Beauty and skin nutrition, diet tips and articles

The Sweeter Side Of Sauerkraut May Clear Up Your Acne

by Raychel Agramon, RN, MPM, February 23, 2020

Saurkraut for Acne

Many types of probiotics exert beneficial effects on the body. One of the more popular species is Lactobacillus Plantarum, which is found in many fermented foods such as sauerkraut, brined olives, and sourdough.

This probiotic is perhaps one of the most popular because of the many studies that have been done to explore its effects on the body. More often than not, the results are promising, especially when it comes to skin health. If you are curious about the probiotic L. Plantarum, then read on below to learn more about how it can help control your acne. 


Plantarum may help reduce the risk of ‘bacterial translocation.’  

When ulcers, bleeding, and other problems occur in the intestines, harmful bacteria and substances can leak out of the gut. This process called bacterial translocation. 

Microbes can get out of the intestines and travel to nearby organs, such as the liver, spleen, and kidney where they can trigger inflammatory processes. Such are usually the culprits behind bowel disorders, diabetes mellitus, even liver disease. 

To make matters worse, these germs can even enter the bloodstream, causing a blood infection that may be fatal. 

So how is bacterial translocation related to the acne development, an organ that seems so far away from the gut? For that, we have to go back to Drs. Donald Pilsbury and John Stokes, the originators of the brain-gut-skin theory. According to these dermatologists, changes to the gut microbiome can lead to inflammation - a mechanism that often leads to skin conditions such as acne.

With that being said, acne may be prevented as long as the gut integrity is maintained. This is where L. Plantarum steps in. According to Dutch Scientists, this probiotic may help in the repair of intestinal cells that have been damaged by medications or other factors. When a leaky gut is prevented, inflammation that may lead to acne development is prevented.

Plantarum may help control gut infections.

Research has shown that high numbers of L. plantarum may help fend off harmful microorganisms. This is particularly important for the gut – and the skin too.

According to the National Cancer Institute, L. Plantarum may hold back gastrointestinal infections by forming a protective layer that impedes bad bacteria from settling in. It also helps stimulate the secretion of acidic substances that hinders the growth of harmful organisms in the gut. With that being said, L. Plantarum is potentially beneficial against bacteria that cause food-borne diseases, such as Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus.

More than just keeping the digestive processes in check, preventing stomach infections may help curb the incidence of acne. As has been mentioned, a leaky gut may lead to inflammation and cause acne. With L. Plantarum supplementation, this probability may be averted.

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Plantarum may help boost skin health.

A leaky gut does not only affect the insides of the body, but it can also spell trouble for the outsides as well. Such causes systemic inflammation, which in turn, leads to skin inflammation. Because of this, acne and other skin conditions may occur.

  1. plantarum is one of the many probiotics that may help reduce acne, as shown in the study of Muizzudin et al. Results reveal that probiotics may reduce pimple size and redness by as much as 5%. Such manifestations were attributed to L. Plantarum’s ability to enhance the skin barrier and reduce the number of harmful germs on the skin. 

Another skin disease that may benefit from L. Plantarum supplementation is atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema. Research done in Indonesia has shown that probiotics may help reduce the severity of eczema, making it a promising treatment for children who suffer from the said skin disease. 

A Malaysian study, on the other hand, has demonstrated L. Plantarum’s ability to improve wound healing. The topical application of probiotics has shown that it may help fight bacteria on the site. Such can help fight infections that may lead to delayed wound healing.  

Apart from reducing the symptoms of acne and eczema, L. Plantarum supplementation may also help improve skin appearance. According to one study, probiotics may potentially reverse skin aging by fighting skin water loss and wrinkling.

Plantarum may help enhance liver function.

Diet plays a big role in the development of liver disease. Foods high in carbohydrates and saturated fats can lead to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can progress to liver damage. 

More than just affecting your metabolism, liver damage may lead to acne development as well. If your liver is damaged, it is unable to metabolize the toxins in the body. Liver damage can also lead to zinc deficiency, which plays a role in acne development.  

With that being said, it is important to address the underlying cause - and that is liver health. It is said that eating healthy food and losing weight can help prevent liver disease. Recent research, on the other hand, suggests that taking probiotic-rich fares or supplements may help with this issue as well.

According to a study published by researchers from Nanchang University in China, L. Plantarum supplementation in rats was shown to reduce fat accumulation in the liver. More than that, probiotics have helped restore liver function as well. With probiotics keeping your liver healthy, you can rest assured knowing that your skin is safe from acne as well. 

Plantarum may help improve one’s immunity. 

A poor immune system makes one susceptible to infections and diseases such as acne. Fortunately, L. Plantarum can help boost one’s immunity by enabling the production of cells that are essential to fight viruses and bacteria. 

A South Korean rat study has shown that L. Plantarum, which is commonly found in local Kimchi, may help fight the influenza virus in the lungs. Another research has demonstrated that L. Plantarum, which is widely available in yogurt and supplements, may lower the risk of allergy-related immune disorders.

So how does poor immunity lead to breakouts? Remember, your immune system is in charge of fighting infections. When it is suppressed, it can’t do its job well. Skin bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes may take advantage of this. This strain, which is usually controlled at safe levels, can multiply exponentially. With this bacterial overgrowth, acne is most likely to occur.

Indeed, there are so many benefits that come with L. Plantarum supplementation. It can help your gut, skin, even liver as well. Since they are all-natural and generally safe, probiotic intake (together with a healthy diet and exercise) is your best bet for overall health.

ACHIEVE YOUR SKIN GOALS WITH CLEAR DERM WITH PROBIOTICS