The best acne diet, i.e., food that helps avoid an acne breakout, is thought to involve a reduced intake of carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index. Low glycemic carbohydrates, as well as lean protein, should make up a large portion of the diet. Foods such as fish and chicken are good sources of protein. A person following an acne diet should try to limit intake of saturated fats, especially from junk food.
It’s only recently that the link between acne and diet has become more clear. There have always been theories that foods such as chocolate or chips result in higher levels of acne, but the reality is more complicated. Research has shown that eating foods that contain carbohydrates with a high glycemic index causes more acne. People who consume lower levels of these carbohydrates tend to have less severe, and less frequent, acne breakouts.
Some foods which are thought to be important in an acne diet include fresh vegetables and fruit. Foods with high amounts of saturated fat should be avoided where possible. Sugary drinks, such as soda, may also make acne worse. Eating more whole grains, including replacing white bread with whole wheat, is also thought to be important.
Lean proteins are another essential part of an acne diet. Some good sources are fish, chicken, and turkey. Fish is especially healthy to eat, as it contains high amounts of omega 3, a fatty acid that has a number of health benefits. When eating chicken or turkey, remove the skin first and either bake or grill the meat. Lean cuts of beef are okay as long as any fat has been removed before cooking.
Other tips for maintaining an acne diet include eating lots of peas, beans, and lentils, which are high in protein, and switching to low fat dairy products. Eggs may or may not be the healthiest choice, but provide protein and are versatile when cooking. While reducing carbohydrate intake is thought to be helpful in treating acne, it’s still essential to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
It’s important for people with acne to understand that even the best acne diet will probably not cure the problem completely. It can, however, reduce the severity of breakouts. An acne diet is generally a healthy diet too, so cutting back on the intake of high-glycemic carbohydrates may minimize the chance of other health problems. It may take several weeks of eating a healthy diet before a person notices a difference in his or her acne, however.
