Foods Associated With Acne
Acne is a common skin condition especially common in adolescents. Avoiding certain foods can help prevent the trademark pustules and pimples. Foods that create acids, such as dairy products, cooked carbohydrates and fatty foods can all encourage acne. Generally, it is best to avoid oils, inflammation- and acid-producing foods.
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Avoid Oils
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Foods that are high in saturated fats and oils contribute to oily skin. While the body does require some essential fatty acids, a diet that increases oil production in the skin will contribute to clogging the pores, especially those on the face. This blockage results in the unsightly pimples of acne. Other foods to avoid include fried foods, especially those containing or cooked in high quantities of oil.
Avoid Inflammation
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Acne can be triggered by inflammation in the body. Reduce inflammation by avoiding omega-6 fats, such as those found in vegetable oils. Reducing refined or cooked carbohydrates in the diet, such as bread, rice and potato chips, will also reduce inflammation. This is especially effective when combined with an increase in protein consumption.
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Avoid Acid Production
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Acids disrupt the body's pH level and can contribute to acne. Acid-forming foods include corn, olives, blueberries, peanut butter, bacon and dairies such as butter, cheese, ice cream and milk. Various oils, sugars, alcohols and caffeinated beverages also produce acids.
Eat Alkaline Foods
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Alkaline-forming foods such as fresh fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds can prevent acne. These foods help balance the pH levels in the body and prevent excessive acids and oils from forming. Imbalances in pH levels can affect acne, weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, cancer, and a host of other dangerous and degenerative diseases.
Speed Up the Digestive System
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Sluggish digestive systems can trigger acne because toxins build up when food travels too slowly through the body. If the toxins cannot escape the body in another way, the body will expel them through the skin. This results in acne.
The digestive system can be sped up through exercise and by eating small meals for breakfast.
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