Acne and Diet

Doctors and other scientists have long insisted that diet has no effect on acne. Yet many of us can't help wondering why our skin has a tendency to break out when we've been overindulging in pizza, chocolate, and sodas. Now, the link between over-consumption of these guilty pleasures is getting a second look from medical researchers. An article in the New York Times recently reported that some scientists now suspect that diets heavy in sugar and white flour may boost levels of insulin and other hormones that contribute to inflammation, decreased cell turnover, and clogged pores. Other studies suggest that dairy products may cause similar hormonal changes. Although the research on the relationship between acne and food is not yet conclusive, there's substantial evidence that diets low in sugars and saturated fats and high in fiber help optimize circulation, digestion, and hormonal balance. And when all our internal organs are in peak form, they can nourish our largest and most visible organ--the skin--more efficiently.