Dandruff Might Be Linked To Digestive Issues

Dandruff and gut are related in significant ways. Dandruff is caused due to Malassezia fungus, and now, it is also said to overgrow in other parts of the body, like, the gastrointestinal tract. Hence, if the issue of dandruff is persistent, it is linked to the overgrowth of fungus in GIT. 

Modern Medicine view on the link between dandruff and gut issues

Microorganisms are essential for maintaining our body’s functions, including our digestive systems, respiratory systems, and skin (not to mention scalp skin!). We now know that an imbalance in the microbiome on our skin can develop or aggravate scalp disorders including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis, as well as increase the risk of infection.

The microbiome has been demonstrated to have a direct impact on scalp health. Scientists were able to investigate common bacteria found on our scalp and discovered that propionibacterium acne and staphylococcus epidermidis are typically detected on the scalp.

Propionibacterium appears to be more abundant than staphylococcus on a healthy scalp, whereas staphylococcus appears to be significantly more prevalent on a dandruff-prone scalp. Malassezia species is another essential and prevalent yeast discovered in dandruff sufferers.

According to research, beneficial bacteria on the scalp allow for faster absorption of vitamins and amino acids, which promotes healthy hair development and prevents the formation of dandruff. Whereas on the other hand, if the bacterial growth is an imbalance, it leads to less absorption of nutrients and leads to persistent dandruff issues.

This is how modern medicine links dandruff and gastrointestinal issues.

Is dandruff related to the stomach? – An Ayurvedic perspective

We shall break this down into two parts. We shall first understand what imbalances in the body cause dandruff, and later, what imbalances cause irregular gut health.

a. “Darunak”, aka dandruff is a scalp disorder that leads to the flaking of dead skin cells. Daranak is a Vata Kapha predominate tridosha illness, according to Ayurveda. Sebum (Kapha) is an oily fluid produced by the scalp’s skin. This sebum keeps your scalp and hair nourished. It is a natural procedure that prevents your hair from being dry and frizzy. 

However, if this sebum (Kapha) is overproduced for unknown causes, you may experience scalp issues. Overproduction of sebum (Kapha) causes oily scales to form on the scalp, causing extreme itching and possibly infection. As a result, wet dandruff requires more time to treat, whereas dry dandruff is quicker to treat.

Ayurveda classifies dandruff as Shudra Roga, which occurs as a result of an imbalance of all three doshas (Ayurvedic humor). Kapha and Vata are the key doshas involved. Kapha is an Ayurvedic humor that represents softness, stickiness, nutrition, and lubrication. Vata is a harsh and dry element. In an aggravated state, both doshas, depending on their dominance, produce unique impurities in the scalp that are dry and sticky in character. 

These contaminants build in the scalp’s deep tissues and pollute them. Itching and flaky spots on the scalp are caused by contamination of the deep tissues and an intensified Vata-Kapha Dosha. Because of these conditions, the scalp sheds more dead epidermal cells than usual, resulting in dandruff issues.

b. According to Ayurveda, all movements and functions in the body are interrelated. Every disease, according to this discipline, is caused by an imbalance in one of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. They control critical gut functions such as digestion, nutritional absorption and synthesis, metabolism, gut balance (homeostasis), waste excretion, and so forth. The colon, which contains the majority of the gut microorganisms, is the principal location of the Vata dosha.

A Vata dosha imbalance harms the gut bacteria, resulting in severe stomach discomfort, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, inflammatory bowel illnesses, diarrhea/constipation, and other symptoms. It will also have an impact on your thoughts, emotions, sleep habits, bones, joints, nervous system, immune response, and so on.

What do we understand?

Both dandruff and gut issues are caused due to imbalance in doshas, namely, Vata. The vitiation of this dosha makes a healthy environment for the colonization of fungus/bacteria that may lead to flaking and stomach discomfort, respectively.

Modern and Ayurvedic perspectives agree that gut digestive issues may cause dandruff as the reasons for both are the same. Any imbalance in the body creates a cascading effect and leads to other conditions. This is one of the reasons why digestive imbalances lead to dandruff.
To read more about dandruff, click here.