I had very bad skin when I was growing up. I did have a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates not to mention a diet high in cheese and other animal products like egg. I attended the conference on plant based nutrition last weekend and thought I would post additional notes that I had made on the lecture given by Dr. Apple Bodemer, MD. She stated that hormonal triggers of acne included androgens, excess sebum, hyperprolifereation of keratinocytes and presence of bacteria (c. acne). Insulin growth factor-1 increases with puberty. IGF-1 is correlated with acne severity.There is a role for intermittent fasting with acne in that it improves it. MTOR-C1 increases the secretion of androgens. and activates inflammatory cytokines. High glycemic diets, high saturated fats and high amounts of dairy trigger acne as does sugar, refined carbohydrates and high meat intake. Areas in the world where people don’t suffer from acne like islands in the south pacific- people’s diets consist of tubers. fruit, coconut, fish and low glycemic carbs and no dairy. Cutting out dairy products may take 8 weeks to fully improve your skin so you have to be patient. Glutamine can increase IGF-1. Foods highest in leucine may aggravate acne such as whey protein, eggs, pea protein, wheat protein, cow’s milk protein, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. It is best to avoid palmitic acid and transfatty acids. EPA and DHA fatty acids inhibit MTOR-C1. Omega 3 fatty acids may prove to be supporting in doses of around 3000 mg/day. Omega 6 in the form of Borage oil may reduce inflammation at around 400 mg/day. Resveratrol may inhibit acne by inhibiting MTOR-C1. Food sources of Resveratrol include the wonderful Coronation grapes that are currently in season. Other anti-inflammatory support includes green tea but dark chocolate is not recommended. Since I have converted to a largely plant based diet, my skin has completely cleared up. I am so grateful that I have the knowledge to help other people get their healthy skin back.
Reference: Notes from The Role of Diet in Acne. Dr. Apple Bodemer given September 17, 2022 in Palm Springs California at the International Plant Based Nutrition Health CareConfererence