Doctors trained in Western discipline have found no direct influence of food to the cause of acne. This is in sharp contrast to the view of traditional Chinese physicians. Chinese medical theory proposes that food cholesterol is considered one of the main causes of imbalance in our body. If one is already not well, improper diet could aggravate one's condition. During the course of treatment, Chinese physicians generally recommend strict dietary program.
My experience is that diet does play a vital role on our acne condition. In the course of experimenting with the right combination of herbal ingredients for the Acne Formula, I used myself as the guinea pig. Often, I intentionally take certain foods that are known to cause acne eruptions just so I could test the effectiveness of the herbs on my condition. I, therefore, can say based on first-hand knowledge that spicy foods and beef definitely have an effect on my acne. To others, shellfish, chocolate, chicken, even table salt and milk could be the culprit. As well, oily and sugary foods may exacerbate acne symptoms for some people; and alcohol and cigarette smoking have known to worsen some cases of acne. In some cases, food allergies may trigger
acne. If you suspect this is the case, it may be worthwhile to speak to your doctor about allergy testing.
I strongly recommend anyone during the course of treatment to avoid eating beef, seafood, greasy and spicy foods. In general, a diet low in fat and refined sugars and high in nutrients can boost the body's immune system, reduce inflammation and improve acne symptoms. To help your condition, you actually have a lot of selections.
Vitamin A and Beta-carotene
Vitamin A may influence the activity of sebaceous glands in such a way as to reduce sebum production. To get plenty of vitamin A in your diet, reach for liver, oily fish, milk, cheese, and whole eggs. Beta-carotene, a compound found in orange and dark green produce, is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps you meet your
daily requirements. Foods rich in beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potato, winter squash, broccoli, collard greens, kale, spinach, apricots, cantaloupe, peaches, nectarines, mango and papaya.
Keep in mind of the side-effects of very high doses of vitamin A on acne. Because vitamin A is fat soluble, the body stores it, and too much vitamin A taken for a period can be toxic. If you take a supplement, do not exceed 10,000 international units (3.3 milligrams) per day unless supervised by your physician. Pregnant women must avoid vitamin A supplements since high doses can cause birth defects.
B Vitamins
This family of vitamins helps to maintain healthy skin. Vitamin B6, found in animal foods, whole grains, avocado and potatoes, may help reduce acne associated with the menstrual cycle. Studies in women have used supplemental doses of 50 milligrams once daily. 3 Niacin (vitamin B3) can help improve blood flow to the skin and may be
useful in acne management. Food sources of niacin include meat, poultry, dairy products, peanuts, almonds, seeds, whole grains, enriched breakfast cereals and wheat bran.
To ensure that you are meeting your daily requirements for the B vitamins, take a multivitamin and mineral supplement or a B complex formula. High-potency multivitamins provide the B vitamin in amounts similar to those found in a B complex supplement. One word of caution: high doses of vitamins B6 and B12 may aggravate symptoms of acne rosacea and should be used with caution in women with this form of acne.
Vitamins C and E
Because white blood cells involved in the inflammation of acne can produce free radical molecules, getting plenty of dietary antioxidants may help reduce inflammation. Vitamins C and E may also boost the body's immune system, which can help reduce the chances of infection. Vitamin C rich foods include citrus fruit, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, tomatoes and potatoes. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, almonds, peanuts,
soybeans, whole grains, wheat germ, avocado and green leafy vegetables, especially kale.
It can be difficult to obtain large amounts of these nutrients from a normal diet, so supplements may be useful. Take 500 milligrams of vitamin C once or twice daily. Take 200 to 800 international units (IU) of a natural source vitamin E once daily.
Chromium
Some experts suggest that the mineral chromium may be effective in treating acne, although little research on this has been done. Since many dermatologists have reported that the diabetes medications insulin and tolbutamide have been effective in acne, it's been hypothesized that chromium might be beneficial, since chromium works with insulin to regulate the blood sugar. One study did find that a chromium supplement derived from yeast was effective.
The best food sources of chromium include Brewer's yeast, calf's liver, blackstrap molasses, wheat germ, wheat bran, whole grains, mushrooms, apples with skin, green peas, chicken breast and oysters. If you're concerned you're not getting enough chromium in your diet, check your multivitamin and mineral supplement to see how much it contains. Most brands supply 25 to 50 micrograms. If you choose to take a separate chromium supplement, do not exceed 200 micrograms per day. High doses of chromium can cause cognitive impairment, anaemia and kidney damage.
Selenium
This trace mineral is an essential component of an antioxidant and detoxifying enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. As such, selenium helps the body fight free radicals that are formed during normal metabolism. Selenium works very closely with vitamin E in the body. Researchers have noted depressed levels of glutathione peroxidase in people with acne. One study found that a daily supplement of selenium (200 micrograms) and vitamin E (10 milligrams) taken for 6 to 12 weeks increased glutathione peroxidase levels and improved pustular acne symptoms.
To boost the selenium content of your diet, reach for seafood, meat, wheat bran, whole grains, nuts, onion, garlic, mushrooms, Swiss chard and orange juice. If you decide to supplement, take 200 micrograms per day. Supplements made from organic forms of selenium (selenomethionine and high-selenium yeast) are absorbed more efficiently than inorganic forms. Since vitamin E and selenium work in tandem, consider buying a supplement that combines the two nutrients. Look for a broad-based antioxidant supplement that contains selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C.
Do not exceed 400 micrograms of selenium per day. Higher doses can cause loss of hair and fingernails, nausea, depression and anxiety.
Zinc
This nutrient may be useful in treating acne, especially in boys. Studies have shown that zinc levels in the skin cells and blood are often low in adolescent males who are more prone to acne. Zinc has many roles in the body that may affect the symptoms of acne. This mineral helps transport vitamin A, assists in wound healing, supports immune function and regulates the activity of oil glands. High concentrations of zinc may reduce oil gland secretion by preventing the conversion of testosterone to its active form. Two studies found that 30 milligrams of supplemental zinc significantly reduced inflammation in patients with acne.
The best food sources of zinc include oysters, seafood, red meat, poultry, yogurt, milk, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grains and enriched breakfast cereals. A healthy diet and a good multivitamin and mineral supplement will give you all the zinc you need to stay healthy. Taking too much zinc from supplements has toxic effects including copper deficiency, heart problems and anaemia. Excess zinc can also depress your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection. If you take a separate zinc supplement, do not exceed 40 milligrams per day.
Herbs and Others
As we mentioned in the Chinese Approach page, Chinese herbal medicine for acne seeks to rid the body of heat and dampness, which are believed to be the causative factors. Foods like turnip, mung bean, kelp, seaweed and oyster, and herbs as wild tuckahoe, dandelion, Job's tears seed, etc., all have the functions of clearing heat, removing dampness, and counteracting toxic effects.
Many foods and herbs are used to help heal the skin and soothe inflammation and itching. Among these are guava, honey, forsythia fruit, honeysuckle flower, trichosanthes root, and fritillary bulb.
Foods like soybean and wolfberry fruit have estrogen-like effects, and herb such as red sage root has anti-androgens-like effect. Consuming these foods and herbs could help balance excess androgens secretion, which eventually lead to acne.
During the course of treatment, it is better to adopt a vegetarian diet. If you must have meat, eat pork. Otherwise, stick to vegetables and fruits, and drink lots of water.
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