Posted by Savneet Singh on Nov.03, 2009

©iStockphoto.com - aldra

Acne is on the rise globally. Acne is characterized by increased sebum production from sebaceous glands in the skin, occlusion or clogging of the follicle (pore), and within the ducts, an outgrowth of bacteria that normally reside on the skin. This process promotes inflammation and oxidative stress. The increase in rate of acne is not only because of genetic changes. Signals point to changes in our lifestyle or environment. Diet and nutrition may be a major player in acne for most of the people despite of the fact that diet and nutrition are rejected and refuted as causes.

Surveys conducted by National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys show that at least half of the US population does not meet even the minimal recommended intakes of recommendation dietary allowance (RDA) for important vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B6. Low intake of zinc in particular is worrisome because research shows that it is helpful in the treatment of acne. Recent studies have shown that the low levels of zinc are also associated with fatigue, depression and poor mental performance. Despite of all these facts, our society tends to bypass the dietary solution of whole grains, nuts and seafood. Instead we reach for a sugar-laden commercial energy food and drinks.

Avoidance of a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains also translate into fewer protective dietary antioxidants. Plant foods are known to contain not only vitamins and minerals but also more than 25,000 micro-chemicals that give plants their color, taste and texture. These naturally occurring chemicals are called as phyto-chemicals and that include colorful plant pigments that have potent antioxidant properties. Many research on phyto-chemicals shows them to protect against cardiovascular disease and various cancers; however research also suggest great potential against acne as well.

College and school students have a subpar intake of fruits and vegetables. Even when fried potatoes are included, college students fall short in both vegetables and fruits, and have a diet high in fat and low-fiber carbohydrates. When it comes to children, only 9 percent consume three or more servings of vegetables and two or more servings of fruits. Research published in the Journal of American Dietetic Association in 2005 showed that students who choose competitive foods and beverages, which provide almost twice the sugar intake, got more incidences of acne compared to those eating only school lunch. Research show that only 20% of adults eat the recommended minimum three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits. On a given day, almost half of all adults consume no fruits at all, and as with vegetables, variety is absent. Most fruit servings are oranges which is undoubtably enjoyable and healthy, but a greater variety is required to maximize health..

The intake of omega-3 essential fatty acid has decreased significantly over the last hundred years. These essential fats have important anti-inflammatory activities that hold great promise in the treatment of acne. At the same time there has been a significant increase in the supply of vegetable oils such as corn, safflower, sun flower, and soybean oils which supply omega-6 linoleic acid.

Dietary fiber intake is low,and its absence may have acne implications way beyond the gastro-intestinal tracts. North Americans are consuming only 13 grams of fiber per day, which is at least 33% less than the traditional diets consumed century ago. We should be 7 to 25 g higher, depending upon the age and gender.

Depending upon the individual’s genetic make-up, nutritional voids and dietary excess may influence whether or not an individual experiences acne, and the severity of the acne. The are many people who never experience acne while still eating chips, cookies, sweets, fatty food, chocolates and the like. Acne is, undoubtably, strongly influenced by genetics and may have a bacterial component. But, we are now learning through researches that genes can indeed be influenced by diet and lifestyle. Thus, one needs to look closely at what is being eaten when deal with acne.

Stay tuned next week for an action plan for clear skin.

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Posted under Beauty, Natural Beauty.