The case for our food quality directly influencing skin conditions such as vitamin deficiency with acne and rosacea vitamin deficiency is not only strengthening; the rapid growth of gastrointestinal disorders celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease is also highlighting nutrient deficiencies within our populations. Overall, there are direct links to nutrient levels and food quality impacting our general health and the conditions we suffer. You may also be interested in the mechanics of acne formation an in-depth look at how acne begins.
Hormonal balance has long been a trigger of many skin conditions specifically Acne & Rosacea, the more we understand about these ailments, the more we see diet and nutrient deficiencies impacting the frequency and severity of the skin conditions. A person’s environmental factors, emotional stress levels and lifestyle habits all intertwine with our diet, the body’s overall balance impacting our general well being.
Common links have formed between nutrient deficiencies and skin disorders.
Acne. If we look at the general nutrient deficiencies in Acne suffers it includes vitamins A, E, B-2, B-6, C, K-2; and zinc, also, biotin; EFAs; niacin & potassium. The deficiencies also tie into our diet with aggressors including; carbohydrates, carbonated drinks, dairy, iodine, offal, red meat, shellfish, processed sugars, and wheat.
Rosacea. As we treat and understand more each year with Rosacea, more links are forming between diet and lifestyle. Stress and our ability to manage pressure also influence our skin conditions. Nutritional deficiencies including EFAs, hydrochloric acid and malabsorption of B vitamins present in Rosacea sufferers; the more we understand about these aggressors and triggers the easier long term management of Rosacea becomes. The explicit links between diet, health & environmental factors are what form the basis of treatment at Clinic Zest.
How to solve acne problems naturally
Granted we have a great deal to be thankful for with the Medical sector, treating acne & rosacea with standardised drugs, is not gaining results. There is too much evidence at all corners of life that, not just a balanced diet is needed, but a diet with correct nutrient levels is key to long-term health and wellness. Furthermore, mental health, stress our lives creates impacts substantially, regardless of diet; highlighting the direct links between mental health and physical health.
Nutrient Deficiencies, not just a case of a more balanced diet
Over two billion people suffer from conditions triggered by nutrient deficiency. Gastrointestinal disorders have risen and many highlight the links with commercial food production practises. Genetically modified food is attracting much debate and not in a positive light. Irradiated foods, depletion of mineral-laden soils with over farming. The continual debate with traces of herbicides, insecticides and fertilisers causing food intolerances. It has become not a case of just buying fruit and veg but supporting them with the missing nutrients. With each passing year more negative light shines on commercial food practises, it goes to show we should all try and grow what we can and why allotments should be encouraged.
Individuals need, assessment and natural science the key to effective treatment
A mantra of today’s progressive aesthetic clinic, a shift from just topical treatment into a science of health, nutrition and overall wellness.
Carbohydrates are fundamental to skin cell growth but our modern diets high in carbs, fats and sugars directly show with increased adult acne.
Carbohydrates. Fundamental to skin cells, the glucose we need to be taken from carbohydrates, the foundation structure processing proteins and lipids contained in the extracellular epidermis. Consuming too many carbohydrates can directly affect the blood sugar levels, glucose is rapidly broken down creating proinflammatory enzymes and developing glycosylases that result in glycation. In human nutrition and biology, ‘advanced glycation end products’, known as ‘AGEs’, are substances that can be a factor in the development or worsening of many degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, chronic renal failure, and Alzheimer’s disease. These harmful compounds can affect nearly every type of cell and molecule in the body and are thought to be one factor in ageing and some age-related chronic diseases.
Overconsumption of carbohydrates also ties into acne. With blood sugar level fluctuations, insulin levels are influenced along with the IGF-1 hormones, estrogenic production can be affected. Acne sufferers often show an increase of the 5-alpha reductase deficiency of steroid metabolism, this often results in the development of androgen hormones, increasing sebum production & hyperkeratotic conditions.
You are what you eat and how you feel
Adult onset acne produces a typical trigger list if there is a secret to effective acne treatment it is not in the topical cosmeceuticals or the IPL machine rather in how we address and treat the primary aggressors.
- Emotional stress
- Hormonal imbalances and fluctuation
- Yeast production & Candida
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Intolerance of particular foods
- Digestion and nutrient absorption concerns
- Genetic disposition
Once we become more aware of our individual triggers and stressors, we are better able to formulate plans on how to combat these easier in our everyday life. Apart from diet, stress is one of our biggest problems in modern life; the advice of, relax more and stress less, is much easier said than done. It might sound cliche but fitting in regular exercise and downtime for you is critical, for everyday health and wellness.
Taking an active role in our diet will benefit all parts of our lives
Nutritionally, we can combat deficiencies with relative ease. Nutritional science and supplements are in continuous development with product lines tailored to common deficiencies. Taking a healthy lunch to work instead of buying it, not only saves money it takes an active, healthy role in our diet. I know this is easily written and putting it into practice far more difficult, but planning for a healthy you, makes sense; don’t you think?
Actively help your diet gain beneficial nutrients supplementing meals with ingredients from the ANDI (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index) the index created by Dr. Fuhrman lists foods with a scoring system rating the nutrient density of each. High scoring foods included Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens, Spinach, Carrots and Brussel Sprouts.