Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Acne and Dairy Effects

By Mary Boline

There is a pretty strong case against being a big milk and dairy consumer while struggling with acne. I am not bothering to quote the many dermatologists who claim there is no correlation between diet and acne. For acne sufferers dealing with this and experimenting, they have realized that there is indeed a clear relationship between what they eat and what occurs on their face. If we look at the many countries that are acne-free, with exceptionally junk-free diets and without the big emphasis on the milk and dairy we consume from the store on a daily basis, it is difficult to listen to dermatologists who wont make a blessed buck by backing up the diet theory. Then there are some very ethical and experienced dermatologists who have studied this more indepth, have not just taken the text-book word of their profs who raised them on the no special food relationship with acne, have seen proof and evidence enough with clients or themselves that they are wiling to experiment and make various recommendations based on what has been evident in their practice.

If you choose to avoid dairy, there is one exception I would suggest and that is keeping yogurt in your daily diet, the more probiotic the better, with the bacterial culture it is supposed to have, and not the gelatin that some brands have been injected with. Or learn to make your own, which is not difficult nor time-consuming on your part. This is only a recommendation. You may find you are completely better off without any dairy whatsoever.

Replacing dairy products with soy is an excellent idea, if using organic soy products, which eliminate the chemicals and hormones found in regular soy products on store shelves. Read labels and be aware of what you are purchasing.

Try avoiding dairy products for six months, which should help prevent pores from having new "plugs" and help you in your goal of clear skin.

Throughout the remainder of the teen years and into your early twenties, keep dairy minimal and even eliminated still if possible. You can then start on dairy very slowly, but forget about adding Ben and Jerrys every day to your food consumption. Ice cream is unfortunately a nasty culprit but lucky for you, there are many substitutes in the stores now that can help you win the battle over giving into that one. Your waistline will probably thank you also.

Having enough calcium is a big concern for many people, but there are many countries whose population have great bones and are not force-fed dairy. Your diet should include calcium rich foods, vitamin D both from stores and sun, and the elimination of cola and other caffeine laden foods or drinks that can extremely affect the calcium in your body. Replace that calcium if you tend to consume those products a lot.

As calcium levels in our body are a concern when dairy is eliminated, realize that there are many other foods with sufficient calcium to make this task easy for us. Consider the following: one cup over plain low-fat yogurt has 415 mg, roasted almonds have 93 mg per 1/4 cup, white beans have 120 mg per 3/4 cup, chickpeas have 58 mg per 3/4 cup, instant oats, have 165 mg per package, calcium fortified juices vary but can have 165 mg for a half cup, while regular orange juice has 52 mg per half cup, broccoli has up to 180 mg per cup, tofu has 145 mg per 4 ounces, kale has 100 mg per half cup, and one medium egg has 55 mg. Salmon, though rich in calcium, should probably be avoided as it causes skin problems for those already suffering from acne. Remember that acne products applied topically are not the only concern. What we ingest is mirrored on our skin.

You may have beautiful clear skin and indulge in dairy all the while. Great, enjoy your Ben and Jerry's while we envy your complexion.

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