ACNE- WHAT & WHAT NOT TO EAT !!!
By Dr. Kumar Abhishek. MD.DNB
Food is the most central part of Indian culture. Many events in the Indian tradition revolve around food. Food not only provides us with nutrition but also people involved in making it are also dependent on it. As far as skin diseases are concerned, the are many instances of food fads. This blog is devoted to dietary advices which should be practised in acne. Acne is a common yet distressing skin problem affecting mostly the teen boys and girls. It’s not that adults don’t get affected. Some adults with underlying endocrinal problems may develop acne. But a common question that every individual suffering from acne asks, ‘what I should eat to reduce acne?’ To answer those questions and dispel some myths, here are some tips.
1. HIGH GLYCEMIC INDEX DIET
Chronic consumption of high glycemic load carbohydrates may cause long-term hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. This in turn affects the keratinocyte proliferation which results in formation of acne. It also affects the other mechanisms of acne genesis. IGF-1 is central to the mechanism of formation of acne. High glycemic index foods lead to hyperglycemia, reactive hyperinsulinemia and a resulting increase in insulin like growth-factor 1 (IGF-1) formation, increased androgens and an altered retinoid signaling pathway related to acne. Studies show that restriction in high glycemic index diet reduces the severity of the acne and also the sebum production of the skin. Hence this is the most important dietary alteration that can be advised to the patients, particularly for those who suffer from severe and inflammatory acne.
Avoid- white bread, donuts, boiled white potatoes, french fries, and white rice, rice pasta, table sugar, soda .
2. OMEGA-6 POLY UNSATURATED FATTY ACID
A typical western diet has a significantly higher concentration of w-6 PUFAs at the expense of w-3 PUFAs because of the predominance of ω-6 PUFAs in most vegetable oils and processed foods made with these oils. Where as a typical traditional Indian diet has a lower ration of Omega- 6 fatty acids. Omega 6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory and they promote inflammatory acne. Hence food items rich in Omega-6 fatty acids should be consumed with caution in individuals having acne.
Avoid- soybeans, corn, safflower and sunflower oils, nuts and seeds, meat, poultry.
3. AVOID MILK & DAIRY PRODUCTS
There are so many scientific papers which explore the correlation between milk acne. But none have been able to conclusively prove that it is the cause of acne flares. Still many dermatologists advise to avoid milk and dairy products in those patients who have severe acne. Several studies do show that there is improvement in acne on restricting the dairy products. Milk contains both casein and whey, which stimulate either IGF-1 or insulin in the body. IGF-1 has central role in the causation of acne. Hence milk, particularly skimmed milk & cottage cheese are known to be acnegenic.
Avoid- Milk and dairy products.
1. OMEGA-3 POLY UNSATURATED FATTY ACID
Increased relative consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may suppress inflammatory mediator production, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acne. Because omega-3 fatty acids inhibit synthesis of the inflammatory molecule leukotriene B4, and blockage of leukotriene B4 leads to reduced inflammatory acne lesions, it has been postulated that increased consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce inflammatory acne. So eat food items which are rich in omega 3 PUFA.
Eat- Salmon, flax seed, walnuts, soybeans, chia seeds, eggs, mustard seeds, spinach
2. GREEN TEA & RESVERATROL
A catechin found in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, has been heralded for its antioxidant properties. It has been found to reduce sebum production in animal models. In an uncontrolled trial study, consumption of green tea has been found to be effective. So it is advisable to add green tea to the diet menu for those who are suffering from inflammatory acne.
Resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in the skins of red grapes, red wine, peanuts, mulberries, spruce, and eucalyptus, may be another promising antioxidant therapy for acne. In vitro, resveratrol has been shown to be bactericidal against P. acnes. It helps in reducing the infection component of the acne.
Eat- green tea, red grapes, red wine, peanuts, mulberries.
Vitamin A analogue/ derivatives, isotretinoin and tretinoin, are well established treatment modalities in acne. But the same cannot be said about the vitamin A. It can have beneficial effects, so should be used in a controlled manner.
Eat- Mango, papaya, carrots, brocolli.
The author is the consultant dermatologist at SKINSTITUTE, Bhubaneswar.
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