Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder that is thought to be caused by overactive sebum glands in the skin. Although proper skin care is essential to the treatment of acne, what you put inside your body may be of equal or greater importance.
Eliminate Allergenic Foods
According to the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, food allergies and sensitivities may be a hidden cause of acne in some people. As such, the school recommends eliminating the most common allergenic foods for acne sufferers for three weeks. The foods include dairy, wheat, soy, sugar, chocolate, coffee, citrus fruit, strawberries, potatoes and tomatoes. After the elimination period, you reintroduce one food item per day. During the reintroduction period, you should monitor your skin closely for a return or worsening of acne symptoms, which would indicate that you are allergic or sensitive to that food, and it should be eliminated. Author Phyllis Balch says in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that dairy products are particularly problematic for many acne sufferers because they also contain hormones and steroids that can throw off the body's natural hormone balance.
Eliminate Foods that Increase Inflammation
Some foods are thought to increase inflammation and worsen acne. Eliminate trans fats, hydrogenated fats, shortening, margarines, fried, greasy and spicy foods, iodized salt, wheat, soft drinks, cocoa, chocolate, caffeine and highly processed foods. Simple and refined carbohydrates, such as white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, high fructose corn syrup, white bread, croissants and bagels, may be especially problematic. CSNN says that research suggests that acne may be associated with blood sugar imbalances, caused by the consumption of these foods, and some dermatologists are even calling acne "diabetes of the skin."
Increase Your Fiber and Water Intake
CSNN recommends eating a high-fiber diet, which may have a balancing effect on blood sugar levels and prevent acne. Balch adds that fiber encourages elimination and is thought to keep the colon clean, ridding the body of toxins. Water is also important to prevent constipation, and Balch says to drink 8 cups of filtered water daily.
Foods That May Enhance Healing
Balch says to eat a whole-foods diet, high in raw foods, and says that the greater the intake of raw foods, the faster the skin may clear and heal. CSNN says that bitter foods such as dandelion greens, lemons, limes, alfalfa, rye, bitter melon, asparagus, radish leaves and citrus peel help to strengthen and support the liver. A healthy liver has been associated with healthy looking skin. Balch adds that the mineral zinc has an antibacterial effect in the body, and it may help to regulate the sebum glands in the skin. As such, foods that are high in zinc may be helpful. They include shellfish, soybeans, whole grains and sunflower seeds.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
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