How heartburn can be linked to acne
First and foremost, it’s not a mystery that acne is highly linked to GI disorders in general…but let’s dive into why heartburn can be associated with breakouts!
Heartburn, clinically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive disorder characterized by a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest area, often accompanied by regurgitation of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. This condition occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus, relaxes abnormally or weakens, allowing stomach acid and sometimes partially digested food to flow back up into the esophagus.
Symptoms of heartburn can vary in intensity and frequency but commonly include a burning sensation in the chest (often behind the breastbone), difficulty swallowing, a sour or acidic taste in the mouth, regurgitation of food or liquid, and sometimes a persistent cough or hoarseness. These symptoms typically worsen after eating, lying down, or bending over, and they can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life if left untreated.
Interestingly, while high stomach acidity is often associated with heartburn, some cases of heartburn can actually be linked to low stomach acidity. In conditions like hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria, where the stomach produces insufficient hydrochloric acid (HCl), food may not be adequately broken down, leading to delayed gastric emptying and increased pressure in the stomach. This can cause the LES to relax inappropriately, allowing stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus and triggering heartburn symptoms. Moreover, low stomach acidity can also impair the digestion of proteins and other nutrients, potentially contributing to gastrointestinal issues and exacerbating symptoms of GERD.
So how does this relate to your skin?
Firstly, the gut-skin axis, which refers to the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin, suggests that disturbances in gut health can manifest as skin issues like acne. Imbalances in gut microbiota, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and gastrointestinal inflammation may contribute to systemic inflammation, which can exacerbate skin conditions like acne.
Additionally, stomach acidity plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, including those important for skin health. Insufficient stomach acidity, as seen in conditions like hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria, can impair the breakdown and absorption of essential nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D, which play key roles in maintaining healthy skin.
The acid in your stomach also plays a BIG role in killing off certain bacteria, yeast, and more before they make their way into your intestines - which can cause other issues!
Moreover, certain medications used to reduce stomach acidity, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2 blockers), and antacids, can alter the gastrointestinal environment and nutrient absorption, potentially impacting skin health. For example, long-term use of PPIs has been associated with alterations in gut microbiota and increased risk of nutrient deficiencies, which could indirectly influence acne development.
PS. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections can be involved in acne development as well. H. pylori is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach and can lead to gastritis and peptic ulcers (more on this topic in an upcoming blog post!).
All in all, addressing stomach acidity can be the missing key for many patients. By optimizing and ensuring proper stomach acidity, you can support nutrient absorption, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health!
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
