The dreaded A-word: Acne. Nearly everyone experiences it, and no one likes it. Scientists have found temporary solutions, cures, and some even more permanent. And now, researchers have found a potential link between food you consume, and acne.It is a holistic belief that what you put into your body is what you put out. So it makes sense that what you consume will affect your skin as well, and how it functions. Acne is a result of skin not functioning correctly. It is caused by skin producing too much oil and a build of dead skin cells that ultimately clogs pores, leading to a local infection. It can also be caused by hormonal changes and fluctuations as we age, as found in teenagers. So what foods do this to our bodies?
High sugar foods and dairy. Research carried out over the past 50 years shows that consuming high sugar foods and drinking dairy in excess aggravated acne, and even triggered it in some cases. So will cutting back be the ultimate cure for teens and more increasingly adults?
In 2007, an Australian study showed that young males that were put on a strict low glycemic index diets saw significant improvement in the severity of their acne. Milk is believed to be a direct link to acne because of the hormones pumped into the beverage prior to selling it to consumers. So, if you or a client suffers from acne, here are some suggestions:
- Cut back on milk
- Switch to a non-dairy milk
- Choose foods with a low glycemic index (marked on the product or low in sugars)
- Fruits, vegetables, wholegrain options
- Do not over-cook veggies and pasta—it helps to lower the glycemic index (sugar level)
“The medical community should not dismiss the possibility of diet therapy as an adjunct treatment for acne. At this time, the best approach is to address each acne patient individually, carefully considering the possibility of dietary counseling,” (Jennifer Burris, researcher and doctoral candidate within New York University’s Department of Nutrition, food Studies, and Public Health).
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