skin health, particularly in relation to skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. They also discuss the role of microbiota in health and diseases, and how microbial dysbiosis can be associated with various skin conditions.
Conclusion
A picture speaks a thousand words. Image Source: Skin Challenges
This is not the conclusion but the beginning of a revolution in health. Be part of the revolution. Own your destiny – your health and your wealth. Use technology to access information and cutting edge research that you never had the privy of accessing in the past. Empower yourself and live the happy life that you deserve!
A Special Request from Me and The Team At Virtual Adviser
We are a small team of finance and health professionals that are hungry to provide you with service excellence. I humbly request you to support us at Virtual Adviser. Throw us a bone.
From commercial insurance, life insurance, to investment advice, financial planning, retirement and estate planning, and taxes. We are keen to brandish our superpower as “independent” financial advisers.
You will not be disappointed.
This in effect will free up more of my time to continue the glorious path of seeking the truth!
After all, isn’t it only THE TRUTH that sets us free?
I think so.
Namaste and Dandavats.
Your servant,
Jitesh Jairam
