The Acne Diet
The acne diet sometime referenced "acne free" diet; the theory behind the acne diet is adapting a different diet. There are ongoing debates between medical communities on the results of this particular acne diet on whether it has an impact at all. There is some evidence which indicates what you eat does affect the skin. Dean Goodless a dermatologist developed this particular acne diet; his book The Acne-Free Diet Plan has certain recommendations.
What is the Acne Diet?
How does the Acne Diet work?
Causes of Acne?
Is the Acne diet Safe?
The acne diet recommends consuming a low in fat and high in fiber diet, the acne diet recommends avoiding certain foods such as:
- products containing peanuts,
- foods the have been fried,
- to much salt,
- dairy products,
- foods high in refined sugars,
- Foods high in carbohydrates,
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- By following the recommendations of the acne diet, it is believed to help prevent and reduce the number of breakouts.
- Eating 20-30 grams of fiber each day, research has shown that fiber is a key element in keeping the colon clean, this can help can help to remove toxins. By keeping the colon clean, it can help rid toxins from the body before they reach your skin.
- Research indicated that cultures whose diet was naturally lower in fat appeared to have less acne; it is thought that high fat content can interfere with hormone levels responsible for spots.
- In studies of youths, it was found that peanut products and fried foods caused breakouts
- Limit the amount of salt contained in the diet, especially table salt or iodized salt. Studies show that people with acne tested for high amounts iodine in their bloodstream.
- Avoid dairy products milk, cheese and ice-cream
- Foods such as sweets, baked goods and sodas are processed carbohydrates and should be avoided, these high carbohydrated products can raise the level of insulin in the blood. Raised levels of insulin may raise the levels of acne - causing hormones.
Other recommendations made by the acne diet are to use certain supplements
Vitamin A (may be toxic consult your doctor first)
Vitamin E
Vitamin B6
Selenium
Zinc
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Chromium
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There are a number of possible causes for acne
- Increase in hormones especially in puberty, this can cause the oil glands to fill up and become blocked
- Hormone changes during pregnancy
- Certain birth control pills
- Hereditary,it can run in families
- Make-up
Acne is caused when glands called sebaceous glands form oil called sebum. Hormones that become active at puberty stimulate these glands; acne occurs most often in adolescence when the hormones that are produced in abundance. This oil formed by the sebaceous glands have dead skin cells, as these cells start to die they create an ideal host for bacteria. A bacterium that forms named Acne Vulgaris will try to escape from the skin resulting in spots and sometimes-painful cysts.
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When doing the acne diet there are certain things that you need to take into consideration
- Limiting the amount of dairy on the acne diet limits the amount of calcium in the diet you may need supplements. Lack of calcium can be dangerous to health.
- On the acne diet it is recommended to take zinc supplements, these have been known to cause stomach upset. Zinc can also stop the body absorbing copper; there are types available, which do not cause this.
- Too much vitamin A can be extremely dangerous any extra amounts are stored in the fat, vitamin A known as a fat-soluble vitamin. A doctor should always be consulted first. Vitamin A can also be dangerous to a pregnant woman or woman who becomes pregnant whilst taking the supplement.
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