Acne and Low Glycemic Diet.

Posted by acnetips

There is a very strong link between acne and diet. The prevalence of acne, a distressing skin condition, is very high. On average it is as high as 79 to 85% in adolescents and 40 to 54% in people aged 25 and older. In middle age 3% of men and 12% of women have acne.

No one knows the true cause of acne. The fact that there is a lower incidence of acne in non-Western countries raises the possibility of a link between acne and low carbohydrate intake. The theory is that high carbohydrate intake causes raised Insulin level (Hyperinsulinemia). High Insulin level is an important part of acne in general because it affects androgenic hormones and growth factor.

A study conducted by Dr. Robin. N. Smith and colleagues used randomised low glycemic load diet and a control diet that was rich in carbohydrates. The low glycemic load diet had 45% energy from low glycemic Index carbohydrate and 25% from protein. Included in the study were 45 male aged 15 to 24 years. The study was carried out at the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. This is the first randomised controlled trial to examine the influence the effects of glycemic load has on acne. In the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition July Issue the published results showed that there was significant reduction of acne in the low glycemic diet group as compared to the group on carbohydrate rich food. So for acne, low Glycemic food is the Good Health Option.

Dr. Smith and his colleagues, in a press release, said, “Although we could not isolate the effect of the low glycemic load diet from that of weight loss, the findings support the hypothesis of a relationship between high insulin levels and acne.”

Foods with low Glycemic Index are rich in complex carbohydrates. Consequently, they release glucose very slowly into the blood steam. If sugar is slowly released into the blood, the demand on Insulin is less. Insulin controls circulating blood sugar and affects growth and sex hormones.

To assess the Glycemic Index of foods, the blood sugar level is monitored after that food is eaten.

Highy Glycemic Index(HGI): 70+

Medium Glyemic Index (MGI): 56 to 69.

Low Glycemic Index (LGI); 55 and lower.

Low Glycemic Index Food: Heavy Mixed Grain 45 Whole Wheat 49 Special K (UK) 54 Natural Muesli 40 Porridge 58 All-bran (UK) 30 Oat bran 50 Rolled Oats 51 Soya and Linseed 36 Wholegrain Pumpernickel 46 Tomatoes 15 Onions 10 Raw Carrots 16 Broccoli 10 Boiled Carrots 41 Frozen Green Peas 39 Frozen Sweet Corn 47 Cabbage 10 Mushrooms 10 Lettuce 10 Green Beans 15 Red Peppers 10 Chillies 10 Cauliflower 15

HGI (High Glycemic Index) Foods. Pretzels 83 Rice Cakes 87 Glutinous Rice 86 Short Grain White Rice 83 Tapioca 70 Scones 92 Fresh Mashed Potatoes 73 French Fries 75 Donuts 76 Instant Mashed Potatoes 80 Watermelon 80 Dates 103 Instant White Rice 87

So Reject white bread, burgers, and French fries and eat more beans and cereals to keep those zits away or under your control.

For good health, low stress and clear skin maintain a low glycemic diet.

Tags: Acne, acne treatment, facial acne, health, healthy skin, mens health, Skin Care, teen health, women health