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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