Acne and Food? Does it matter?

Acne and Food?  Does it matter? 

Yes, for some...While some people may have no triggers around food others may have many.  The only way to know for sure is to eliminate foods that are known to be inflammatory triggers, long enough to determine if you are affected by these foods.  While in moderation we may not pay attention or even realize the effect it has on our bodies.  

Below is a list of foods to be mindful of, especially if you find that nothing seems to be working in managing symptoms or health concerns.

Here's a list of foods to AVOID and help you get started.

Foods that can contribute to inflammation with Iodine - AVOID

Iodized salt,
Milk, cheese
Whey or soy protein shakes or protein bars
Soy - tofu, soy milk, tempeh, edamame, soy sauce
Seafood, shellfish, cod, scallops,
Spirulina, corella, blue-green algae
Kelp, miso soup, seaweed, seaweed supplements,
Vitamins Supplements with iodides
kelp, potassium iodide

High Androgen Foods - AVOID
peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oil, corn oil, canola oil, shellfish, and organ meats

*Beware of supplements that contain whey or biotin - also vitamin B12 Studies have shown they can trigger an inflammatory response that can lead to more breakouts.

Alternative Protein Shakes & Supplement Choices - Substitutes
Pea protein, egg white protein, hemp.

Alternative high androgen food choices - Substitutes
almond butter, or other nut butter,
olive oil, butter, coconut oil

Alternative food choices - Substitutes
Sea salt, Unionized salt, Celtic salt
Almond milk, rice milk, coconut milk,
Nut cheese
Freshwater fish - trout, bass, catfish

FOODS that can contribute to healing your acne are low-glycemic foods and foods with lower iodine.  Below is a list of a few suggestions to consider.

vegetables, spinach, kale, orange and purple carrots, tomatoes purple sweet potatoes, broccoli, Peppers, and beets

fruits berries, apples, oranges

whole grains brown rice, quinoa, and oats

healthy FATS, avocado, almonds and nuts (almonds and walnuts) chia, and flax seeds provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids

spices - Turmeric, and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties,

lean proteins salmon, chicken, tofu, and legumes like lentils and chickpeas support skin repair.