Over the past few years, micronutrition has been gaining in popularity. Is it the umpteenth weight-loss diet category, a mere fad or a genuine, tailor-made therapy?
Yodi was fortunate enough to welcome Valérie Espinasse, Doctor of Pharmacy and micro-nutritionist, specialist in food intolerances and intestinal microbiota, to one of its recent expert workshops in the heart of its boutique at 27 avenue Victor Hugo.
Read the full interview with Valérie Espinasse and Hélène Azancot, founder of Yodi, at the end of this article.
What is micronutrition?
Micronutrition and its approach may be on trend, but it's not all that well known.
To put it simply, micronutrition is the use of all micronutrients - trace elements, vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants and phytotherapy - in a natural, intelligent and holistic therapeutic way.
It's a holistic and natural therapy, but it's also personalized and tailored to the patient's state of health and specific needs (metabolism, food intolerances, genetic make-up, lifestyle, deficiencies, etc.).
Micronutrition is therefore not a strict weight-loss diet, but a tailored, personal preventive or therapeutic program, designed to achieve long-term good health and well-being, thanks to supra-therapeutic dosing of certain relevant micronutrients.
"Let your food be your first medicine". Let your diet be your first medicine" said Hippocrates.
Micro-nutrition, intestinal microbiota and beauty
The intestinal microbiota is the collection of good bacteria, yeasts and micro-organisms present in our digestive tract, enabling us to maintain good health and a healthy immune system.
Sometimes, however, this microbiota can become dysregulated. This can lead to symptoms such as inflammation, chronic allergies, pain, recurring skin problems, reduced immunity, bloating, fatigue, hair loss and so on. This is known as microbiological imbalance.
When there is this kind of microbiological imbalance, the outward physical appearance, such as the skin, becomes a reflection of our inner self: the tip of the iceberg, which already communicates a great deal of information!
To go further, we need to carry out biological tests to observe in depth the quality of the microbiota and its deficits: this is what micro-nutritionists are often called upon to do, in order to propose the most appropriate dietary recommendations.
So, no matter how healthy we make our cosmetics, if our intestinal microbiota is deregulated, it's a safe bet that our skin microbiota will be too, and so the quality of our skin/hair won't be as good as we'd hoped. Once again, health and beauty really do go hand in hand.
So what can you do to restore your health, beautiful skin and hair? It's essential to rebalance your microbiota, for example by taking pre- and probiotic cures - as used by Yodi in its products - or even post-biotics. But be patient! As with micronutrition, results are not immediate. Lifestyle, general diet and genetic make-up, among other factors, will also play a decisive role.
The skin, a real blotter
As a reflection of the inner self, the skin "transpires" what it ingests.
In conventional cosmetics, we have to be wary of endocrine disruptors, which are unfortunately quite common. These are dangerous, particularly for the hormonal system, which is already naturally complex.
That's why Yodi has set itself the mission of creating skincare products that are water-free and free from endocrine disruptors! Products that are 100% natural and vegan, respecting the pH and sensitivity of skin and hair. In particular, these products are enriched with prebiotics to protect and fortify the skin and scalp barrier for long-lasting, radiant results.
Find out more about Yodi products here
Read the full interview with Valérie Espinasse x Yodi below:
Hélène Azancot: Since the creation of Yodi, I've really enjoyed forging links with wellness experts who share the same values of transparency, naturalness and sustainability. In order to share these exchanges with as many people as possible, we often organize master classes in our Yodi boutique, at 27 avenue Victor Hugo, in the 16ᵉ, to highlight these inspiring people and also inspire us on holistic beauty. These experts come from very different backgrounds: naturopath, designer, interior decorator... But what they all have in common is a desire to make a difference towards a healthier future. We had the great pleasure of meeting Valérie Espinasse.
Valérie Espinasse: I'm delighted to be here in this magnificent Yodi boutique. I'm a doctor of pharmacy and a nutritionist. I started out in predictive and genetic medicine, as well as anti-aging medicine, and then specialized in food intolerances and intestinal microbiota.
Hélène Azancot: But what is micro-nutrition?
Valérie Espinasse: That's an excellent question, because it's true that it's not widely known. It's about using all micronutrients in a natural way, i.e. through food or supplements, but using them in doses that are therapeutic. For example, did you know that twelve grams of vitamin C can help cure the flu? In micro-nutrition, we use all the micronutrients, fatty acids and trace elements which have therapeutic virtues when used in supra-therapeutic doses and which are in any case indicated according to the pathologies we may have, or at least in prevention.
Hélène Azancot: Right. So, micro-nutrition isn't just for weight loss or weight gain, it's also for other, broader issues. Just now, you were talking about the link between micro-nutrition and the intestinal microbiota. Can you tell us more about this?
Valérie Espinasse: Exactly. It's true that in micro-nutrition, we talk a lot about diet: it's important. It's the foundation, but it's not just about losing weight, it's about staying healthy. It's important to make the link between the intestinal microbiota and micronutrients, i.e. what I'm going to get from food during digestion and what's going to help me stay healthy. For energy, we need lipids, proteins and carbohydrates; these are important.
And then there are all those other micronutrients that are essential for good immunity. And, by extension, for good quality skin, hair and energy. For this, a healthy intestinal microbiota - i.e. the good bacteria that must be present, yeasts and all micro-organisms - is essential.
There are already certain qualities of vitamins that are not secreted by our intestinal microbiota. However, it does secrete certain fatty acids. We supply it with these through our direct diet, but in a way that is insufficient for the microbiota's interest in secreting these fatty acids. Fatty acids are extremely important for our brain and hormones.
Hélène Azancot: What are the symptoms of a dysregulated intestinal microbiota?
Valérie Espinasse: It's not easy, because digestive signs aren't always present, i.e. you can have an unbalanced intestinal microbiota and have no digestive symptoms. However, certain signs may be present, such as inflammation, pain, recurrent skin problems, chronic allergies and low immunity. This is very common, or chronic fatigue, or even severe hair loss. This can be the first outward sign of a microbiological deficiency.
Hélène Azancot: So it's not just digestion that's difficult, or the appearance of bloating. It can also be skin problems. Skin disorders can be linked to a microbiota that's also out of whack.
Valérie: It's very common. In fact, we're talking about skin problems and we're at Yodi today, obviously to talk about it!
I've been interested in food intolerances. Initially, I was interested in intestinal microbiota, and my vocation was to deal only with digestive problems. Then, as I was rectifying the microbiota balance of patients who had come to see me, admittedly for digestive problems, but also with skin problems such as rosacea or chronic skin allergies, I was getting feedback like: "I don't know what you've given me, but it's getting much better. I'd reply, "I haven't given you anything, but everything has changed inside".
Hélène Azancot: That's really great. It means that you can actually have physical problems that are linked precisely to the fact that your digestive system isn't doing well at all.
Valérie Espinasse: In any case, the interior is disturbed. Let's say that our skin is a reflection of our inner self. Our hair is also the tip of the iceberg, already communicating some initial information. That said, we can go further. Are there digestive problems? Are there chronic allergies? Is there a chronic pathology? Today, we have biological tests that enable us to see the quality of the microbiota. As a professional, this enables me to intervene precisely.
Hélène Azancot: What kind of tests do you use, for example?
Valérie Espinasse: Today, to determine the quality of the microbiota, we mainly use urine tests. Because our intestinal microbiota releases metabolites, i.e. waste products that will be found in the urine, and depending on the quantity of waste products, we know what the probiotic load of the intestine is at present. In my opinion, this is the best way of mapping the microbiota. Perhaps in five years' time a new, even more precise method will exist?
Hélène Azancot: Yes, it's very interesting because it shows the complementarity between beauty and micro-nutrition, which we talked about at length. Because, in the end, there's no point in using healthy products when there's a problem inside. The result on the skin will never be what you expect. So beauty and health, once again, really do go hand in hand.
Valérie Espinasse: Yes, it has to be said that it's a synergy, as in many other situations. And I'm not the only one to say that all you have to do is go to the Inserm website and start looking for skin problems and intestinal microbiota. Studies are starting to come out, and we know that when the intestinal microbiota is disturbed, the skin microbiota is disturbed too. Exact correlations have yet to be found. But that's what I see in my practice. When I analyze and treat intestinal microbiota appropriately, skin problems largely disappear. So sometimes, as with psoriasis, there's an emotional factor that needs to be taken into account. That's another parameter and another dimension of our global approach.
Hélène Azancot: It's a very interesting approach. In other words, you need to combine healthy products with a whole range of lifestyle rules and take the right nutrients. So, let's come back to micro-nutrition. What are the principles of micro-nutrition?
Valérie Espinasse: As I was saying, the principles of micronutrition revolve around health, health prevention and even the treatment of pathologies. Micronutrition consists in assessing where the deficiencies are, either related to diet, or related to absorption deficiencies. So we've been talking about a dysregulated intestinal microbiota that could potentially lead to these disorders. For example, I'm going to have chronic fatigue and trouble getting going in the morning. Maybe, despite what I think, I'm eating in the wrong way, without getting the right foods at the right time for my morning neurotransmitters to work properly. Because we're all chemistry. Neurotransmitters are chemistry. Our hormones are chemistry. Insulin is chemistry. Neurotransmitters need to be supplied with the right nutrients at the right time. So micro-nutrition means rebalancing the diet. What's more, supplements can be added temporarily, just long enough for the person to regain their energy. A person who's always going to get sick doesn't have good immunity: it's the intestinal microbiota. So we take a look, assess the microbiota and requalify with probiotics, glutamine, chlorophyll or prebiotics. We've even reached the stage of biotic posts!
Hélène Azancot: Exactly, just like your skin!
Valérie Espinasse: That's it, and we're going to rebalance this microbiota. But it's not all immediate. That's always the downside of micro-nutrition. It takes one or two months for energy levels to return to optimal levels. So, like many things, micro-nutrition takes time to work. I'm going to rebalance my diet so that my intakes are better. I can help myself with supplements, what we now call food supplements. But it's also phytotherapy, probiotics, in a health context that I'll adapt to the person in front of me. In any case, that's how I see micro-nutrition. It's all about personalization. Two people can have the same diet, but given their genetic make-up, they won't have the same absorptions, they won't have the same deficits. This means that a consultation involves questions about the person's life in particular. How they eat, but also their lifestyle, which is very important. Then more detailed analyses: blood or urine tests. I'm also very interested in the patient's genetics, i.e. the exact illnesses or environments in which they have lived. There may also be pathologies from the past, or past treatments that have unbalanced a terrain and need to be requalified over time.
Hélène Azancot: Right. Is there a trend that you see developing among your patients, a subject that people are coming to more and more for that wasn't there ten or fifteen years ago?
Valérie Espinasse: In the post-covid period, the big issue today is immunity. "I don't want to get sick, I don't want to have covid", etc. This issue is always topical. This is still a topical issue, and over the past two years I've really had patients coming to see me about it. So, usually, I always ask the question before the consultation: "What is the purpose of your visit? And surprisingly, now I have people who will tell me that they're in good health, but they want to preserve their health; preserve their immunity. Because, as we said earlier, prevention is also medicine. In my opinion, it's also important to know our genetic make-up. What family do I come from? Do I have digestive problems, osteoarthritis or some other pathology, and what can I do to prevent these pathologies that are "lying in wait" for me?
Hélène Azancot: So we're not talking about wrinkles and all that! Are you really talking about health as we age?
Valérie Espinasse: Yes, but we said earlier that our hair and skin were the tip of the iceberg, and I can assure you that someone who's better on the inside doesn't have the same skin quality.
Hélène Azancot: You're absolutely right. Earlier, we were talking about endocrine disruptors. At Yodi, we've really tried to remove them completely, which is quite rare because we make products without water and therefore without preservatives. There aren't many on the market. We removed the water precisely to avoid using endocrine disruptors, and in particular preservatives, which are pretty much everywhere. In fact, we put a lot of products on our skin and hair all our lives. So we accumulate endocrine disruptors without realizing it. In fact, we don't have much choice but to use healthy products. In the end, these products are free of endocrine disruptors, but are still very effective. But you were telling me earlier that there was a real link between endocrine disruptors and menopause. I had no idea.
Valérie Espinasse: Well, you're absolutely right: you have to be very careful about what you use on your skin. We pay more and more attention to what we eat, but we don't think at all about what we put on our skin. I'm bouncing off the subject of disruptors, but that's to show that it goes a long way. I once had a patient with liver enzymes. Far too many. But in fact, it wasn't due to excessive alcohol consumption: he didn't drink at all. But it was in the middle of the Covid pandemic, and we often had to rinse our hands with hydroalcoholic gel. Very often, and he was terrified all day long, he would use hydroalcoholic gel - only on his hands, of course, not on his whole body - . To sum up quickly, he didn't use this hydro-alcoholic gel every hour, but almost every quarter of an hour. And in the end, it was the alcohol that was regularly entering his bloodstream that had affected his liver enzymes! It's a rare occurrence, but it goes to show that all this work on the skin, all the products we apply to it, doesn't just stay on the surface. As you know better than anyone, we have an epidermis, a dermis and vessels, nerve endings and vessels that partly absorb. So it's the same for endocrine disruptors. Because the cosmetic stage is indeed where endocrine disruptors come in. And endocrine disruptors are just a word, but it's important to understand it. What does it mean? It disrupts our endocrine system. What's our endocrine system? It's our hormonal secretions. We women have a special time of life at menopause, that's for sure, but we have many others. Pregnancy, puberty, etc. From then on, endocrine disruptors will become a decoy, meaning that they will take the place of the receptors that are intended for hormones and put them into hyper-stimulation. But just as when we have a drop in hormones, we can have hot flushes. When we have hyper-stimulation of our oestrogen receptors, we can have the same symptoms. So, at menopause, if we can get rid of these endocrine disruptors as much as possible, we'll have less hormonal disruption. All we'll have is our own disruption, which isn't always easy to manage, but at least without these endocrine disruptors.
Hélène Azancot: That's absolutely fascinating. Thank you so much!
Valérie Espinasse: With pleasure! For your information, I'm at 22 rue Washington in the eighth arrondissement of Paris, and I have a website where you can find my contact details.
Hélène Azancot: We're delighted to have had you with us, Valérie, because there really is a very strong link between healthy beauty and healthy eating. It's really what makes us healthier for longer.
To find out more, visit Valérie Espinasse's website here: https: //www.valerie-espinasse.fr/
For more information:
https://lejournal.cnrs.fr/articles/microbiote-des-bacteries-qui-nous-veulent-du-bien