Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of teens and is becoming increasingly more prevalent among adults. Acne can be visibly unpleasant as well as physically painful and emotionally burdensome.
Conventional medicine treats acne with creams and pills such as benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and Accutane. However, integrative medicine hones in on the root cause of acne.
In the past decade, dietary links to acne have been heavily studied and supported. Acne is caused by an imbalance of oil production and the presence of certain bacteria on the skin, and diets rich in sugar and dairy feed these agents.
Our food is our body’s main energy source. Just like with any energy source, after it is processed, food forms a by-product. In our body, these by-products are called free-radicals. Our body has the machinery to neutralize these free radicals only if our diets supplement enough anti-oxidants to outweigh the toxic load. When free radicals roam around, inflammation abounds, and our body begins to suffer. The skin, which is the biggest organ of the body, begins to develop inflammatory changes such as acne, wrinkles, discolorations, and many other forms of rashes.
Diet rich in excess calories (over-eating), sugar (from starches or processed foods), and dairy can be contributing factors to inflammatory changes of acne. Stubborn cases of acne may also indicate food allergies or leaky gut syndrome.
To identify certain triggers for acne, keep a food log of everything you eat twenty-four hours before your acne flares up. Try to eliminate certain food groups that are frequently linked to the appearance of acne. Some of these broad food groups are refined grains, refined sugar, milk, and dairy, or vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, and safflower oils that are high in the inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acids.
Juicing can be beneficial for cleansing the skin and the body of inflammation, toxins, and intestinal residues. Drinking 1-2 fresh juices daily can greatly boost the liver’s ability to filter this nutrient-rich blood of accumulated free-radicals.
Some skin cleansing vegetables are green leafy vegetables, dark purple, and dark red foods. Other anti-inflammatory components are Omega-3 fatty acid rich foods: ginger, turmeric, and herbal teas.
Remember that good skin comes from within and not without. Take time to infuse your skin with nutrient-rich blood and smooth skin and a natural glow are sure to follow. Couple your diet with adequate water and rest.
Liver Cleansing Juice
serves 2
8 carrots (large)
10 small dandelion leaves
1 medium sized beet
2 apples (may substitute with 1 lemon)
1 inch fresh ginger root or fresh turmeric root
Orange-Carrot-Ginger Juice
1-2 oranges (may substitute with lemons)
2 carrots
½ inch fresh ginger
Kale-Cucumber-Fennel Juice
4-6 kale leaves
1 large cucumber
½ fennel (bulb and stalks)
1 lemon
2 celery sticks (organic is best)
Directions
1. Wash, peel, chop, vegetables.
2. Juice them in blender or juicer.
3. Enjoy immediately.
More recipes and more on juicing here.
References:
Consumption of dairy in teenagers with and without acne
LaRosa, Caroline L. et al.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , Volume 75 , Issue 2 , 318 – 322
Acne vulgaris: A disease of western civilization. Cordain L, Lindeberg S, Hurtado M, Hill K, Eaton SB, Brand-Miller J. Arch Dermatol. 2002;138(12):1584-1590.