Is your diet making you break out?
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Recent research has concluded that there is a link between the foods we consume and our skin complexions. Research has found that both sugar and dairy cause an increase in acne-inducing hormones. In one study, people who consumed more sugar and had a higher glycemic load (refined carbohydrates like white breads, pasta, etc.) suffered from substantially higher rates of acne than those who consumed less sugars and refined carbohydrates. In an additional study, the consumption of cow’s milk was directly correlated to acne and the intensity of the subjects’ breakouts.  This is because sugar, high-glycemic foods, and milk stimulate insulin production—a direct cause of pimples. Milk is also full of anabolic hormones that cause poor complexions.
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However, sugars and milk are not solely to blame. Fats can also influence our complexions. Inflammatory fats (refined vegetable oils, trans fats, saturated fats) have also been found to increase levels of IGF-1 and cause skin break-outs.
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So what can you do to clear your up skin? Â
- Reduce the amount of dairy and refined carbohydrates in your diet.
- Load up on fruits and veggies (between 5-9 servings a day). This will increase the levels of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the body.
- Try taking a daily supplement of anti-inflammatory fats, such as omega-3 (found in fish oil), which may reduce the inflammation that lead to breakouts. Also, a daily dose of 400 IU Vitamin E and 30 mg Zinc Citrate may improve your skin condition.
- Exercise. Incorporate a regular work out routine into your schedule to regulate insulin levels.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend endless amounts of money on expensive acne products or take harmful drugs to avoid breakouts. The answer may simply lie on your plate, so start making changes today and have clearer skin tomorrow!
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/