New research is constantly evolving, but early signs suggest that it’s not just the food you’re putting into your body and the products you’re using externally that are key to pimple-free, supple and healthy skin.

“Eczema, acne and psoriasis could be related to the gut and skin microbiomes,” says Brittany Pearse, associate nutritionist and science officer at Yakult.

“Gut microbes are involved in the synthesis of some vitamins, like B vitamins, which are important for skin health and other functions in the body.”

Looking after your gut health could play a role in absorbing those vitamins more efficiently and, in turn, helping skin. It’s what’s on the inside that makes the outside shine even more!

However, skin conditions are complex and research is still in its early stages, so continue to seek advice from a registered healthcare professional or your GP if you’re worried.

Gut microbes are related to better sleep quality and better sleep is related to gut health. Your circadian rhythm is your internal sleep-wake cycle and helps your body to carry out its essential functions.

But it’s not just about getting enough sleep (although that definitely helps), it’s about the quality of the sleep.

“The gut microbiota has its own circadian rhythm that is linked to human circadian rhythm,” explains Pearse.

“This can be altered by ‘clock genes’, patterns of eating and the types of food eaten, among other factors.

“Disruptions to sleep and then the circadian rhythm impact the balance of the bacteria in the gut.”

In order to support a good gut health-sleep relationship, Pearse suggests trying to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, reduce screen time and caffeine too close to bedtime and avoid vigorous exercise late at night.

You should also try to think of your diet as part of it, planning meals for a similar time each day and ensuring you’re eating a variety of plant-based foods. 

That means whole grains, nuts, legumes, fermented foods, some dairy products and, of course, plenty of fruit and veg.

“More physically active groups of people and athletes have a gut microbiome profile that is related to a healthier structure and function of the gut lining as well as good metabolic health,” says Pearse. 

Generally, if you’re more active, you’re also more likely to have a balanced diet or be engaged in other factors that contribute to overall good health – and in turn – good gut health.

The good news is you don’t have to go hell for leather on the treadmill – studies suggest moderate exercise is enough to support the gut microbiome.

And don’t forget the other benefits of exercise - it’s great for creating a calmer headspace and boosting mood. All the better if you’re getting out in nature while you exercise too.

Basically, if you’re moving your body and enjoying it, you’re doing it right.

While physical and mental health are still viewed by society as relatively separate things – they’re actually a lot more closely linked than you’d think.

The gut-brain axis is the communication process between the nervous system in the gut and the brain.

If you’ve ever had butterflies in your tummy or lost your appetite due to nerves, you will have directly experienced the relationship between the gut and the brain. 

High levels of stress can affect communication between the gut and the brain, which in turn can alter the composition of the gut microbiome. 

“Ongoing stress over a long period of time – chronic stress – caused by stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin being at a raised level can impact our health if constantly present,” explains Pearse.

“This affects a range of systems in the body from the immune system to gut function. 

“High levels of stress hormones can also impact appetite and may even cause bloating.”

There’s no need to stress about being stressed, though. 

Simple activities like journaling, meditation, exercise and getting out in nature all help to keep your stress levels down and your tummy’s happiness up.