Diet and Acne – are they related?
Diet and Acne – Is there really a connection?
Diet and Acne
Australian researchers are dispelling the myth that there is no link between diet and acne. Their findings show that spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels initiate undesirable metabolic changes that promote the development of skin eruptions. Apparently, food does affect complexion clarity.
Acne caused by excessive sebaceous secretions is extremely prevalent in the American teenage population. Over 80 percent of persons between the ages of 12 and 25 are afflicted with this unsightly condition, and one-fourth of these acne sufferers will have permanent scarring. Multiple factors such as heredity, hormonal fluctuations, stress, skin irritants and oily cosmetics influence the frequency and severity of breakouts.
Two years of studies performed by RMIT University have led to the belief that high glycemic diets may also exacerbate acne conditions. On the contrary, a low glycemic feeding pattern seems to calm breakouts. High glycemic diets tend to consist largely of processed foods and low fiber carbohydrates; low glycemic diets are typically high in protein, vegetables, whole grains and low-sugar fruits.
The study connecting diet and acne was performed on a group of 40 teenage and young adult males who displayed visible acne breakouts. Researchers divided the test subjects into two groups. The first group received low glycemic foods such as whole grain breads and meats. The second group consumed a diet of potatoes, soft drinks, white bread and chips.
Following 12 weeks of adhering to the prescribed eating plan, the boys in the first group showed a 50 percent improvement in the condition of their acne. The second group, however, did not improve.
Published in medical periodicals such as the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the results support a link between nutrition and acne problems. However, the findings are preliminary and additional studies will need to be conducted.
In the diet and acne connection debate, will diet alone clear up every acne breakout?
It may help in most cases, but there are still additional underlying factors that contribute to the occurrence of acne. Persons who eat a healthy diet, however, are certainly more prone to enjoy favorable overall health. The incorporation of vegetables, whole grains, fruit and lean protein can help improve a variety of physical conditions. Junk food choices like sodas, chips and sweets are rarely good for the body.
Diet and Acne Conclusions
There are many varieties of acne, and all can be uncomfortable and unsightly. The causes are varied and are not limited by age, race or gender. Studies continue to unveil factors that influence acne breakouts, and patients are encouraged to stay informed and make wise everyday choices concerning their health. If the linkage of diet and acne impacts the food choices of those seeking clearer complexions, it will have accomplished more than most research findings before it.
