Acne eruptions not only causes physical discomfort but it can have a negative psychological impact on the sufferer as well. When the oil glands, which surround the fine hairs on the chest and face, become inflamed, it results in acne eruptions. Although acne eruptions are most commonly seen in pre-pubescent and pubescent age groups, even young adults may suffer from acne breakouts occasionally. In some people acne eruptions continue well into their forties.
Food And Acne Eruptions
There are many factors which influence acne eruptions. While the hormone testosterone has been known to increase oil or sebum production, an improper diet too can result in acne eruptions. Although there is no concrete evidence to prove that diet can directly influence acne eruptions, recent research has shown diet indirectly influences acne breakouts. No one food can be blamed for acne breakouts. While some food items can cause severe acne breakouts in certain individuals, the same food items have absolutely no effect in others. As mentioned above, foods are linked to acne eruptions in an indirect way. Certain food items can increase blood hormone levels. When the levels of certain hormones including testosterone are increased, it can result in excess sebum and keratin protein production. An increase in the production of sebum and keratin proteins can result in clogged skin pores and ultimately can cause acne. Research has also revealed that certain food items have greater toxin levels than others. When we eat an excess of these foods which contain high levels of toxins, it can reach a level where the liver is unable to remove these potent toxins. This can lead to a build up of body toxins which ultimately manifest themselves through acne eruptions. In many cases, it has been noted that eliminating acne causing foods from the diet, can benefit individuals with severe acne problems.
Foods Which Cause Acne
It is extremely important to be aware of the foods which can cause an acne breakout. Eliminating these particular foods from the diet of people with severe acne condition can benefit them vastly. Here is a look at some of the common foods which can lead to acne eruptions.
Caffeine
In depth research, has revealed that excessive consumption of caffeine and caffeinated products can result in severe acne breakouts. Hence if you have been battling with the problem of acne for a long time, try and avoid all food stuffs that contain caffeine or traces of caffeine. Some of the common foods which contain caffeine include coffee, chocolate, tea and aerated drinks like colas.
Dairy Products
A direct link between dairy products and acne eruptions has been established. People with acne problem should avoid all dairy products, till they are able to get this skin condition under control. Dairy products can cause a spurt in the level of growth hormones in the body. The growth hormones are known to increase the sebum production. Excess sebum production can lead to clogged pores and ultimately result in an acne outbreak.
Iodine
The skin of individuals, who suffer from acne, is further irritated by the secretion of iodine through the oil glands. To stop excess iodine secretion, avoid foods which are high in iodine like iodized salt, salt water fish, shell fish and all canned products.
Refined Carbohydrates And Sugars
Refined carbohydrates and sugars are found aplenty in products like bread, biscuits and pasta. Excess consumption of refined flour and sugar has been known to increase the production of the hormone insulin which in turn can lead to a surge in the levels of other hormones in the body. People who cut back their intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar have obtained great relief from the problem of acne.
Red Meat
Consuming red meat excessively can definitely increase the chances of acne breakouts. Some people have difficult in digesting animal proteins. This leads to build up of toxic matter inside the body which can cause acne eruptions. Besides this factor, many animals are injected with growth hormones to increase their size and fatten meat. Eating meat which contains traces of these growth hormones can result in a surge in our body hormone levels. Increase in hormone levels in the body leads to acne breakouts.
Alcohol
If you enjoy your alcoholic drinks, it is time to give them up, especially if you are suffering from acne. Excessive alcohol consumption, can lead to increased body testosterone levels which in turn can result in acne breakouts.
Trans Fat And Saturated Fat
Consuming foods which are high in Trans or saturated fats have also been known to increase acne breakouts. Processed foods, crackers and foods fried in oils like soybean oil, refined coconut oil and cotton seed oil are high in saturated and Trans fat.
Nuts
However, if you are acne prone, avoid eating nuts particularly nuts like peanuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, walnuts and cashew nuts to name a few.
Chocolates
Who can say no to a bar of delicious chocolate? But if you want to get relief from your acne condition, stay away from chocolates as much as possible. Chocolates contain traces of elements which are known to trigger acne eruptions. Chocolates are loaded with refined sugar, caffeine and fats which can result in acne breakouts.
Tuna
Although it has been mentioned earlier that salt water fish and shell fish have to be avoided if you suffer from acne, one particular fish which people with acne have to stay away from is tuna. Tuna fish contains high levels of mercury. When too much tuna is consumed it can lead to elevated levels of mercury inside the body. When the body is unable to remove this elevated amounts of mercury from the system, it results in increase in body toxin levels and ultimately can cause an acne breakout.
ggs
Eggs are high on the list of food allergens or foods which cause allergic attacks. So if you suffer from acne try to cut back on your egg consumption to prevent further breakouts.
Certain Vegetables
A few vegetables like pumpkin, broccoli, mushrooms and garlic are best avoided to prevent further acne breakouts. Acne eruptions not only causes physical discomfort but it can have a negative psychological impact on the sufferer as well.