Acne Food
Are There Foods That Cause Acne

what is an are acne food - will changing what you eat help clear acne?

While dermatologists and other skin experts deny that there is any scientific proof of an association between the food that you eat and the outbreaks of acne blemishes, many still hold on to that belief. Is there a connection between what you eat and the condition of your skin? Is there really an acne food diet?

The answer is not simple and straight forward. Bad food does not directly cause bad skin.  But,  anything that you put into your body will effect your body and your health. This certainly includes your skin. The food that you think of as not being good for you, such as sweets, greasy foods, salty, fatty snacks, do have a deleterious effect on our bodies and our total health.  If you skin are a person prone to have acne outbreaks, you should be particularly careful about the foods you eat if you intend to be acne free. 

If you are eating fatty foods or those high in sugar content or lots of refined carbohydrates, you should be aware that you are damaging the health of your body as well as your skin.  Research has proven that eating overly large amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates can, and probably does, lead to a surge in insulin.  This  may create a condition in which the increase in insulin creates the production of excess male hormones.  Excessive male hormones, in turn,  can create an excess of sebum, the substance that clogs pores, attracts bacteria, and causes outbreaks of acne. 

actions of saturated fats

Doctors have been warning of the dangers of consuming saturated fats and trans fats for quite some time.  Saturated fats have an overall negative effect on the body. They undermine the immune system, promote inflammation, and possibly raise the skin's oil production level.  For an acne sufferer, this certainly could lead to acne eruptions. To have the skin free of acne pimples, keep your body healthy and nourished with good, health-promoting nutrients.  Saturated fats should be strictly limited, if taken at all, because they promote inflammation, and will not help you in your struggle against acne. 

essential fatty acids

Saturated fats are to be avoided. However, there are certain other oils that are essential to your health.  These essential fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and assist in  promoting healthy skin, nails and hairs. Certain oils such as flax oil, olive oil, and fish oil are all good oils that should become a part of your daily food intake.  Flax oil and fish oil, in particular, are highly recommended for the maintenance of a healthy body and glowing complexion. 

vitamins and minerals

Be sure to include foods and food supplements, if necessary, daily  to ensure you are getting the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain good health and healthy skin.  Vitamin A is the best vitamin for maintaining healthy skin.  Avocados and carrots are excellent sources of Vitamin A.  Vitamin B-6, Vitamin C, and Zinc are also important for maintaining a good complexion. To be sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need to help fight acne, eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and essential fatty acids. 

food allergies and acne

There are times when  people experience severe cases of acne, even if they follow a very healthy diet being sure to eat all the proper foods, have a good intake of all the vitamins and minerals, etc. This has been known to happen to people who have never suffered from severe acne before.  In these cases, a potential food allergy may be suspected. 

If you have suspect your acne is caused by a food allergy, here are some steps to take:

• begin by increasing your daily amount of water intake
• try to rule out the root cause of your potential acne.  Common causes of food allergies include dairy products, excess sugar, and certain refined flours and grains. 
• avoid foods rich in iodine, which have been linked to acne in the past.  Iodine-rich foods may include salt, liver, cheese, crabs, shellfish, clams, and kelp products.  If you use iodized salt, try sea salt instead.  If  dairy products aggravate your acne, try soy or rice milk and cheese products. 
  
  

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For additional information about acne food, diet and other natural acne treatments, see:

Acne Diet - How What You Eat Affects Acne
Acne Skin Care - Daily Care and Tips
Clearlight Acne Treatment
Natural Acne Treatments - There Are Great Choices
Acne Home Treatment - Using Basics and Herbs
Helpful Acne Information Source