Does Diet Really Affect Acne?

The truth about how your diet really affects Acne?

The relationship between diet and acne has generated one of the greatest debates around the world of all time.

Like all good debates there are two sides – those who claim a relationship does exist between acne and diet and there’s the opposing view from those who swear no such connection exists.

So…..who’s right and who’s wrong?

If you eat a bag of French fries, a bucket of ice cream sprinkled with chocolate stars then wash it all down with a bottle of Coke – do you really think you will break out all over in a big pimply rash?

Well the votes have been counted and the great debate is finally over.

I know you would like it to be true – especially the parents of teenagers – but to date there is no concrete scientific evidence that links what you eat to the development of acne.

So now we know - Acne isn't caused by eating too much pizza, French fries, ice cream or by drinking too many sugar laden soft drinks.

Acne is caused by the oils that are produced by overly-active sebaceous glands beneath the skin and you need to understand that these oils are very different from the oils used in the preparation of fast foods. So parents, that’s one excuse we can’t use any more, the myth has been dispelled.

So you might ask if no relationship exists between diet and acne, how this myth has survived for so many years.

Probably because we have all heard it so many times we just simply believe it to be true. We have come to the belief that by eating certain foods it will trigger an acne outbreak. However, if you do happen to still think this is true, then you have every right to steer clear of foods you have identified as acne instigators. Doctors will tell you to avoid those foods that you think spell trouble, but that's as far as most of them will go when it comes to linking diet with acne.

But don’t be fooled here…it is still very important to watch what you eat.

Now that we know that there might not be a scientifically-proven connection between acne and food, there are many health- and nutrition-related reasons for limiting your intake of processed, fried, high-fat foods and those tasty sweet treats that are made from refined carbohydrates.

It has been well proven that diets high in all of the above food types cause heart disease and - a condition far worse than acne. That one reason alone should be enough to make everyone consider changing their eating habits.

A properly balanced diet with the correct proportions vitamins, minerals and the other essential nutrients can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease.

A well structured diet will leave you feeling more energized and may even slow down the effects of aging (another debate that is still raging). Also just as important, a well balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to help with weight loss.

A nutritionally-balanced diet gives the body the capability to perform at its optimum capacity. When your body feels better, you feel better – both mentally and physically. Not only that – it looks better too.

Even though we now know that the so called “bad foods” don’t cause acne you can see there are many other benefits to a properly balanced diet.

Why not start adding a few new things to your daily diet – maybe start by adding a little more fibre, then go for some of those high antioxidant fruits and leafy green vegetables.

Do this and you will start reaping the benefits in no time at all - blemish-free skin is just one of the bonuses from eating a balanced diet!

Have you ever heard of bacne? If not, then take a look at our next article.