Can You Eat Your Way to Better Skin? West Melbourne, FL

You’ve heard about the mind-body connection, but how much do you know about the skin-gut connection? Did you know that the foods you eat may impact the health and vibrance of your skin?

Recent studies are linking “clean” eating to reduced acne flare-ups and rosacea. Here’s a closer look at the link between diet and skin health.

Clean eating

Clean eating generally refers to a diet free from processed foods and refined sugars that incorporates plenty of fresh fruits, lean protein, and veggies. The pioneer of the “clean“ eating movement is anthropologist Loren Cordain, who studied islanders and hunter-gatherers in New Guinea and Paraguay. Among both clean-eating populations, not a single case of acne was found. Cordain went on to invent the Paleo diet (a.k.a., the Caveman Diet), and he continues to speak at dermatological conventions on the link between diet and skin health.

Low Glycemic Index

Related to clean eating, a low-glycemic diet keeps your insulin level from spiking by avoiding foods that raise your blood sugar, such as white rice, white bread products, potatoes, crackers, cookies, and sugary beverages. In general, eating a clean diet (see above) will help keep your blood sugar stable and low.

Why is high blood sugar possibly bad for skin? Elevated insulin levels trigger androgens and growth hormones. This leads to low-grade inflammation in the body and increased oil secretion, which may ultimately clog pores and cause breakouts. A 2007 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that 43 boys who followed a low-glycemic diet for 12 weeks had significantly fewer acne lesions. A 2012 Korean study found that men on a low-glycemic diet not only had skin with less inflammation, but also experienced a reduction in the size of their oil glands.

TESTIMONIALS

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*Individual results may vary

Take the First Step - Request A Complimentary Consultation

If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at The Refinery will reach out to you promptly.

You can also call our West Melbourne, FL office directly to schedule: 321-341-3321.

The Refinery & Skin & Body by The Refinery serves the greater Melbourne, Palm Bay, Beachside and Melbourne Beach areas.

*Individual results may vary