IBS and acne

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a painful condition which leads to any or all of the following symptoms: constipation, cramping or bloating in the intestines, or diarrhea. IBS and acne seem to be interrelated. People many often take antibiotics in order to address their acne problems. While the acne might have cleared after antibiotic treatment, it often gives rise the much more debilitating IBS. This is because the antibiotics which are prescribed for acne destroy the useful microorganisms present in the gut. These bacteria are essential for bowel health and digestion. They also prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in the digestive tract. Deficiency of useful probiotic bacteria in the gut results in overgrowth of yeast. This in turn leads to the Leaky Gut Syndrome, or IBS.

IBS is not a disease. It is a functional disorder, indicating that the large intestine is not functioning in the way it has to. This syndrome can also aggravate acne since the sufferer is extremely stressed out and craves food with high sugar content. Stress and a diet rich in fats and carbohydrates can cause acne to flare up. Regular exercise, diet changes and reduced stress can ease up both, IBS as well as acne.