The fine texture of skin all over the body has fine glands that produce an oil like secretion to keep up the moisture, also called sebum. Usually around the age of adolescence in both sexes there is an increased production of testosterone. This hormone actually push up the production of the sebum which can tend to get the pore of the gland blocked causing a secondary infection with bacteria appearing like the typical acne. There is also an accompanying inflammation and excessive keratin production which also causes acne. As such there needs to be logically no reason for any food product that is likely to cause acne; of late it has been studied that there is enough evidence to say so.
When it is food that is being implicated then it has to be then it has to be the metabolism that is affected which can actually cause this condition. It is usually the refined foods that are the cause for the bane. The refined carbohydrates like breads, cereals, or foods made with white flour like the desserts, pasta or refined rice, sodas or sweetened beverages, maple syrup etc. have added sugars that increase the levels of the blood sugars. The metabolism chugs into an over active mode and pushes out the insulin to accompany these sugars into the cells of the body. The increased insulin levels also heighten the androgen of testosterone secretion and thereby the blockages of the pores of the sebaceous glands. It is only formation of acne from there on.
It has also been seen that dairy products can worsen acne especially dairy products. As cow’s milk is also likely to push up the insulin levels and worsen the acne that are already there. It has also been studied that liver tends to produce more insulin growth factors that again influence acne.
Fast food is the usual culprit that an influence acne. Whether it is the pizzas, burgers, French fries, sodas or the milkshakes they all contain either white flour or high levels of sugar that can get into the system and cause acne.
The other foods like corn oil, soy oil or too much of fish and walnuts can influence inflammation in the skin cells again leading to excess sebum secretion and acne. Chocolate which is rich in cocoa powder can also increase the acne as the immune system tends to get on to a high alert which reacts easily to the bacteria causing acne. The generation of today is also more influenced with foods like whey protein which is presented to them generously at the gymnasiums with a promise that they will develop muscle mass swiftly. It also means that the amino acids influence the cells of the body to divide quickly and again here leading to acne.
Having said the above it has to be understood that there are certain foods that may not be typically suitable to each one of us and which can be understood by one self through observation over a period of time. It would be prudent to avoid the same. This again boils down to one’s own immune system.
It would be unfair not to dwell on some foods that can actually help acne too. Omega-3-fatty acids, probiotics, green tea, turmeric and supplements of Vitamin A, D, E and Zinc are known to play crucial role in regulating the inflammation, undue auto-immune response, regulating blood sugar levels and also slow down the growth of acne causing bacteria too. Needless to say, mediterranean diets are more useful for metabolism.
Homeopathic medicine has good remedies to take care of this condition. Remedies like Merc sol, Heapr sulph , Silicea get rid of the infection while Ars alb, Cantharis cut down the overt immune response while Mag carb, Lac can help patient away from allergies of milk etc. With a moderation in diet and improving foods that help reduce acne will reduce their incidence while homeopathy will cure them.
