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Acne is one of the most common dermatological disorders, affecting millions of young adults globally. Production of excessive sebum, hormones, bacteria, and hyperproliferation of follicular cells are the main etiologic factors in acne, but in recent years, the role of diet in acne has become a topic of interest. While medical management remains the mainstay of treatment of acne, lifestyle choices, such as your diet, can have a significant impact on symptom management. Although it is usually caused by hormonal imbalance in your body, but during acne treatment in Hebbal, the dermatologists have mentioned everytime that the dietary choices of a person also triggers the causes for acne.
Foods which can Aggravate Acne
Consuming a diet rich in products with a high glycemic index, such as sweets, sugary soft drinks, chips, fries, processed foods with cheese, white bread, breakfast cereals, and energy bars, can worsen the symptoms of acne. This is because a high glycemic diet leads to an increase in insulin levels in the body, known as hyperinsulinemia. The elevated levels of insulin then stimulate the secretion of androgens, which in turn increase the production of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that plays a fundamental role in the development and progression of acne. Therefore, it's important to be mindful of our dietary choices to help reduce the severity of acne and promote clear, healthy skin.
Acne has been positively associated with excessive milk intake, particularly skim milk. High plasma levels of Insulin like growth factor-1, which are caused by excess consumption of milk and dairy products, stimulate sebum-producing cells, resulting in the development and progression of acne lesions. Skim milk is more comedogenic than whole milk as during the production of skim milk there are changes in the biologically active molecules in the milk. Also to maintain the proper consistency of skim milk, manufacturers add whey protein to it, which further aggravates acne. Also, protein supplements are often taken by young people to increase muscle mass, but they can aggravate acne, as most of them have high whey protein content and may have added androgenic anabolic steroids for quick muscle mass gain. Chocolate can exacerbate acne lesions as well. Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than milk chocolate; it may have much lesser comedogenic effects.
Diets which Help Reducing Acne
There is evidence to suggest that certain nutrients can help in the management of acne, although the exact mechanisms by which they do so remain unclear. Antioxidants, for example, have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, which can play a role in acne development. Foods that are rich in antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
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Omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to a reduction in acne. These essential fatty acids are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, as well as nuts and seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids help to regulate sebum production in the skin, which can contribute to acne development.
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Zinc is another nutrient that may help in the management of acne. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and sebum production in the skin. Foods that are high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, and lentils and seafood like oysters.
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Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, and deficiencies in this vitamin have been linked to acne. Foods that are rich in vitamin A include fish, meat, leafy greens, carrots, and red bell peppers and fruits like mango, watermelon.
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Dietary fiber can also play a role in acne management. Eating a diet high in fiber can help to regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements, which can help to eliminate toxins from the body. Foods that are high in fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
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Excess consumption of Iodine rich foods, can also be a factor in the development of acne. Foods that are high in iodine include seaweed, fish, and dairy products.
Overall, it is important to consume a balanced diet that includes a range of different nutrients to help prevent and manage acne. Drinking plenty of water can also help to keep the skin hydrated and healthy, which can reduce the risk of acne. For more information, please visit our expert dermatologists in Hebbal to guide you through.
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