Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that is caused by changes in the sebaceous glands, as well as their excretory ducts and hair follicles. The reasons for the appearance of acne include heredity, hormonal disruptions, stress, gynecological diseases, taking certain medications, poor ecology and unbalanced nutrition. To normalize the production of sebum, diet is prescribed as a complex component of treatment.
What foods should not be eaten for acne
Not only smoking and alcohol, but also some everyday foods can cause intoxication of the body and deterioration of the skin. They affect the level of glucose and cholesterol in the blood, thereby enhancing the work of the sebaceous glands. The body seeks to remove the formed toxins outside, which leads to the appearance of acne.
According to a number of studies, in regions where the population consumes the minimum amount of animal fat, the incidence of acne is below the world average. This proves the effectiveness of prescribing a diet for disease.
What foods to exclude for acne? When treating acne, the following foods should be avoided:
- Sweets. Sugar and refined foods (such as refined flour) trigger the build-up of insulin, which leads to the production of male hormones – androgens. All this provokes an increased production of sebum, which clogs the pores. When bacteria attach, acne appears.
- Milk products. Traditionally, milk is considered a healthy product, but only children really need it. Adults lose the ability to digest cow protein, which causes insulin to rise in the blood. Betacullin contained in milk causes the growth of new cells and slows down the death of old ones, which is not normal. The most harmful acne-causing dairy products are high-fat cheese and whey-based shakes, which act like concentrated milk.
- Flour products, cereals (flakes, boiled porridge), pasta, starchy foods. Cereals (wheat, rye, barley) and products based on them contain gluten in large quantities. This substance forms gluten, which interferes with the normal functioning of the intestines. Products based on wheat flour and starch cause the release of insulin, which provokes acne.
- Coffee. This drink stimulates the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. It has a damaging effect on the liver and causes blood sugar to rise.
- Fast food, convenience foods and sauces. Products that cannot be eaten with acne include those that contain flavor enhancers and trans fats (snacks, hamburgers, chips, onion rings). They not only cause addiction and the growth of adipose tissue, but also the formation of acne on the skin.
- Alcohol. Alcoholic drinks dilate blood vessels, causing skin redness and dehydration.
- Fat meat. Dishes made from products containing animal fats enhance the work of the sebaceous glands, which further provokes the appearance of acne.
Some foods, deservedly classified as useful and dietary, can provoke acne:
- Spinach. Vegetables are a great source of iron. At the same time, spinach contains iodine, which, when accumulated in the body in large quantities, can provoke the appearance of imperfections on the skin.
- Peanut. This is a useful product, but not for those suffering from acne, as these nuts contain a substance that enhances the production of sebum.
Foods to eat for acne
Despite the impressive list of foods prohibited in the treatment of acne, the diet involves the use of delicious and healthy foods. If you follow the basic principles of proper nutrition, a positive result can be seen in just a few weeks.
The diet involves the use of the following foods:
- Almonds, cashews. These nuts contain zinc and selenium. Vegetable fats, unlike animals, do not cause increased sebum production.
- Green vegetables and fruits. Cauliflower, kohlrabi, and green apples contain fiber, which helps eliminate excess acne-causing hormones from the body.
- Tomatoes. Contained in tomatoes lycopene normalizes hormonal balance.
- Grapes. The fruit promotes rapid skin regeneration.
- Whole grain cereals. Foods contain selenium, zinc, vitamin E and antioxidants.
- Cocoa. The drink normalizes the insulin content, and also improves the blood supply to the skin and hair.
- Soy. The phytoentrogens contained in this culture normalize the hormonal background.
- Green tea. The drink has an anti-inflammatory effect.
When dieting, it is important not to overeat. Excessive food intake causes increased sebum production.
According to research by marketers, US residents spend an average of $ 100 per month on acne treatments. In this case, in most cases, the problem is solved by adjusting the power supply. The diet helps to normalize the production of sebum in the skin, soothe the sebaceous glands and replenish the supply of vitamins and minerals in the body. At the same time, do not forget that proper nutrition works effectively only in combination with other doctor’s prescriptions .