Common Foods that Cause Acne
The idea that certain foods cause acne has been around for a long time. In some ways, it's a myth, relying only on circumstantial evidence. That said, some foods and what they contain can irritate the skin and lead to acne outbreaks and skin blemishes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Meat
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Some foods take longer to digest than others. The longer a food takes to digest, the more likely toxins will build up in your body and digestive tract. These wastes can be released from the body through the skin, resulting in acne blemishes. Slowly digested meats such as beef and pork are particularly likely to do this, as are meats that contain high levels of hormones.
Processed Foods
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Everyone knows junk foods and processed foods are bad for you, but here's another reason to avoid them: They can cause acne. Processed foods contain preservatives and dyes that can irritate the skin and cause breakouts. Overindulging in these foods can cause toxins to build up in the body, resulting in blemished skin.
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Refined Sugars
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Refined sugars are included in all sorts of foods, including pastas, flour and white bread. Over the long term, these kinds of sugars are detrimental to the body and can cause insulin surges. Likewise, insulin surges can cause boosts in hormone levels, and these hormone fluctuations are linked to acne breakouts. To control your hormones and keep your skin clear, stay clear of refined sugars and rely on natural sweeteners like honey.
Caffeine
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Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, sodas and chocolate. Because it stimulates the body and provides you with energy before causing you to "crash," caffeine can make the body run at a heightened pace. That means faster oil production and more clogged pores. The link between caffeine and acne hasn't been solidly established, but the refined sugars in sodas combined with their caffeine levels are definitely a bad equation for your skin.
Fats
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Contrary to popular belief, the grease in fatty foods does not cause acne. However, the fats themselves can, causing toxins to build up in the body, which are then reflected through the skin as excess sebum production and acne. Note that not all fats are bad, and some, like omega-3's, are good and essential for the body and can be found in things like nuts, avocados and salmon.
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