What Are The Top Foods That Cause Acne?

Written By: Obi Obadike, CIO of Bloomble, Celebrity Fitness & Nutrition Expert, CFT, SFN, M.S. Founder & CEO – Ethical Inc.

What are the top foods that cause acne? Acne affects about 10% of the world’s population and there are many of us who are easily affected by certain foods that may give us a blemish or two. Who wants to eat something that gives you acne? So that is why it is important to be aware of foods that can negatively affect your skin.

Foods that are rich in refined carbohydrates can cause acne in some people are:

• Sodas and sweetened sugary beverages.
• Crackers, bread, cereal, or desserts made with white flour.
• Sweeteners like cane sugar, maple sugar, honey, etc.
• Pasta made with white flour.

There was a research study that showed that a high consumption of foods high in sugar or fat was associated with a 54% higher risk of acne. And this same study showed that sugar beverages gave you an 18% higher risk of acne.

The increased risk is because of how rapidly the blood sugar levels increase due to the consumption of refined carbohydrates.

Acne is also associated with eating fast foods like burgers, fries, pizza, etc. There was a 2010 study in over 5000 teenagers that found high fat diets increased the risk of acne by 43%. And eating fried food regularly increases the risk of acne by 18%.

Another study in over 2300 Turkish men found that eating burgers and sausages increased the risk of developing acne by 24%.

Food Sensitivities

Acne is considered an inflammatory disorder and the way food contributes to inflammation is because of food sensitivities. The way food sensitivities happen is when your immune system mistakenly identifies food as a threat and launches an attack against your immune system.

Foods That Can Reduce The Risk Of Acne

Research studies have shown that following either a paleo diet or Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of acne on the face. A paleo diet is rich in meat, fruits, vegetables, vegetables, nuts, etc.

 And a Mediterranean diet is a diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil, low in dairy and saturated fats. Older research studies have also shown that omega 3 fatty acids can also reduce the risk of acne.

The Bottom Line is fast foods and refined carbohydrates have been shown to cause acne in research studies.  But following a healthy diet that is either a Paleo or Mediterranean diet can help reduce the risk of acne.

 References

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