used for energy or stored in fat. Foods with lower
glycemic index ratings break down more slowly.
They cause a more gradual rise in blood sugar, which
means less insulin will be needed.
Foods that have a high glycemic index rating
include: white bread, white rice, white potatoes
depending on how they are cooked, beer, corn prod-
ucts and some products containing refined sugars.
Foods with moderate glycemic index ratings include:
whole grain breads and pastas, brown rice, sweet pota-
toes, green peas, many fruits (especially when eaten
alone) and yogurt. Many of these foods are on the list
of foods to avoid in the acne diet.
Low glycemic index or no GI foods include: rye
grain, nuts, legumes such as black beans and lentils,
green vegetables, apricots, and cherries. These foods
may be enjoyed an may not worsen acne.
Foods that are high in fiber tend to have lower
glycemic index numbers, because fiber takes longer to
digest. Studies have shown that the presence of other
foods such asfatslike olive oil, can also slow digestion
and keep blood sugar from rising too quickly. The
glycemic index can be used along with the acne diet,
to help choose which carbohydrates can be eaten with
the least effect on blood sugar.
Benefits
Even if many dermatologists do not believe diet-
ary changes will improve acne, they see little harm in
adopting a diet that encourages eating fruits and veg-
etables and limits processed and high sugar foods.
Eating foods low on the glycemic index may help
prevent other medical conditions such as diabetes,
heart disease, andobesity.
Precautions
Limiting the amount of dairy products in the diet
may limit the amount ofcalciumconsumed, for that
reason, a calcium supplement may be needed to
insure daily dietary calcium requirements are met.
Poor intakes of calcium can be very damaging to one’s
health.
Zinc supplements can cause stomach upset.
Authors of acne diet plans recommend no more than
30mg of zinc per day to avoid this.
Vitamin Ais a fat soluble vitamin. That means
that excess vitamin A is stored in your body rather
than eliminated in your urine. Too much vitamin A
can be harmful. Consult a doctor before taking vita-
min A supplements.
Pregnant women or those who may become preg-
nant should not take vitamin A supplements. Exces-
sive amounts of vitamin A may cause birth defects in
the unborn children of women who consume too much
vitamin A.Risks
There are few risks associated with an acne diet.
Most relate to taking zinc, vitamin A, and calcium.
Zinc may prevent the body from absorbing enough
copper. To avoid this, take a supplement that specifi-
cally states that it does not prevent copper absorption.
High doses of vitamin A can be toxic. Many acne
prescriptions contain concentrated forms of vitamin A.
Consult a doctor before taking vitamin A supplements.
Limiting intake of calcium can cause deficiency and
significant health problems. Supplementation may be
necessary.
High doses of vitamin A can cause birth defects if
taken during pregnancy. Pregnant women should,
under no circumstances take vitamin A supplements
or medications containing vitamin A.Research and general acceptance
General acceptance
While most dermatologists will not confirm that
altering diet may prevent acne, it is standard practice
for many doctors to advice patients to avoid foods
that seem to cause more severe breakouts.
It is widely accepted that supplements such as zinc
and vitamin A help reduce the number and severity of
acne breakouts. In fact, Acutane and Retin A, popular
prescription medications used to treat acne are both
made from forms of vitamin A.Research
Early studies about diet and acne focused on spe-
cific foods believed to trigger acne breakouts. Most ofQUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR What type of acne do I have?
Will this diet improve my acne?
Can this diet hurt me?
Will this diet make my acne worse?
How long do I need to follow this diet?Acne diet