105 replies to this topic

[alternativista]

I've been keeping a food log to try to figure out what specifically might be causing my acne and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this...how long after an offending food can you expect to see acne?

It's very difficult to try to pinpoint what's causing it. I didn't have dairy for over a week which seemed to help but that's definitely not the only thing, but I ate some yogurt the other day and now have some cystic acne along my hairline. I'm going to try to strictly eliminate nuts and dairy this week, but will still have soy, coconut, and some seeds like flax and tahini (sesame). Also how about unsweetened cocoa powder with stevia? Thanks for any input.

It depends on you. Many people have a delayed response that causes some kind of pimple to form within a day or so. I get cysts from citrus the day after. But you could have food intolerances in which the reaction is not a pimple but something else. In any case, it adds to the chronic inflammation most people have going on from their diet and lifestyle and that inflammation is at the root of acne formation.

[Tailypoe3]

This is driving me crazy, I feel like everything is giving me acne. I started a slow process of converting to paleo about 9 months ago, which led to some pretty bad digestive issues, possibly from cutting out beans, which I used to eat a decent amount of since I've never been a big meat eater. I was getting bad pains and bloating almost every time I ate (especially nuts and chocolate) until I did a colon cleanse and now I make sure I eat an apple or pear everyday. I eliminated dairy which seemed to help a little for awhile, but with no lasting effect. Im going to take a liver and then kidney cleanse as well, but I just don't know what to do without trying a big elimination diet or something.

[nycguy83]

I don't know, I am a bit skeptical about this claim that yeast in the digestive system or a bad diet is the cause of all our problems. I am a vegan who takes probiotics (GT's kombucha, yogurt, and the occasional cycle of jarrow enteric coated pills), and while my acne is reduced when I am eating healthfully and exercising, it has never gone away completely except when I was on topical antibiotics like clinda or erythro. I don't want to take those in the long term of course, I'd prefer something closer to "natural," but why should anyone believe that everyone's acne is caused by "candida" when there are no studies demonstrating any link?

From the mayo clinic, skepticism on "candida": http://www.mayoclini...cleanse/AN01679

Edited by nycguy83, 06 January 2012 - 07:26 PM.

[Alex81]

Yes diet modification is really helpful in curing acne from the root.

[alternativista]

I don't know, I am a bit skeptical about this claim that yeast in the digestive system or a bad diet is the cause of all our problems. I am a vegan who takes probiotics (GT's kombucha, yogurt, and the occasional cycle of jarrow enteric coated pills),

But is this vegan diet actually healthy? Is it all real food or a lot of wheat and soy based faux foods?

Diet affects acne and everything else to do with your health in many, many ways. It's not possible for it not to.

And I'm not big into the candida and candida diet thing, but I don't know why you can get an overgrowth in your mouth, on your feet, on your crotch and in your vagina, but not in the digestive tract?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't know if this has already been covered here, but I just came across it and it's new to me. Maybe this theory can help others with their digestion issues. The article says this is relatively unknown in the US but apparently big in Australia.

Low FODMAP diet - Based on the suspicion that specific carbohydrates cause IBS. These would be foods high in Fermentable olicosacharides, disacharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.

It excludes some foods that we normally consider easy to digest like some high sugar fruits (cherries, watermelon, apples), some really beneficial vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, garlic, onions. Mushrooms. also cow dairy, an legumes.

But allows several grains like rice, oats, polenta, gluten free breads and cereals.

Up to you. Look into it if you want. I'm throwing the article out now.

Edited by alternativista, 19 March 2012 - 09:33 AM.

[veronicamar11]

Gut Healing Regimen
- Avoid foods that you are allergic to: these will directly contribute to inflammation.
- Avoid overeating; this will burden your liver, digestive system, and the rest of your body as a whole.
- L-Glutamine is possibly the most important supplement to heal a leaky gut. Start off with 2 grams a day and work your way up. It is directly involved in maintaining thickness of the gut.
- MSM has also been suggested for leaky gut protocol; it is said to promote healing with new healthy tissue, promote detoxification, rid the body of any intestinal parasites that are holding on to the walls of your gut by competing for receptor sites, and lessen food allergies. A lot of this is theory and not confirmed by clinical trials - nonetheless, it's a noted component of leaky gut healing by many.
- Colostrum helps heal a leaky gut, but it is also dairy and contains IGF-1. It is said to have factors which help the digestive tract redevelop itself as well as immune boosting properties which help ward off unwanted bacterias.
- Probiotics can cause skin rashes in severe cases of leaky gut. If no bad effects are noticed, large amounts of probiots should be taken to boost the "good guys".
- Omega-3's are also said to help, probably due to their ability to lessen inflammation.
- Antioxidants like vitamin C promote healing.

http://www.drkaslow..../leaky_gut.html
http://www.nutri-not...pr98_simple.htm

Thank you! Great info.

[veronicamar11]

QUOTE (CheyCheyenne @ Jul 1 2010, 09:49 AM)
Anyone know a good way to help leaky gut? Is a healthy diet with vitamin c enough to repair it?


Unfortunately, and much as I would like one, there's no quick pill solution to a leaky gut. You just have to eat the right things for a good few months, in my experience anyway. Here's an interesting link: http://www.stopleakygut.com/healing

Thanks you for posting that link! Wow....it's so helpful. I was told I have a leaky gut, candida and parasites (from surfing and raw fish). It's been a battle to address all three.

[veronicamar11]

I don't know, I am a bit skeptical about this claim that yeast in the digestive system or a bad diet is the cause of all our problems. I am a vegan who takes probiotics (GT's kombucha, yogurt, and the occasional cycle of jarrow enteric coated pills), and while my acne is reduced when I am eating healthfully and exercising, it has never gone away completely except when I was on topical antibiotics like clinda or erythro. I don't want to take those in the long term of course, I'd prefer something closer to "natural," but why should anyone believe that everyone's acne is caused by "candida" when there are no studies demonstrating any link?

From the mayo clinic, skepticism on "candida": http://www.mayoclini...cleanse/AN01679

Hello Here's a little insight from a former drug rep.

Pharmaceutical companies conduct studies to get an FDA approval for specific indications of their drugs (Ex: Lunesta -- Indicated for chronic insomnia). If there is no study, it simply means that a pharmaceutical company hasn't invested in it. The pharm companies also design their studies in such a way to reach their own goals. Then sales people are taught how to educate doctors on all the benefits and encourage them to feel that patients "NEED" these medications. Holistic practices are not where pharmaceutical companies will be making blockbuster drugs ($$$ like Viagra, Prozac, Ambien, etc). The AMA protocols are solidly based on practicing medicine from clinically based evidence. Just because holistic cures for cancer are not practiced by western physicians does not mean they are not effective. Research it. They do in fact exist. Not only in cancer patients, but in all disease states.

It's a shame that most physicians are writing prescriptions instead of helping patients understand what the root of their problem is. Like us--WHY do we have acne? Doxy isn't giving us the answer.

Just some background about me--I sold pharmaceuticals for 8 years. I know the system very well. I have just resigned from corporate to teach Bikram yoga and take a new path. Hopefully, I can help others (and myself) learn how to heal anything naturally--without pills.

Good luck to you

[Tunnelvisionary]

I don't know, I am a bit skeptical about this claim that yeast in the digestive system or a bad diet is the cause of all our problems. I am a vegan who takes probiotics (GT's kombucha, yogurt, and the occasional cycle of jarrow enteric coated pills), and while my acne is reduced when I am eating healthfully and exercising, it has never gone away completely except when I was on topical antibiotics like clinda or erythro. I don't want to take those in the long term of course, I'd prefer something closer to "natural," but why should anyone believe that everyone's acne is caused by "candida" when there are no studies demonstrating any link?

From the mayo clinic, skepticism on "candida": http://www.mayoclini...cleanse/AN01679

Hello Here's a little insight from a former drug rep.

Pharmaceutical companies conduct studies to get an FDA approval for specific indications of their drugs (Ex: Lunesta -- Indicated for chronic insomnia). If there is no study, it simply means that a pharmaceutical company hasn't invested in it. The pharm companies also design their studies in such a way to reach their own goals. Then sales people are taught how to educate doctors on all the benefits and encourage them to feel that patients "NEED" these medications. Holistic practices are not where pharmaceutical companies will be making blockbuster drugs ($$$ like Viagra, Prozac, Ambien, etc). The AMA protocols are solidly based on practicing medicine from clinically based evidence. Just because holistic cures for cancer are not practiced by western physicians does not mean they are not effective. Research it. They do in fact exist. Not only in cancer patients, but in all disease states.

It's a shame that most physicians are writing prescriptions instead of helping patients understand what the root of their problem is. Like us--WHY do we have acne? Doxy isn't giving us the answer.

Just some background about me--I sold pharmaceuticals for 8 years. I know the system very well. I have just resigned from corporate to teach Bikram yoga and take a new path. Hopefully, I can help others (and myself) learn how to heal anything naturally--without pills.

Good luck to you

Wow your insight is amazing and will probably help break down the paradigms present within so many people that think "Well my dermatologist said diet doesn't affect acne."

I think some time in the future, people are going to put that in the same category as when doctors used to say that smoking has no effect on pregnant women.

Please stick around, your experience is valuable.

[tim12]

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/21476271

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15749631

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11746847

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/17392110

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/12490224

http://seabuckthorn....%20Medicine.pdf

Some studies on seabuckthorn and nutritional information. It seems like the gut healing properties are there, and there's lots of rave reviews around the internet, but that's pretty common with these "superfoods" nowadays. Still, it seems like something that's worth a shot. A lot of testimonials and some research is there as far as restoring and healing mucuousal membrane functions throughout the body, which would be good for leaky gut.

Edited by tim12, 13 April 2012 - 03:08 PM.

[broscience]

Some quick questions of leaky gut syndrome:

1. What are the best vitamins for it?

2. Is cholesterol good or bad?

[takenimpulse]

I don't know about "vitamins" per se, but the best things to heal leaky gut are to 1) avoid foods that would irritate it, 2) bone broths, 3) mucilaginous plants, 4) L-glutamine (which you can also get from bone broths, as well as collagen, gelatin, glycine, and proline)

Don't know too much about your second question. Been meaning to find out myself.

Edited by takenimpulse, 26 May 2012 - 05:57 PM.

[kalebattle]

Just want to share my story, I'll try to be quick.

I was on birth control for two years. Many women don't know that birth control damages the liver and the digestive system, especially with long term use. So If you've been taking hormonal birth control and you suspect a digestive problem then you aren't crazy! There is a strong connection. After coming off birth control I experienced many digestive complaints and developed intolerances to about 20 different foods. The most notable ones where wheat, baker's and brewer's yeast, milk, modified soy, anything GMO, and food additives. I felt like I was reacting to everything!

Once I figured out the gut/skin connection I wanted to heal my body and change my diet for good. For over a year now I've been vegan and gluten free. I plan on being gluten free as long as I live in the United States, but in the future I'll eventually introduce healthy organic meats and limited dairy (goat mostly). For now, vegan has been great and easier on my system. I don't eat any artificial food products or additives. And I mostly consume whole foods. I'm not perfect though, I'll have cereal for breakfast sometimes or a can of soup, but for the most part I eat whole foods.

As far as supplements go I have gone overboard in the past, but I've found that a much simpler approach has helped me. Plus I don't have all the anxiety of taking tons of pills. I believe that puts some strain on the liver as well.
I take:
Olive leaf
Tripphala
and Banyan Botanical's Blood Cleanse

It's very important to keep your blood clean especially if you have leaky gut. Cleaning the blood is an important part of alternative medicine, but unknown to Western medicine. Turmeric is a great blood cleanser, as well as oregano and thyme. But the blend I take contains Ayurvedic herbs.

I also just started drinking Reishi mushroom tea, as I've read it's great for healing the gut. I don't believe I have much of a gut problem now, but I want to give my body as much support as it needs.

For now, my acne has been pretty much all hormonal because of the birth control. My body is still in the process of re balancing to get back to normal. But healing my gut was part of that process. It's really not hard to avoid the common allergy foods if you know the facts. Information is power! You can heal, your body wants to heal! Just try avoiding the big ones for a month, just a month! See how you feel, then continue from there.

Be well everybody! My "door" is always open! Feel free to message me!

Peace!

[presentcrisis]

To All,

I've grown tired of the cynical debates, enjoyed the positive discussions, loved the research, heard the questions, sympathized with the confusion, felt the pain, and finally decided to compile a Resource Guide.

I hope that for those of you with questions, especially the Newbies, you will look to this guide as one of your references.

Now first of all, this is a guide dealing with the development of acne, how diet can play a role, and how leaky gut syndrome (intestinal hyperpermeability) may be at the base of it.

This is NOT a guide discussing or debating "healthy" or why there "isn't enough supportive evidence" to make this a valid form of treatment!

This guide will provide information, tips, support, options, and other resources and tools necessary in order to make following an individualized Acne Diet and/or healing your Leaky Gut a less confusing, HEALTHY, and fun transition.

Furthermore, aside from a few key threads, this will be a predominantly focused on solutions . Answers to what foods to eat, what diets to follow, what tests to take, gut healing regimens etc. There will also be a links section for anyone searching for more in-depth information on this board or elsewhere.

Of course I would greatly appreciate it if any of you (especially you cleansing & healing gurus) that are currently following a specific diet or holistic regimen, that has not been mentioned yet, to chime in and share the following:

Do's & Don'ts of the Diet
(Brief History of the diet)
Customized Diet Regimen
Gut Healing Regimen
Personal Testimony
Etc

As a forewarning, negative comments and arguments about these methods may be edited or removed! This is a positive energy and supportive thread, A Safe Haven, and ALL are welcome to participate if keeping the above in mind. This thread will deal in the possibilities and capabilities of a new improved lifestyle instead of continually focusing on the cants.

I acknowledge that there are different levels of "healthy", but for reasons of sanity and affordablity this thread will be focused on a certain level of healthy in regards to obtaining the proper amount of nutrition & variety while keeping in mind an individual's diet. Please be aware when speaking of your own diet or holistic regimen that you don't downplay what works for someone else.

Finally, I've come to realize that one of the biggest obstacles regarding an improved lifestyle is that a percentage of us have no clue what's sold in the produce isle! No clue as to how to pick produce, let alone how to properly prepare them and cook them. No clue just how many different kinds of food exist in the world in comparison to what their current diet consists of. Nor do people FULLY realize that when one door closes several more open. Hopefully this thread will awaken more of you to just how much more you really DO have as a result!


Peace & Love!

Hello! I wanted to say that I'm glad you talked about the connection between acne and gluten. I developed a gluten sensitivity as an adult and when I would eat gluten I would get breakouts (among other terrible symptoms). I have been gluten free for 3 years and this worked well for my skin until I had a crazy cystic acne breakout this year.
I also wanted to ask about something in your signature. Why do you avoid almonds, peaches, bananas, etc? Do you have an allergy/sensitivity or is it connected to something else?

[strax]

How does the gut contribute to acne? If one has acne and it later goes away due to their hormones declining then how was it the gut causing the acne? A eunuch(casterated male) will not develop acne, you could give them extreme versions of leaky gut and still no acne.

So at what location in the human physiology do hormones and the gut meet? I don't believe acne has anything to do with toxins, or you'd see a preponderance of acne among factory workers and people who work in chemical environments.

It is true that high glycemic foods will raise androgens, but that has little to do with the gut, and raising androgens is not necessarily a bad thing

[luizedu]

From the little I understand, I believe the connection is that a leaky gut puts your body under oxidative stress due to all the impurities, free-radical, etc. "leaking" from your gut into your bloodstream. Androgens, meanwhile, increase sebum production, which per se is not a bad thing. Oxidated sebum, on the other hand, is a problem, since it is a great envirnoment for Propionibacterium acnes to grow.

Again, I just read about it yesterday and am only repeating the information, I cannot guarantee it is 100% correct, but it seems to make sense.

[presentcrisis]

Candida most certainly can infect your intestines. Mine got to the point that this happened. I had a lab test done that showed it had infected them. I had vaginal infections, a number of digestive and bowel probelms, and messed up toenails from it. It also exacerbated my hormonal acne and I was incredibly fatigued all of the time. I was a vegan at the time but I was also eating gluten which I now strictly avoid (Celiac). Since doing a candida cleanse a few times under the supervision of my doctor, my digestive issues are a lot better and it solved the other problems. I stopped eating gluten and am still a vegan. I have moved from very processed vegan diet to a completely whole foods low-fat vegan diet, back to processed, and now back to whole foods again without the recurrence of candida

[dejaclairevoyant]

How does the gut contribute to acne? If one has acne and it later goes away due to their hormones declining then how was it the gut causing the acne? A eunuch(casterated male) will not develop acne, you could give them extreme versions of leaky gut and still no acne.

So at what location in the human physiology do hormones and the gut meet? I don't believe acne has anything to do with toxins, or you'd see a preponderance of acne among factory workers and people who work in chemical environments.

It is true that high glycemic foods will raise androgens, but that has little to do with the gut, and raising androgens is not necessarily a bad thing

Where are you getting such information?

[wicky]

presentcrisis do u see a difference with the st johns wort?