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My son, in his teens, did not have acne but I noticed that when he went  off on Ice Hockey weekends, he always returned very spotty. At home his diet was controlled but when away he had lots of junk foods.

I always suspected that that there is a strong relationship between diet and acne. A recent study suggested just that.
Acne is a common skin lesion affecting people of all ages: 79 to 95% adolescents have acne, 40 to 54% aged 25 and older, 12% women and 3% men in middle age.

The cause of acne is still not clearly known but on the basis of global figures, showing higher level of acne in the West, it is likely that high carbohydrate consumption may be a factor. High carbohydrate intake results in high levels of Insulin (Hyperinsulinemia). Exports 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.
This is the first randomised controlled trial to examine the influence the effects of glycemic load has on acne.

“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.” Dr. Smith’s team said.

Low glycemic load foods are rich in complex carbohydrates and releases sugar into the blood stream slowly. This reduces the peak level of insulin. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels but it also affects sex and growth hormones.

Glycemic Index is a value obtained by monitoring blood sugar after eating the food.

Low Glycemic Index: 55 and lower.

Medium Glycemic Index: 56 to 69.

High Glycemic Index: 70 +

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

High Glycemic Index Foods.

Watermelon 80
Dates 103
Instant White Rice 87
Glutinous Rice 86
Short Grain White Rice 83
Tapioca 70
Scones 92
Pretzels 83 Rice Cakes 87
Fresh Mashed Potatoes 73
French Fries 75
Donuts 76
Instant Mashed Potatoes 80

So if you want to knock spots off your teenage child or yourself, reject white bread, burgers, potatoes and french fries and embrace cereals and beans.

Dr. Phil Hariram.

Acne Treatment.