7 Foods That Can Cause Acne

Acne is a skin condition that affects nearly 10% of the people. Acne usually occurs when the hair follicles tend to be plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It usually comes in the form of whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. It is seen common in teenagers however it can come to all age groups. There are various factors related to development of acne like sebum and keratin production, acne-causing bacteria, hormones, blocked pores and inflammation. It is hard to believe by most of the people that acne and diet have a direct combination. However, the research shows that diet plays a vital role in the development of acne.

 

Here are 7 foods that discuss how acne is caused-

 

Refined Grains and Sugars

People with acne have a habit to consume more of refined carbohydrates than people with little or no care. Foods rich in carbohydrates are-

• Breads, crackers, cereals or desserts that are made from white flour.
• Pasts that is made in white flour.
• White rice and rice noodles.
• Sodas as well as other beverages that are sugar sweetened.
• Sweet foods like sugar, maple syrup, honey or agave.

Refined carbohydrates are said to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream thus raising the blood sugar levels. As these blood sugar levels rise the insulin level also rises which in turn helps in shuttling the blood sugars out of the bloodstream as well as into the cells? But high levels of insulin sugar are not good for acne affected people. Insulin has the nature of making androgen hormones more active than before. It also increases the insulin like growth factor 1 which in a way contributes to development of acne by helping the skin cells grow rapidly and thus boosting sebum production. On the other hand, diets with low levels of glycemic nutrients that are not a good contributor in producing blood sugar or insulin levels do not cause acne severity.

 

 

 

Dairy Products

 

Many studies have shown that teenagers who consume milk or ice cream or any such dairy products on a regular basis are four times more likely to come in contact with acne. However no stronger high quality studies are still seen in support to this. Milk is said to increase insulin levels, independent of the effects on blood sugar which actually worsens the acne severity. Cow's milk consists of amino acids which stimulates the liver to produce more of IGF-1. This further causes acne. However, a detailed discussion on this is yet to be heard.

 

 

Fast Food

 

Acne is associated with Western diet lifestyle that is found to be rich in calories, fat and refined carbohydrates. Fast food items such as burgers, hot dogs, sodas, French fries, milkshakes, nuggets, are all reasons for increasing acne risk. These fried foods are rich in oil content which makes the skin prone to acne development. It also affects the gene expression and alters hormone levels in such a way that it produces more of IGF-1. 

 

 

Foods Rich in Omega-6 Fats 

 

Western diets include Omega 6 Fatty acids and thus cause excess inflammation and acne. This is because it contains large amounts of corn and soy oils, sunflower oil, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Fish and walnuts on the other hand are Omega 3 fatty acids. Thus, this imbalance of omega 6 and Omega 3 fats creates acne severity. 

 

Chocolate

 

Chocolate is an acne trigger since 1920's. Though the main reason behind consumption of chocolate is unknown. Cocoa, being the key ingredient is not suspected to cause acne as it is bitter in taste. Also, a study says that consumption of dark chocolate on a regular basis still causes acne. People having cocoa powder when compared to those of placebo were seen more in acne results. However, the recent study shows that eating too many chocolates increases the reactivity of the immune system.

 

Whey Protein Powder

 

Whey protein powder is a dietary supplement that it rich in amino acids like leucine and glutamine. These amino acids are of the nature of growing skin cells and divide them rapidly to form acne. The amino acids can also stimulate the body to produce high level of insulin. Protein supplements and acne have shown a positive result in many male athletes. 

 

 

Foods That You Are Sensitive To

 

One way in which foods cause inflammation are through food sensitivities. Food sensitivities occur when the immune system by mistake identifies the food as a threat and thus launches back as an immunity attack against it. This as a result comes as high level of pro inflammatory molecules that is seen circulating throughout the body, thus causing acne. Food sensitivity testing, such as Mediator Release Testing helps in determining the food that lead to immune related inflammation. 

 

 

What to Eat To Avoid Acne?

 

The above discussed foods are prone to acne. Hence, 3meds, best online medical app in India, provides the below listed foods that act as precautions from having acne.

 

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids Foods
• Probiotics Rich Foods
• Green tea
• Turmeric
• Foods That Have Vitamin A, D, E and zinc.
• Mediterranean Style Diets.

 

 

Outlook

 

Overall dietary plans play an important role on the skin as well as health. It is beneficial to have a rich diet for the day, keep yourself hydrated and exercise regularly. As the toxins of the body start eliminating naturally, blood purification is done which helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.