Jump to the FULL Episode Show Notes here:https://healthmysteriessolved.com/161-hashimotos-connection-to-dry-saggy-wrinkly-skin-and-how-to-reverse-itThe Case: Alicia has Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism.She’s experiencing fatigue, bloating, and skin issues (dry, irritated, saggy, and wrinkly skin)She tried changing her diet based on her doctor’s recommendation, but the bloating persistedShe’d tried countless lotions and potions for her skin but nothing workedI met Alicia inside my Thyroid Mystery Solved program and wasn’t surprised to hear the topical treatments for her skin weren’t working. Believe it or not, her bloating was my first clue as to why. The Investigation - The Gut, Skin, Thyroid Connection Most people who experience dry skin reach for the lotion. When it doesn’t work, they reach for more expensive lotion. They don’t realize that it’s all connected to their thyroid as well as their gut especially with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism. So, when I heard about Alicia’s issues with bloating and her skin, I knew we needed to dig more into her thyroid type and also explore what is happening in her gut. This is something that Dr. William Davis has been researching for some time. You may recognize the name from his best-selling books Wheat Belly and Super Gut. He was also on the show a little while ago talking about how to improve digestion and slow down the aging process. It’s episode 112 if you want to give it a listen. We are further exploring the role that our microbiome plays in skin radiance and optimal thyroid function. The Microbiome: Our Internal Powerhouse Our conversation was quite in-depth but the first thing you need to understand is that your gut is bustling with trillions of microbes. These diverse inhabitants aren't just passive bystanders; they actively influence our well-being in numerous ways, including digestion, immunity, and, as Dr. Davis highlights, our skin and thyroid health. Recent research sheds light on this fascinating connection, revealing how specific bacterial strains within our gut microbiome can significantly impact the health and appearance of our skin and the function of our thyroid gland. Dr. Davis explains that there is a good chance it’s a result of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) which is estimated to affect at least half the population, and it's particularly common in individuals with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's. The presence of these "bad" bacteria in the small intestine, where nutrient absorption occurs, can lead to inflammation, dryness, redness, and even rashes. Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis can all be linked to imbalanced gut flora.Restoring Balance: The Power of Lactobacillus ReuteriSo, what can we do to address this gut-skin connection and have the radiant skin we want? Dr. Davis emphasizes the importance of restoring a specific microbe we've all lost –  Lactobacillus Reuteri. This unique probiotic strain (almost impossible to find in most people today) has the remarkable ability to colonize the entire GI tract, including the small intestine.Unlike other probiotics that mainly reach the colon, Reuteri takes up residence throughout the gut, producing natural antibiotics called bacteriocins that fight off the harmful fecal microbes. This reduction in "bad" bacteria lowers the toxic burden in the bloodstream, leading to noticeable improvements in skin health.But the benefits of Reuteri go even further. It communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve, triggering the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone" known for its positive effects on skin health, body shape, and overall well-being. Oxytocin stimulates the production of dermal collagen, leading to plumper, smoother skin.Is SIBO Causing Dry, Wrinkly Skin?Dr. Davis highlights the complex interplay between various lifestyle choices and underlying health conditions. While the exact cause of SIBO remains unclear, Dr. Davis suggests some potential causes.Potential Culprits Behi