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Recent studies have reported that a diet rich in refined
starches and sugars may increase the insulin level and
production of IGF-1, an insulin-like substance primarily
linked with acne. This spike increases production of male
hormones, resulting in increased oil production by the skin,
which may lead to a blockage of pores and eventually skin
breakout.
Aside from these, food processing also says so much about
the development of acne. Processed foods commonly have
higher amount of free radical, and as such, they can
exacerbate an acne. To counter acne, it is important to
minimize the intake of processed and overly cooked foods
because most often, these kinds of food do not completely
deliver the minerals, vitamins, and enzymes essential for
maintaining a healthy skin.
To keep a healthy, good-looking skin, Vitamins A and B5 must
be present in the diet as they aid in fat metabolism and
limit the amount of fat being transformed into skin-excreted
oils. Zinc is also as important since it helps in
maintaining the activities of the sebaceous or oil glands
and repairing tissue. A person should also take an ideal
amount of fiber to prevent a rapid increase of insulin, the
cause of excess oil production, by slowing down the
breakdown of carbohydrates into sugars during the digestion
process. Enzymes found in raw vegetables and fruit help in
proper digestion, while the antioxidants selenium, Vitamins
C, A, and E remove free radicals from the body and help
avoid the worsening of acne.
Adequate intake of water also aids in reducing acne.
Drinking no less than 2 liters of mineral water everyday
removes toxins from the body and is needed for the natural
exfoliation of the skin. The liver, kidneys, and the
digestive system also need water to effectively absorb
nutrients and wash away toxins. Also, taking the right
amount of water prevents a person from having flaky skin
cells, which can clog the pores.
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