Information and facts on Acne

 

Acne is a skin problem involving inflammation. It affects 80% of all Americans, normally between ages11 and 25. However, women may suffer premenstrual flare-ups of acne. Oral contraceptives high in progesterone may also cause acne to occur. Interestingly, one thing not commonly known is that it is important for your colon to be clean of toxins as this may also relate to acne problems. The skin is the largest organ of your body, and one of the functions of the skin is to rid the body of toxins. If the body contains more toxins then the kidney, liver, and colon can handle then the skin takes over. For this reason a good colon cleansing and restoration program may very help. Other factors involved with acne are:  stress, allergies, eating too much junk food, poor diet, pollutants, over-washing your skin, and nutritional deficiencies in the diet.

Acne is a more common problem in males because the male sex hormones called androgens like testosterone will stimulate the production of both keratin and sebum, that helps cause clogged pores. In puberty, androgens increase in both males and females, making girls in this age group more vulnerable also. However, hormones do not magically go away after adolescence, and alot of women suffer pre-menstrual acne flare-ups which maybe caused by the release of the hormone progesterone after ovulation. Oral contraceptives which are high in progesterone can cause break-outs as well.. The sebaceous glands, located in each hair follicle or tiny pit of skin, produce oil that lubricates the skin. Sebaceous glands are found in large amounts on the back, chest, face, and shoulders. If the oil becomes trapped, bacteria grow and multiply in the follicle and the skin becomes inflamed. Several of these spots can come and go over a period of months or even years. Acne contrary to popular belief is not caused by "dirty" pores, but more often by overactive oil glands; the excess oil makes the pores sticky, thus allowing bacteria to become trapped inside. Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the skin pores. Whiteheads occur if scales below the surface of the skin become filled with sebum. In some severe cases, whiteheads may build up, spread under the skin, and rupture, which spreads the inflammation. The exact causes of acne are unknown, but contributing factors include: androgens, heredity, and oily skin. Other important factors are: allergies; stress; certain drugs (like steroids, lithium, oral contraceptives, and anti-epileptic drugs), over-consumption of junk food, saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and animal products; nutritional deficiencies; exposure to industrial pollutants (like machine oils, coal tar derivatives, chlorinated hydrocarbons), the use of cosmetics, monthly menstrual cycles, and overwashing or repeated rubbing of the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body's toxic waste products through sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over.  Some doctors even call the skin the "third kidney." As toxins escape through the skin, they disrupt the skin's healthy integrity. This is a key factor behind many skin disorders, including acne. The skin also "breathes." If the pores become clogged, the microbes that are involved in causing acne flourish because they are protected against the bacteriostatic action of sunshine. Dirt, dust, grime , and oils from pollution may also clog the skin pores. Also a body pH level that is too alkaline can also cause acne bacteria to breed and multiply.

Other Changes To Make

• drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

• eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

• nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

• juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

• do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

• carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

• a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

• do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

• do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

• use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

• brown rice is good to eat

• avoid red meat and animal fats

• reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

• fast a few days a month

• get at least 8 hours of sleep 

• exercise light to moderate amounts

• avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

• do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

• do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

• do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

• do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.