Acne used to be something we have always attributed to adolescence and hormone changes. And this is certainly true. However, with adult acne becoming more and more prevalent, researchers are discovering how diet plays a huge part in the development of acne.
A typical American diet contains an incredibly high amount of refined carbohydrates, sugar, and dairy. All three raise insulin levels which is not good for acne prone skin, or any skin, for that matter. High insulin levels trigger androgen hormones which can ultimately lead to candida overgrowth. Furthermore, unknown food allergies can also cause inflammation and troubled skin.
Below are 5 simple changes you can make in your diet to help clear your skin.
- Eliminate dairy – Cow’s milk is designed to grows things – namely calves. It naturally contains androgens and growth hormones, including insulin growth factor 1 which causes a spike in insulin levels. One glass of milk can spike insulin levels a whooping 300 percent!
- Replace high glycemic calories with more fruits and vegetables. Sugar and refined flour drive up insulin levels. Swap out bread with large lettuces, pasta with zucchini spirals, pita wedges with carrots….get creative!
- Increase your linoleic acid. Plant oils such as grape seed, safflower, black currant, and borage are high all in linoleic and can be applied topically or added to your diet. Find these oils in our Retinoic and Seeds of Today.
- Include foods/plants high in antioxidants that have been proven to prevent acne. These include green tea, dark berries, walnuts, and spices such as ginger and turmeric. Reishi mushroom, found in our Begin Again, is known to inhibit DHT – hormone related to not only acne but hair loss!
- Get to know your intolerances. Common food intolerances include gluten, eggs, yeast, and dairy. Try eliminating all of them for at least 2 weeks, notice differences then slowly reintroduce.
Take control of not only your skin conditions but your health! Follow these 5 simple, risk free, changes can help you eliminate acne, redness, and reveal the healthy skin you naturally have.
As always, we love to hear from you!
Warmly,
Patricia