Acne and Diet Connection

Pimples, pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, these are the different ways that acne appears on the skin of a person. Many people have the mistaken notion that acne affects only teenagers and young people in their early twenties. This is a myth as acne is known to affect people in their thirties, forties and fifties too. Similarly, there are many myths associated with acne. For example, some people say that a person's diet has a direct relationship with the skin condition. And there are certain foods that can aggravate acne. Doctors and medical experts have long been saying that this is a myth. According to them, the diet has nothing to do with acne. Therefore,is the connection between acne and diet actually a myth? Or is there something more than meets the eye. Let's try to find out ...

Is there a connection between acne and diet?

A few decades ago, there were some studies done that concluded that diet and acne are not related at all. But now, research in the field of proclaiming that there is a strong link between the two and that the studies that were done before, were defective. According to the theories doing the rounds these days, acne results from two main factors ie inflammation as well as any increase or decrease in the levels of blood sugar in the body. Since diet greatly affects the levels of blood sugar in the body, this relationship between diet and acne is established. As for inflammation, immunity is weakened, causing the bacteria that cause acne to take over. Therefore, these two conditions can reach breakouts. Next, let's take a look at how diet changes the levels of blood sugar in the body and causes inflammation.

When a person eats too much, your body is unable to burn extra calories. These calories, overtime is deposited as fat. A person gains weight in these circumstances and because of this, develops resistance to insulin. When this condition which wreaks havoc on the levels of blood sugar in the body, leading to breakouts occurs. Another situation is when a person carries a high fat diet. This insulin resistance is also developed in the body, altering blood sugar levels and, therefore, causing acne. Then there are high glycemic index (GI) foods. Processed foods and refined foods fall into this category. These foods increase the levels of blood sugar considerably. To stabilize, the body releases large amounts of insulin, which collapses to the levels of blood sugar, resulting in acne.

Regarding inflammation, certain foods known to cause this condition in the body. Preservatives, food dyes, additives and many other chemicals in food can lead to inflammation. Refined sugar, grains, all dairy products, vegetable oils, processed foods - are known to cause inflammation too. Also, if a person has an allergy to certain foods (eg lactose intolerance is an allergy to dairy products), it is likely that if you take this type of food, inflammation develop. A medical condition known as leaky gut, which develops from taking a diet syndrome, damages the lining of the intestine and causes inflammation. And as mentioned above, inflammation can lead to acne, this shows that there is a strong connection acne diet.

Diet to Prevent Acne

In order to prevent outbreaks of acne, take a healthy and balanced diet and avoid foods that cause acne, Such as mentioned in the last segment, is very important. The first thing a person suffering from acne have to do is avoid overeating. The intake of fatty foods should be kept in check too. However, foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as fish, olive oil and flaxseed oil should be included in the diet.

Foods rich in fiber are a necessity in the diet for acne free skin by eliminating waste and body fat, while keeping blood sugar levels under control. One end of major acne diet is to eat foods in their natural form. Processed and refined foods should be avoided. The diet to prevent acne should consist primarily of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats.

Although there is no concrete evidence behind acne and diet connection, however, if you take a balanced diet that will help your skin becomes clear and bright. In addition, changes in diet, drink a gallon of water daily, exercise regularly and maintain cleanliness is the key to preventing acne.