Improve
Acne With Low Glycemic Food
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When my son played Ice Hockey as a teenager,
he went away on weekends for back to back games. He always
returned very spotty. When he was at home, his diet was
dictated by us and was very good but when away he ate lots of
junk food high in carbohydrate.
It has always been my belief that there is a
very strong link between acne and diet. A study done recently
has made things a lot clearer. The prevalence of acne, a
distressing skin condition, is very high. It is estimated that
79 to 95% of adolescents, 40 to 54% aged 25 and older, 12% of
women and 3% men in their middle age have acne.
The cause of acne is still not clearly known
but on the basis of global figures, showing higher level of
acne in the West, there is a likelihood that high carbohydrate
consumption may be a factor. High carbohydrate intake results
in high levels of Insulin (Hyperinsulinemia). Experts feel that
hyperinsulinemia plays a part in acne because of the
association with available androgen and growth factor.

In a 12 week study, Dr. Robyn. N. Smith and
colleagues, from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, gave
43 male adult acne patients, aged between 15 and 25, a
randomised low glycemic load diet (25% energy from protein and
45% from low glycemic index carbohydrates) and a control diet
rich in carbohydrate dense foods without consideration of the
glycemic index. The results published in the July issue of the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed the low glycemic
diet was associated with a significant reduction in total acne
compared with the normal diet.
Although this is the first randomised study
to look at the effect of low glycemic foods on acne, I suspect
there are a few more in the pipeline.
In a press release, Dr Smith and his
colleagues 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 acne
and high insulin levels and acne."
Foods are considered low glycemic when they
are rich in complex carbohydrates and releasing sugar directly
into the blood stream very slowly. By doing this it reduces the
Insulin demand and reduces the peak level of insulin. Insulin
is a hormone that regulates blood sugar level and can affect
growth and sex hormones.
To find out the Glycemic Index of food, the
blood sugar level is monitored after eating that food. HGI(High
Glycemic Index): 70+ MGI (Medium Glycemic Index: 56 to 69. LGI
(Low Glycemic Index): 55 and lower.
Low GI Foods. All-bran (UK) 30 Oat bran 50
Rolled Oats 51 Whole Wheat 49 Special K (UK) 54 Natural Muesli
40 Porridge 58 Soya and Linseed 36 Wholegrain Pumpernickel 46
Heavy Mixed Grain 45 Frozen Green Peas 39 Frozen Sweet Corn 47
Tomatoes 15 Raw Carrots 16 Broccoli 10 Boiled Carrots 41
Cauliflower 15 Cabbage 10 Mushrooms 10 Lettuce 10 Green Beans
15 Red Peppers 10 Onions 10 Chillies 10
Foods with High Glycemic Index. Dates 103 Scones 92 Instant
White Rice 87 Glutinous Rice 86 Tapioca 70 Watermelon 80
Pretzels 83 Rice Cakes 87 Fresh Mashed Potatoes 73 French Fries
75 Short Grain White Rice 83 Instant Mashed Potatoes 80 Donuts
76.
To knock spots off your teenage child or
yourself, eats cereals and beans regularly and avoid white
bread, burgers, and French fries.
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About
The Author
Dr. Phil
Hariram is a Retired GP with several years
experience treating disease. Visit his Blog for
relevant Info on health and health news.
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