Balanced gut, happy hormones: Nutritionist reveals how your diet can brighten or dull your skin glow, mood

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Health benefits of vegetables and fruits in daily diet: Fruits and vegetables offer vitamins and minerals that spark cellular repair and glow (Image: Pexels)

The modern times are redefining health. From green smoothies to gut-loving yoghurts, we’re witnessing a revolution in wellness. Yet, behind every glowing face, there is something deeper, your gut health.

True glow doesn’t come from using several beauty products, it starts in your stomach, Dr Rohini Patil, nutritionist, Founder and CEO of Nutracy Lifestyle, tells Moneycontrol. “Once dismissed as a passing fad, holistic wellness is now the backbone of modern living.”

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Nutritionists, including Dr Patil, are tracing everything — your mood swings, breakouts, even your sleepless nights — back to one complex system: the gut-brain-skin axis. “A disruption in the gut microbiome causes inflammation, hormonal imbalance, dullness, and fatigue. Blame it on stress, crash diets, antibiotics, and those comforting yet damaging processed foods. A nourished gut reflects in your energy and confidence. It’s not vanity; it’s biology,” she adds.

Also read | Skincare tips: Revive your skin after Diwali with these dermatologist backed glow tips

Also, processed food, refined carbs, and sugar spike insulin and disrupt oestrogen levels, often giving rise to acne, irritability, and exhaustion. “We often treat the symptoms on the skin. But the trigger is usually in the gut,” explains Dr Patil.

The solution, she says, isn’t a diet trend but a daily routine of movement; Yoga, walking, dancing. Plus, whole, unprocessed meals that keep both mind and metabolism in sync.

Dr Patil insists that both macronutrients and micronutrients play a vital role in hormonal and skin health. She suggests the formula for balance:

Feed your hormones: Carbs, proteins, and healthy fats sustain hormone and neurotransmitter synthesis.

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Don’t skip your fats: Omega-3s and antioxidants keep the skin barrier strong and hormones stable.

Also read | Healthy skin: 5 powerful ways mental wellness, nutrition, daily exercises can keep your skin glowing

Ferment for the future: Yoghurt, pickles, and fibre-rich foods boost gut microbial diversity.

Protein in your plate: Chicken, fish, eggs, and lentils maintain mood, muscle, and metabolism.

Add colour: Fruits and vegetables offer vitamins and minerals that spark cellular repair and glow.

Mind and mood connection:

Here’s where science turns soulful. Serotonin, the so-called happy hormone, doesn’t just sit in the brain. Around 90 percent of it lives in the gut. “A thriving gut microbiome enhances serotonin and dopamine levels. That’s why nutrition can literally lift your mood.” Deficiencies in iron or B vitamins, she warns, may lead to anxiety and brain fog. A joyful gut equals a joyful mind,” Dr Patil notes.

The next wave in Indian wellness, says Dr Patil, is not about calorie counts but metabolic intelligence. “We’re moving towards functional foods, adaptogens, and precision nutrition,” she predicts. The “gut-to-glow” era isn’t just reshaping our diets — it’s redefining how we understand beauty and emotional health. “Food,” she concludes, “is no longer fuel alone — it’s communication between the gut, the skin, and the soul.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.