Acne, dietary modification

Acne is a general term often used to indicate acne vulgaris, which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin. It is characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Chronic acne can result in scarring. A contributing factor may be diet, as evidenced by studies of Eskimos and other cultures that first experienced acne after adopting the Western diet.

Some acne is caused by a condition known as “skin hypoglycemia” or “skin diabetes”. This means that the skin (which is an organ) is intolerant to sugars.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Cleanse your face at least twice a day with a sulfur-containing soap. After washing, apply benzol peroxide 5% gel at night. Extract blackheads every two or three days. Avoid using greasy creams and cosmetics, and avoid medications that contain bromides or iodides.

DIEATARY MODIFICATIONS

1- Eliminate sugars. A study has shown that skin glusoce tolerance is significantly impaired in acne patients.

2- Eat a high-fiber diet. Acne skin has cleared rapidly when fiber was increased in the diet. Foods high in fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, whole grain breads and crackers, bran, and legumes ( beans, lentils, and spit peas).

3- Reduce your consumption of fats and junk foods. In a study of Eskimos after World War II, it was noted that as the children began consuming the saturated fats and “junk foods”, acne started appearing. The Western diet is too high in calories, fat, salt and sugar, and too low in vegetables, fruits, and whole grain fiber.

4- Avoid foods high in trans-fatty-acids. These foods include milk, milk products, margarine, shortening, and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Because milk products are also high in calcium, be sure you are consuming other calcium-rich foods or juices.

5- Avoid fried foods.

6- Eliminate soda pop and artificial sweeteners.

7- Limit iodine-containing foods. Excess iodine consumption can cause an acne-like skin condition. Fast foods have been shown contain excess quantities of iodine, and many people eat far more iodine than they need.

8- Schedule a cleansing diet for several days to help detoxify your system. (This is not recommended for anyone under seventeen years of age). When impurities are not eliminated through the kidneys and bowels fast enough, they can erupt through the skin. A cleansing diet can be very beneficial.

9- Consider the possibility that you have food allergies. Food allergies can cause skin eruptions in some people. Common allergens include chocolate, milk, refined carbohydrates (sweets), and soft drink. Note that blood tests are more effective then skin-scratch tests when food allergies are concerned.

10- Drink no more than one glass of whole milk per day. The hormones contained in milk can aggravate acne.

11- A folklore remedy calls for four to five cups of cucumber juice per day for a week. this is said to purify the blood and lymphatic system resulting in a clearer complexion.

NUTRIENTS THAT HELP

Vitamin A reduces sebum production. Be aware, though, that side effects may result from high doses of supplemental vitamin A. Beta-carotene, found in fresh fruits and vegetables, is a wiser choice. It is converted to vitamin A as needed by your body.

Beneficial Juices: Carrot, kale, and parsley – sources of beta-carotene. Vitamin B6 is beneficial for premenstrual acne breakouts.