The Acne Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid for Flawless Skin
Published on 03-10-2019
Acnes and pimples are an obvious sign that the body is not in good balance and is
eliminating toxic and excess oil, produced in the sebaceous glands. Overproduction of
oil on the surface of the skin causes dead skin cells to clump, and form acne or a
pimple. A glowing, flawless skin is on the wish list of most of us, but then comes the
problem of acnes or pimples, which can be very de-moralising. Several studies on non-
industrialised communities have no documented cases of acne. Not even in
adolescence.
For example; the Zulu tribe in South Africa, Eskimos in Alaska, and many more. There
are no instances of acne in these societies, as they eat a traditional diet, with no access
to refined and processed food. Of course, a clean, non-polluted environment and stress-
free lifestyle also play big roles.
Now you know that your diet is of utmost importance when it comes to managing skin
conditions and getting that flawless look.
Tips you should follow to fight acne
1. Reduce Milk Intake
Milk can give you acne. Cows milk for instance is loaded with growth hormones
(including IGF-1 and Bovine). So each time you absorb these hormones from milk, it will
negatively affect your skin health. And also the androgenic effect of whey from milk
products is going to adversely effect hormones and trigger acne and facial hair.
(Also read: 15 Foods You Must Eat To Avoid Oily Skin)
2. Cut Down on Iodine
Acne is closely linked to excess iodine in the diet. If you love Japanese food, avoid
seaweed or sushi rolls. We sometimes over-do iodine in our foods as a whole lot of
ingredients like salt is fortified with iodine to avoid deficiencies. Please remember not to
cut down iodine completely, but reduce the intake of salt, which will then do wonders for
your skin.
3. Avoid Food with High Glycemic IndexResearch has shown that a low glycemic diet
can wipe off acne completely. People who have low glycemic diet have lower levels of
androgens in their blood. Stay clear of corn syrup, sugar, white flour, refined grains,
sauces, ketchups, sodas, sports drinks, juices, processed meats with hidden sugars, etc.
Manage your blood sugar levels with a natural diet of fresh and real foods such as
seasonal fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes and healthy fats
from natural sources. A natural, traditional diet will clean your system and reboot it,
clearing your skin in the process.
4. Kill Acne with Zinc
Research shows zinc is as effective, and in fact better than topical treatments like
clindamycin and erythromycin. Both topical and dietary zinc has natural anti-
inflammatory properties, and inhibits acne-causing bacteria. Include zinc-rich foods in
your diet like kidney beans, oysters, red meat and pumpkin seeds.
5. Include Omega 3 in Your Diet
Decrease your intake of omega 6 found in refined oils, baked goods and processed oils.
Aim to eat cold water fish at least twice a week. Include chia seeds and flaxseeds that
are abundant in omega 3 fatty acids. Toss the seeds in salad, add it to your poha, or
simply blend it in your smoothie for that omega 3 boost.
Besides these tips, eat mindfully, watch your potions, read labels, choose food that you
could hunt or gather and avoid pre-packaged junk. Include Vitamin D supplements, and
snack regularly to keep blood sugar levels well managed. Acne is only a reflection of
what's going wrong inside. A holistic and natural approach to food will balance
hormones and eliminate toxins very effectively thus giving you clear and flawless skin.
Follow Best Dietitian for Skin in Gurgaon for Skin Related Tips.