TLDR; I basically want to know if I should buy a prebiotic or a probiotic.
So since I started taking lifting serously (got on a 5x5 program nothing but compounds, started eating like a machine) and made great gains I got a bad acne breakout and have been battling it ever since (im 16, btw dont mind the dp too much its old).
I was taking an antibiotic for 3 months from the doctor which cleared my skin up pretty decently, though we all know antibiotics aren’t good for us. I am now 2-3 weeks since finishing my antibiotics, and acne is slowly creeping up again.
When I was 5 years old I got sick with this terrible glandular fever, which has left my immune system permanently weakened. This explains why my acne is bacteria related (antibiotics working so well) and I am the only one in my family who ever got it. I have been doing the following:
- Honey (anti-bacterial) and cinammon (anti-microbial) face mask in the mornings for 15-20 minutes
- Tea tree oil once or twice before bed (anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory)
I seem to have effectively replaced the perscription cream (epiduo) with natural substances which don’t have the same side effects. Such as irritated skin, dried out skin (which blocks pores and in turn creates more acne).
I have been working on my diet, incorporating tumeric extract (anti inflammatory), plenty of vitamin A (carrots, capsicum), chicory root (pre biotic, anti-inflammatory) and things have been working out nicely. Too soon to tell, but my own researched methods are clearing my face better than what the doctor told me.
Now I understand that 80% of your immune system (where my problem is) is in your digestive system. I have researched pre and pro biotics and prebiotics seem to be the way to go. Pro biotics are hard to take in because theyre very sensitive and most get destroyed in your stomach before being effective. Prebiotics are much more effective though hard to get in your diet.
I was looking at prebiotic supplements and there aren’t many out there. Would a probiotic supplement work just as good? Any other recommendations for my digestive / immune health?