Dietary Fiber Can Protect Against Allergic Skin Diseases – Proved!

23 Sep Dietary Fiber Can Protect Against Allergic Skin Diseases – Proved!

Around 16% of adults in the United States have severe and incurable skin condition, atopic dermatitis.

However, a new study by a research team from Monash University is a kernel of hope.

By exploring the emerging gut-skin axis, the study found a connection between fermented dietary fiber in the gut and allergic skin diseases like atopic dermatitis.

Fiber is an indigestible part of plant foods with a major role in your entire metabolic activity. It is, in fact, known to treat various diseases which include coronary heart disease, diabetes, and even different types of cancer.

However, how can fiber affect skin allergies?

Earlier studies were mainly focused on the gut-brain axis. But this particular research explored the gut-skin axis and made some shocking revelations on how it could potentially lead to novel treatments for skin allergies.

Dietary Fiber in the Gut can Help Prevent Skin Allergies

Dietary fiber or roughage is resistant to enzymatic digestion. That is to say, it is indigestible and is found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. There is a plethora of evidence that supports its multiple health benefits.

The new study, in particular, focuses on its skin benefits. Here’s a detailed rundown.

Basis of the Study

The study was conducted by Professor Ben Marsland from the Central Clinical School’s Department of Immunology, along with Swiss colleagues, at the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV).

They presented the relevance of fermented dietary fiber in the gut and subsequent short-chain fatty acids in preventing atopic dermatitis.

The idea was to explore whether the benefits of SCFA in the gut extend to the skin.

As explained by professor Marsland, the effect of the gut microbiome in shaping immunity is well established. However, its effect on the skin is not yet clear.

Also, previous analyses focus on local health benefits of SCFAs in the gut, such as cardiovascular health and impact on lungs. And although people related diet to skin health, there is no established study.

In light of the above facts, this research fleshed out some important data.

Method of the Study

For this study, Marsland and scientists used the experimental mouse model.

To test this hypothesis, the experimental model was repeatedly exposed to dorsal murine skin to ubiquitous house dust mite (HDM) allergens. These house dust possess protease activity.

Researchers fed some mice a highly fermentable diet or gave them purified short-chain fatty acids. This process took place before exposing the skin of the mice to house dust mite allergens.

Normally, house dust mite allergens would penetrate the skin barrier to activate the immune system and start allergic reactions.

However, the response of the skin and the analysis of the results was quite shocking.

Results of the Study

The findings of the hypothesis indicate that:

1. The model in which the skin barrier impairment was triggered, resulted in barrier disruption, percutaneous allergen sensitization, and finally Atopic-Dermatitis-like skin inflammation (ADLSI).

2. Mice who fed on a high-fiber diet or SCFA orally (especially Butyrate) showed:

• Reduction in allergen-induced skin barrier breach
• Less allergen action and sensitization

3. After comparison the skin of controlled Diet-fed mice with those of animals on HFD (High-Fiber Diet) later exhibited a decrease in epidermal thickening and immune cell infiltration.

4. The butyrate enhanced the metabolism of keratinocytes which helped them mature and produce key components for a healthy skin barrier.

Clearly, the study shows that the gut-skin axis is actually relevant in protecting against skin allergies.

ALSO READ: Diet Supports a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Key Inferences from the Study

Further analysis of dietary fiber and skin allergies helps draw out the following key inferences from the research:

1. Actively improving your skin barrier can be effective in protecting against environmental exposures that cause skin allergies.
2. Improving the skin barrier can also prevent skin diseases caused due to a damaged skin barrier.
3. The study opens the door for the possibility to explore whether it could help children who are on the verge of developing some skin allergies that extends to asthma and food allergies or so-called “Atopic-March”.

Looking at these results and its key inferences, it’s not wrong to say that there is a positive relationship between gut, dietary fiber intake, and skin allergies.

The best part is that it’s the gateway to the treatment of untreatable skin allergies like Atopic Dermatitis. It further opens the possibility of treatment of Atopic-March in children.

Moreover, dietary fiber already exists to have some major health benefits. And now its role in the prevention of skin allergens increases its worth.

So, what’s next?

What Can You Do with This Information?

If dietary fiber has such incredible benefits, why not increase its consumption?

As per the government guidelines, dietary fiber intake of an adult should be at least 30g/day.

Here are some of the effective ways to increase your intake of fiber.

#1. Be Diligent While Choosing Grains

The first thing you can do is start being selective while shopping for grains.

• Always pick whole grains flour or whole wheat flour.
• Make sure the label says 100% whole grain.

Also, keep in mind the per-cup fiber serving is between 4-14 grams for each cooked serving.

#2. High-Fiber Breakfast

Start your day with a high-fiber diet for skin health. You can begin with a whole grain bread sandwich with fruit salad. You can also pick oatmeal or breakfast cereal with at least 5-10 grams of fiber.

#3. Eat Whole Fruits and Vegetables

This is the best and easiest way to get natural dietary fiber. You must have heard people talking about the benefits of unpeeled apples.

That’s right!

You can try to incorporate fruits like apples and pears in your diet without peeling them. Also, in terms of veggies, don’t peel your potatoes. Even when making mashed potatoes, using unpeeled ones can only enhance the taste.

#4. Add Dietary Fiber Supplements

If you have a lazy ass and you’re a picky eater, try adding dietary fiber supplements like psyllium husk to your diet.

You can find it in any grocery or pharmaceutical store. Either take psyllium husk with water or mix it with water. Once mixed with water, psyllium husk thickens.

Notably, when starting a new supplement, you may also consult your physician beforehand, especially if you’ve a preexisting health condition.

#5. Make Sure You Drink Plenty of Water

If you have increased your fiber consumption, don’t forget to ramp up the H2O intake. For proper functioning of fiber, enough water is required.

Lack of water can only worsen the existing health complications like constipation and bloating issues.

So, fiber is an important element of a healthy diet. There are myriad reasons to increase its intake to reap its benefits.

Putting It All Into Perspective

Skin issues can aggravate if not properly cured. But what if there is no cure for your skin disease?

The mere thought of it is horrific.

This study by Monash University is a ray of hope for treating allergic dermatitis, which is, as of now, incurable.

The research not only explored the gut-skin axis and the prevention of skin rash and allergens through diet, but it also potentially hinted at the treatment for other allergens.

Considering the results and findings, you can go on and increase the consumption of dietary fiber. Your skin will thank you! 

So, what fiber-foods do you prefer to keep your skin healthy?

JOURNAL REFERENCE: Dietary fibre improves epidermal barrier integrity.