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Acne
is an inflammatory skin disorder which most
commonly affects teenage boys and girls, when androgens (male sex hormones)
increase in both sexes and cause overproduction of keratin and sebum, which
leads to clogged pores and infection. In Acne after the teenage years, hormones
can still cause acne, and in women this is especially so pre-menstrually.
In acne, Vitamin A deficiency causes over-keratinisation of the skin cells
and a diet high in fried foods and saturated fat can cause the pores to
become blocked. Vitamin A, zinc and vitamin C are needed to fight infection,
and vitamin E is needed to heal the wounds and prevent scarring. Vitamin
B3 (niacin) is helpful in that it causes the skin to flush which brings
clean blood to the area with its nutrients, and expels toxins through the
skin.
Essential Fatty Acids are needed to keep the skin soft, dissolve fatty deposits
that block pores, and repair damaged skin. Blue-green algae provides chlorophyll
which aids in cleansing the blood and delivers oxygen, in the presence of
which certain bacteria can’t survive. Other important nutrients include
vitamin B Complex, chromium, acidophilus, selenium.
Acne Diet advice and
nutrition facts
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Eat a high-fibre diet; this keeps the colon
clean and reduces toxicity.
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Eat plenty of vegetables of all types, and
some fruit.
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Eat foods rich in zinc, such as pumpkin
seeds, a small handful of other nuts and seeds, soybeans.
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Drink at least 1½ litres of clean water
per day.
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Avoid alcohol, coffee, dairy produce, eggs,
fried food, soft drinks and sugar.
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Avoid excessive iodine, found in fish and
table salt, as this can worsen acne.
Health
Supplements
Often, a combination of supplements may help
in alleviating this condition. You may wish to consult a nutritional therapist
for personal advice. Supplements that may be helpful in alleviating symptoms
are shown below:
(please
also read this important notice concerning supplement medical claims)
Recommended Books
(back to top)
health book - Rosacea: Your Self-Help Guide
See also
Cookbooks
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