Janet Maccaro PhD, C.N.C.
While many reports in the past have told us that acne is NOT triggered by food choices, new studies show that our Western diet of sugary, over processed foods, is at least partly to blame. Too much sugar raises insulin and IGF-1 (insulin growth factor) levels, triggering the production of excess testosterone and sebum which clog pores and cause breakouts. Sugar saturated skin is more susceptible to acne,because a rise in blood sugar is multiplied by 5 by the time it gets to the skin.
A low glycemic diet that is naturally anti inflammatory is therefore recommended to prevent or lessen acne flare ups. Add more fiber to your diet to prevent constipation which will help your body eliminate waste. Choose whole grains, green vegetables, brown rice, and apples.
Eliminate “trigger” foods: white flour foods, sugary and fried foods, soft drinks, caffeine, chocolate, fatty dairy, hard cheeses, nightshade plants~ eggplant,peppers,tomatoes,peanut butter.
Limit : wheat germ,shellfish,high iodine foods like kelp,citrus, and eggs.
Choose: turkey, chicken,vegetable protein (beans);avoid red meat.
It is true that gland imbalances, and hormone imbalances during teenage years contribute to the development of acne. Stress is the biggest cause for men, and hormonal imbalances around menstrual periods, some oral contraceptives, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and pregnancy cause most of the cases in women. In all cases however, acne is is aggravated by poor digestion of fatty foods, lack of green vegetables, and essential fatty acid deficiency. Poor liver function, and constipation as well as genetic predisposition are additional causes.
