Diet and Acne, the great debate continues!

If you’re one of the unlucky teens prone to pimples, you’ve probably heard some people blame the food you eat. Whether it’s Grandma telling you to steer clear of chocolate or mom limiting your intake of pizza, there has long been a debate over whether there is a link between diet and acne, even in the medical profession.

Although eating too many sugary, high-fat foods is never a good idea, studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause acne. There is a recent study, however, that indicates there might be a link between the types of food you eat and the severity of your condition. Nutritionists at a University in Australia studied 50 boys with acne, moderate to severe. Half of the boys were given diets high in processed foods while the other half were given a more natural diet consisting of slowly-digested carbohydrates — like whole grain breads, pastas and legumes (beans). These types of foods are digested and absorbed by the body slowly, producing more subtle changes in blood sugar (glucose) and insulin levels. They were also given lots of protein like fish and red meat. The results were impressive, with the boys on the “healthier” diet showing a significant improvement in their acne. So, while making a few changes in your diet may not cure your acne, your condition just might improve...so why not give it a try? At the very least you’ll be eating healthier and will probably feel better, too.

If you’d like to model your diet after the one used in the research, here are some guidelines. Remember though, any time you make a major change to your diet, you should always talk with your doctor first.

Opt for whole grain breads and pastas instead of white. But read the labels!
Even wheat bread might not be whole grain, meaning it’s been processed down. Whole grain will say “whole grain.”
Eat legumes like chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, lentils and pinto beans.
Snack on nuts and high-fiber fruits and vegetables like raspberries and carrots.
Eat meats high in protein like lean red meat,chicken,turkey and fish.