Gut and Skin Diseases: The Role of the Gut in Managing Your Dog's Chronic Skin Diseases

Discover the hidden connection between the intestines and skin diseases

Long-term skin problems have been plaguing your dog for years, and you may be wondering if the intestines play a role? In fact, current research highlights a remarkable connection between gut health and various chronic skin diseases.

Section 1: The vicious circle of intestinal dysbiosis

Science suggests that impaired gut health can lead to a condition known as gut dysbiosis. This scenario occurs when the natural balance of the intestinal flora is disrupted and harmful microorganisms gain the upper hand. This adverse change in the gut microbiome (the totality of bacteria and other microorganisms present in the gut) can cause increased permeability of the intestinal wall. This condition is called “leaky gut.”

Section 2: Leaky Gut - The Silent Menace

With a “leaky gut,” toxins, allergens and bacteria can more easily enter the bloodstream and thus put strain on the body. Inflammatory substances and metabolic products that are produced in the intestine can also enter the blood and trigger inflammatory reactions throughout the body. These inflammatory reactions can affect the skin and lead to skin inflammation and eczema.

Section 3: Food intolerances and skin problems

An unbalanced intestinal flora can cause food intolerance or food allergies. These intolerances can in turn cause inflammatory skin changes. The mechanism of the gut-skin axis plays a crucial role here and forms the basis for understanding this connection.

Section 4: Gut-Skin Axis - A Key to Understanding

The gut-skin axis theory is based on the fact that the gut and skin have similar embryonic origins and are both essential parts of the immune system. They play a crucial role in defending against pathogens, with remarkably 70 to 80% of the immune system being located in the gut.

Section 5: Current research and new findings

Scientists are currently intensively researching the connections between the intestine and other organs, as well as between the intestine and certain diseases such as Alzheimer's and various malignant cancers. The new knowledge base should not be ignored in connection with the chronic skin diseases of our pets.

The importance of gut health to the overall health of our pets is an exciting scientific discovery and should not be overlooked in our care for our four-legged friends.

(C) https://antibuddies.org/2022/04/11/an-unexpected-linkage-the-gut-skin-axis/

Frequently asked questions about the connection between intestinal and skin diseases

Summary of intestinal and skin diseases

In today's animal health world, recent research is giving us impressive insights into the connections between gut and skin diseases in our pets, especially dogs. In fact, the role of the intestine in relation to skin diseases is increasingly becoming the focus of science. When considering chronic skin conditions that affect our dogs, it is essential to consider the connection between gut and skin disease.

The phenomenon of intestinal dysbiosis, a disruption of the balance in the intestinal microbiome, plays a crucial role in the development of skin diseases. Dysbiosis can not only lead to digestive problems, but can also have a number of negative effects on skin health. Intensive research on the topic of gut and skin diseases allows us to better understand this complex relationship.

The condition of leaky gut is a direct result of intestinal dysbiosis and is closely linked to skin diseases. Toxins and inflammatory substances can enter the bloodstream through a permeable intestinal wall, causing inflammatory reactions that affect the skin. The influence of leaky gut on skin diseases is an important area of ​​research that could reveal new avenues for treatment and prevention.

Food intolerances and allergies caused by disturbed intestinal flora can also contribute to skin diseases. This once again illustrates the inseparable connection between the intestines and skin diseases and underlines the importance of healthy intestinal flora for the overall health of our dogs.

The gut-skin axis theory, which stems from the shared embryonic origins of the gut and skin, offers an explanation for the close connection between the gut and skin diseases. With 70 to 80% of the immune system located in the gut, it is not surprising that disruption in this area can impact the skin.

Research on gut and skin diseases goes far beyond skin problems and also examines connections to other diseases such as Alzheimer's and various cancers. Understanding the interaction between the gut and skin diseases opens up new opportunities to improve the health and quality of life of our pets. Therefore, it is crucial for pet owners and veterinarians to understand and consider the connection between intestinal and skin diseases in practice.

Your Dr. Horst-Dieter Krause, Arndt Small Animal Center, Karlsruhe-Durlach

Literature on the topic

Below is a list of literature sources in original languages ​​(mainly English) that discuss the connection between gut health and skin diseases. You should be able to find translations or summaries of these works in German:

1. "The Gut-Skin Axis: The Importance of Gut Health For Radiant Skin" by Whitney Bowe (Book, English)
2. "The Gut-Skin Connection: How Altered Gut Function Affects the Skin" by Kresser Chris, in The Journal of Functional Medicine (Article, English)
3. "Gut microbiota role in skin health and disease" by Salem I., Ramser A., ​​Isham N., Ghannoum MA, in the journal Archives of Dermatological Research (article, English)
4. "The gut-skin axis in health and disease: A paradigm with therapeutic implications" by O'Neill CA, Monteleone G., McLaughlin JT, Paus R., in the journal BioEssays (article, English)
5. "Effect of Probiotics on Skin Health" by Prakash Unni, Juturu V., in the European Journal of Dermatology (article, English)
6. "The Skin Microbiome - The Role of Commensals in Skin Disorders" by Yasmine Belkaid, Julie Segre, in The New England Journal of Medicine (article, English)

Please note that some of these resources may require access through a university library or subscription.