Long-term Research Links Dairy and High-Sugar Foods to Acne

Experts have been debating that diet and acne have links with each other. As we know, diet has an effect to person’s complexion. Thus, diet might be one of the effective skin treatments that everyone prefers to apply. Many believe that eating healthy and nutritious food will bring cure to acne. And, some have improved skin conditions. On the other hand, research has shown that eating food with a high glycaemic index and drinking milk can cause acne.

Millions of teenagers - and increasingly adults - are affected by the often painful skin condition which causes the skin to develop unsightly spots on the face, neck, chest and back. Could cutting out milk be the cure for those suffering with acne?

Acne is caused by a combination of the skin producing too much sebum and a build-up of dead skin cells which clog the pores and leads to a localized infection or spot. It is thought that excess sebum production is caused by hormonal fluctuations, which explains why around 80% of teenagers experience bouts of acne throughout adolescence. While there is no danger from the spots themselves, severe acne can scar as well as lead to anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.

Since the late 19th century, research has linked diet to acne, with chocolate, sugar and fat singled out as the main culprits. But studies carried out from the 1960s onwards have disassociated diet from the development of the condition.

Eating high GI foods - foods that are absorbed into the bloodstream quickly - is thought to have a direct effect on the severity of acne because of the hormonal fluctuations that are triggered. High GI foods cause a spike in hormone levels including insulin which is thought to instigate sebum production. A 2007 Australian study showed that young males who were put on a strict low GI diet noticed a significant improvement in the severity of their acne.

Choosing low GI foods

• Only carbohydrates have a GI rating.

• Because low GI foods take longer for the body to break down they help you feel fuller for longer too.

• High GI foods include sugary fizzy drinks, cakes, pastries, chocolate, white bread and potatoes.

• Low GI foods include fruit and vegetables, wholegrain options such as brown pasta, basmati rice, couscous and pulses.

• Not overcooking your pasta and vegetables helps lower the GI.

The authors of the latest overview - published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - say that dermatologists and dieticians should work together to design and conduct quality research to help the millions of acne sufferers.

Source: http://www.skininc.com/skinscience/physiology/Long-term-Research-Links-Dairy-and-High-Sugar-Foods-to-Acne-200252611.html?page=1