SweetJade1980

Sunday, June 16, 2008


Today I planned to make gluten-free crab cakes for Father's Day.  Since I had the ingredients, and wanted to get some Insulin Resistance fighting foods in my diet, I also made Buckwheat Pancakes for breakfast.  Now mind you...I am more of a waffle fan than a pancake fan, especially homemade pancakes (never liked the taste), but I was VERY happy with my GF version!


Buckwheat Pancakes  (modified from Gluten Free:  Quick & Easy)

Yields: 12 - 16 pancakes (doubled the original recipe)

• 1.5 Cups Buckwheat Farinetta flour (highest in d-Chiro Inositol)
• 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats
• 4 Tbsp Smart Balance LIGHT (non-dairy)
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 tsp of Sonoma Syrup "Crush" Vanilla Bean Extract
• 1.5 Cups Rice Dream Enriched Milk (unsweetened), add more if needed
• 2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2.5 Tbsp Xylitol
• 3/4 tsp SweetLeaf Stevia Plus

Lemon Poppyseed Buckwheat Pancakes

Same batter as above, Yields: 4 small pancakes

• Two scoops of batter
• 1/2 tsp of poppyseeds
• 1 Whole Lemon, juice only

This was maybe my...2nd or 3rd attempt at making homemade pancakes...in my lifetime. I added in some natural sweeteners because I didn't have any syrup, nor any fresh fruits that I could use so I needed the batter to be very mildly sweet. It really doesn't take long once the pan is hot (Low-Medium heat).  I actually didn't use any oil in the pan just added a scoop of batter waited 90 seconds, flipped and waited another 90 secs before removing from the pan.  They turned out warm, fluffy, and quite tasty.  Note: The lemon poppyseed could have used more lemon flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Hot Applesauce (unsweetened), fresh berries or other fruits on top.  For Dad, I cut up some bananas, sprinkled with some xylitol crystals (should have used powdered xylitol) and put some maple syrup on the side.

Lemon Poppyseed pancakes - Sprinkle with "powdered sugar".  This can be Inulin (Fibersure), powdered Xylitol, powdered Erythritol, etc.  To make real powdered sugar you would use Maltodextrin or Cornstarch and your sweetener of choice.



Crab Cakes (modified from Gluten Free:  Quick & Easy)
Yields: 16 crab cakes, 3.5 - 4 oz each (Tripled most of the recipe)

Crab Cakes:

• 6 Tbsp Kraft Real Mayo (non-dairy, no fructose)
• 3 Tbsp minced Green Onion
• 3 Tbsp dried Parsley
• 3 Tbsp French's Mustard
• 3 Large Eggs
• 3 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1.5 tsp Celery Seed
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Cayenne
• 1.5 C Large-sized crab meat
• 1 Cup GF Bread Crumbs (i.e. Orgran All Purpose Rice Crumbs)

Crab & Shrimp:

• Half of the above mixture
• 1/2 Cup Crab meat
• 1 Cup Shrimp, chopped
• 1 Cup GF Bread Crumbs

Heat the oven to 300 degrees F  to keep the cakes warm once fried...or you could bake them.  Mix all ingredients together except for the meat and crumbs.  Add half of your meat and half bread crumbs, mix, then add the rest of the meat and crumbs.  Form palm-sized patties with your hands. Fry the cakes for 3 min on one side and 3 min on the other side (Medium Heat, Olive oil). Place in oven to keep warm.

Crab was freshly cooked and shelled.  Shrimp was frozen, shelled & precooked, so we thawed to use in this recipe. Everything was cooked and complete within 2 hours.  We had the crab cakes with Spinach, carrot, cucumber & grape tomato salad.  On my salad, I used Newman's Own Light Balsamic dressing, but you could also use (Red Wine) Vinegar & Oil or some other fantastic homemade dressing of choice.  

For this being a first for me, I was very pleased with the results.  I've never had crab cakes (went GF before this became a favorite for Dad). They were very yummy, my personal favorite were the Crab & Shrimp cakes.  We had enough for the next day, so I would suggest heating in the oven to maintain crispness. Note: Sodium content was high enough from the seafood, Old Bay and Mayo. Will remove salt from recipe and will use less celery seed and mayo next round.


So these are my adventures.  I'll pay more attention in the future to get more exact measurements.

Next Time: Gluten-Free Pizza!

John, that was a lovely post.

I came across a study a few days ago that I was going to post under one of the..."mind over matter" topics, but forgot to do so.  What I remembered from reading it is something that I had suspected...

Keep in mind that genetics comes into play when dealing with environmental triggers.  

The study had 3 groups of people and for one group using relaxation techniques their ailments improved and their Delayed-Type Hypersenstivity Reactions (also defined for Acne, IR, etc) lessoned.

Another group...the opposite.  By mentally strengthening the immune system...it only strengthened their ability to react to their triggers.

Toward the end of the study, they realized that...this was more like a "learned reaction" in that...the reaction would only occur in the state in which the body/mind had first learned it.  http://www.blackwell...5.x?cookieSet=1
(it's something I must reread myself)  

Hmmm... so could this explain why members say they go on vacation and eat whatever and don't break out?  Upon which, most people say it's because they weren't stressed, etc...perhaps.

I wish I could say the same for myself, but no matter what vacations I go on....if I eat something that I shouldn't (knowingly or unknowingly)....and I do not stress or feel guilty over it...I will break out...just as if I had stayed home.  Oh well  

Although, yes prolonged or acute periods of stress have caused various problems for me and perhaps indirectly stress may play role (i.e. contributing to a possible leaky gut), but I've never experienced an increased or worsened state of acne as a result of these stressful periods.

Back to everyone else...

Yes...there are methods members have used that helped them clear their skin...from EFT to hypnosis.

Yes...acupuncture can help heal ailments (like PCOS, Diabetes) and the PC reason for it is....because it helps with stress.

Both of the above help with stress and both can be easily reversed as has been noted by members that stopped EFT or had to restart acupuncture treatments because the problem returned.

Acne...while an inflammatory disease...is a sign/symptom of various hormonal disorders...including Adrenal Disorders.  (I was tested thoroughly by my former endocrinologist for these and other disorders and...as you all know...it is not what have.)

There are at least 7 different Adrenal Disorders with acne as a possible symptom.  Some result in producing too much cortisol others result in producing too little...either one can lead to increased adrenal androgen production, as well increased chronic inflammation.

Stress has a multi role here because if you have any of the above, your body is going to be pushed to the max to deal with your stressors (daily or extraordinary).  If you have insufficient levels, your doctor will put you on a glucocorticoid which will help deal with stress...but will also eventually cause intestinal damage.

Although, stress, especially chronic stress has the ability to cause intestinal damage all by itself.  Perhaps this is why women are more prone to gastrointestinal disorders among other health problems, incl. autoimmune disorders that may be linked to intestinal hyperpermeability....we are such sensitive creatures.  

In fact, one member here several years ago came to the board because after an extremely traumatic and stressful event she was breaking out badly.  Nothing really worked and while she knew it had to do with how her adrenal system was handling the stress, she didn't want to go on drugs.  Well, her skin is finally clear thanks to accutane, but perhaps because autoimmune disorders run in the family and a possible trigger thanks to an antibiotic, now she has an entirely new disorder to be concerned over.  Hopefully the two aren't related.

Now, the treatment for adrenal insufficiency is to take a steriod such as Dexamethsone.  Interestingly, even dermatologists may put an acne patient on this drug.  Some are lucky enough that after a few months, they can ween themselves off the drug and all will be right again....others are not so lucky.

Other alternatives include...taking adrenal supplement pills, which some members have found success in...even though they didn't have any sort of diagnosis from their doctor.

Although, one member found that smoking....which helps one deal with stress, is what keeps her skin clear.  When she stops...the acne returns.  One such reason may be due to the fact that smoking has the ability to heal ulcers which can be similar to healing one's intestinal hyperpermeability, and when not...the ulcer returns....  http://www.acne.org/...on-t199512.html

Therefore, yes, there are many ways in which stress can play a role and its effects and severity will ultimately be determined by your own personal ability (genes) to handle the environmental factors that may aggravate this delicate balance.

If you look at my signature, I have 3 Stages listed, because it's what we all may go through at some point.  Stage 2 - Prevention is not necessarily a band-aid because....it's not covering up any damage, but rather preventing the damage (i.e. acne & other symptoms).  

Stage 3, however is more about finding the "cure".  Depending on your genetics....avoidance may be the answer (are you meant to consume certain foods, are we really meant to consume toxic substances???) and for others it may be a result of truly healing the damage that made one susceptible to seemingly harmless foods, etc to begin with.  

I believe the great hope is that there is some enzyme to fix the inability to digest gluten (gliaden) protein and that we all have leaky gut caused by stress and thus if we can just pop the pill and heal our leaky gut...everything will be fine.  For a percentage of people I truly do believe this.  Perhaps I may one of them, however....that may not be as easy as it seems.

Despite whatever our particular frame of mind may be...there are an increasing number of cultures, ethnicities, and individuals that simply are not meant to come in contact with certain foods, chemicals or microbes in their environment, lest an ailment falls upon them.  

It's the interaction of our genes with a single or a combination of environmental triggers that leads to an ailment and....

Nutrition Genomics or Nutrigenomics aims to find out exactly which. http://www.rd411.com...icle.php?ID=318  

You need to get an Food Intolerance Test...an allergy test won't show you much of anything because most people with acne or "lifestyle" inflammatory diseases don't have allergies (IgE reactions) to foods, etc.

Truthfully, a Food Intolerance Test isn't really THE best test because it looks for IgG antibodies.  While there are studies that covers antibody reactions of this type...like to p. acnes, there's also a few studies that define acne as a Delayed (makes sense right) Type Hypersensitivity Reaction involving the reaction of your white blood cells with NO antibody activity.  




Therefore, because they look at different modes of reaction and will produce different results, you need to get both types of tests, or if you can only afford one....I'd go with the one that looks at Immune Cell Mediated Reactions (DTH reaction).


Other than following the Gold Standard (Trial and Error, Elimination & Provaction Diets) to find your triggers, examples of what type of Test(s) you need include:

ELISA - IgG  http://www.optimumhe....com/tests.html - $279 - $379


IAAP - Cell Mediated Reaction http://www.epc-odx.com/test/ (provides monitoring equip. & lifetime support) - $1,750


MRT - IgG & Cell Mediated Reaction - http://www.nowleap.com , http://www.forresthe...productid=16665 -  $595


ALCAT - Cell Mediated Reaction - http://www.alcat.com - $475 - $949 (sale priced)

Others Labs - (incl. reviews of some of the above) esp. for gluten reactivity - http://www.glutensen...t/labcharts.htm


Anyway, this is the FIRST study I've come across that specifically defines acne as being caused by an inflammatory reaction AND mentioning dietary factors as a possibile trigger!




All the best!

Because P.acnes may contribute to an inflammatory response, but in 99% of the cases, it is not the cause of our initial inflammatory response.

Please review the following exercept from:

ACNE DIET, CLEANSING & LEAKY GUT SYNDROME RESOURCE GUIDE

http://www.acne.org/...p...t=0&start=0  (perhaps one day I'll finish this, LOL)


Part B:  Chronic Silent Inflammation

Acne is an Inflammatory Skin Disease

Please do not let this title deter you from thinking that acne is not genetic, that acne is not hormonal, that acne is not a form of skin diabetes, etc.  These are ALL true...it's just that currently the evidence points to what's activating the acne, causing the hormonal disorder, skin diabetes, insulin resistance, etc is due to Subclinical (no obvious outward signs) Long-term Inflammation.

Ever wondered why certain drugs are prescribed for acne?

Why Accutane or Antibiotics are probably the most prescribed methods of treatment for acne sufferers?

Ever wonder why if acne is caused by a bacteria, why you would be prescibed Accutane, or Spironolactone or Birth Control, when NONE of these kill bacteria?

Ever wondered if the problem has to do with androgens, WHY are the dermatologists still prescibing antibiotics....long-term?

Acne has been called an Inflammatory Skin Disease for decades.  Based on available articles, science and the medical community have known about some of these immunological events preceeding two specific immune responses (Type III & Type IV) which initiate the inflammatory events found in the development of acne since the 1970s!  As a response to this inflammation, antibiotics was chosen as one of the first methods to fight against this in acne  

Unfortunately, due to the past and present mindset of certain doctors and scientists, a percentage of us are worse off because of it either mentally (people still think it's about bacteria or sebum) or at least physically, thanks to developing some of the known side effects of antibiotics.  

Now, after reading numerous scientific articles/abstracts what I've noticed is that antibiotics do indeed work to kill certain types of inflammation.  Antibiotics are used:

To kill the inflammation that clogged the pores and then to kill the inflammation caused by overgrown TRAPPED bacteria!

This is why it's continually prescribed for acne, except these SAME sources of inflammation can be inhibited or prevented, in acne sufferers, by using:

* Anti-fungals (and they don't kill p.acnes)

* Anti-parasitics

* NAC

* ALA

* Green, White, Red Tea

* Boswellia

* among other HIGH powered antioxidants


Not to mention, this includes a host of other drugs or topicals used in the treatment of acne.  Omega 3s are obviously anti-inflammatory. AHAs (Glycolic, Mandelic, etc) are anti-inflammatories.  Salicylic Acid/BHA is an anti-inflammtory.  Retinoids and Accutane are anti-inflammatories.   Benzoyl Peroxide is an anti-inflammatory.  Hydrocortisone and Glucocorticoids (to a point) are anti-inflammatory.  Tylenol, Asprin, & Motrin which some members use (and SHOULDN'T) are anti-inflammatories.  B5 Therapy...Anti-inflammatory..........

The list goes on, some do it directly and others indirectly by inhibiting or regulating our ability, in some way, to make inflammatory products!  Most of these drugs, topicals, supplements, as well as specialized diets also have other abilities and due to this, or the fact that some have stronger anti-inflammatory properties, make certain "treatments" a better choice than other methods based on an individuals circumstances.

Now, the above list of supplements, which are usually antioxidants, and some of these drugs, and certain diets, can multitask by lowering our testosterone levels, our IGF-1 levels, and boosting our Glutathione Levels, or SOD levels, and our PGE1 Anti-inflammatory Prostaglandins, among other things.  







When I speak of inflammation, with regards to acne sufferers, I'm referring to biomolecules such as:

* Histamine

* Free Radicals

* ROS - Reactive Oxygen Species

* PGE2- Proinflammatory Prostaglandins

* Leukotriene B4

* Cytokines (Interleukines 1 - 12a/b sometimes, TNF-a/Tumor Necrosis Factor-a, etc)

* NO - Nitric Oxide

* Peroxide (from lysed PMN/Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (white blood cells/neutrophils))

* Lactic Acid

* PPAR beta/delta   - Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors beta/delta

* Substance P

etc...

Like for me to back up back up my statements?  Read on!

(Thankfully further studies refine THIS study as well)




(This was one I had been looking to post again for awhile and I thought they had removed this article!  This is a Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction and was a key part of my arguement for WHY, sometimes, there's such a huge variance among the anti-inflammatory/anti-acne diets.)





And excerpts from "What is the pathogenesis for acne?"






(Funny Splenda/Sucralose is a Chlorinated/Halogenated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (LabGirl, True or False) and based on reports on this board as well as on the web, just as with Dioxin, it is capable of increasing acne in those prone and initiating acne in those not prone.)



Therefore, while inflammation is at play, it's obvious P.acnes doesn't play a PRIMARY role, otherwise why the use of RetinA, Accutane, Spironolactone, other antiandrogens, anti-fungals, and Insulin Sensitizers (some are PPAR-gammas), etc???  

Yes, they all work to kill some aspect of the inflammatory process, which in turn, or in conjunction, allows them to also regulate blood sugar, regulate androgen production, regulate IGF-1 production, etc.  

Now, if we can all begin to think of acne as an inflammatory skin disease first, and for now everything else about it second, we can move on to figuring out WHAT we need to do to trace the source of inflammation and HOW to stop it!

OK, I love how everyone has contributed so far....guess I can't feel too bad about not posting as frequently as I had hoped.  Summer school, work, etc have got me bogged down but darn it....I REALLY want you guys to have this info so I'm just gonna post it!  Read it carefully as there's something in it for some of you...


** My first book reccommendation is for Wellness Foods A to Z **

I chose this book because it shows you PICTURES of food!  You find out what a particular food looks like, how to shop for it at a grocery store, how to cook it, and what nutrients it contains.  It's a hugh 640 page book and I thinks its definately worth the price!


  http://www.amazon.co...0...ce&n=283155



** My 2nd recommendation is for The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertlility. **

Please DO NOT let this title deter you...if you are or suspect that you are in any way Glucose Intolerant (Insulin Resistant, Type II Diabetic, etc) male or female this may be the book for you.  I believe this is especially true for those of you that are having trouble following some of the diets on this board.  I don't believe in "one size fits all diets" but this one happens to incorporate a lot of theories out there that some members, perhaps yourself, may have tried.  It takes into account, low carbing, acid-alkaline diet, Blood Type Diet/Eat Right 4 Your Type, paleo diet, as well as individual food hypersensitivites (which I still need to cover later).  As a result, you end up with a book that's provides a diet that's:

Moderate Carbohydrate
Moderate Protein
Moderate Fat

High in Fiber
High in Fruits & Vegetables

No Refined Sugars
NO Gluten Grains
No Dairy

And some other aspects that I don't wish to give away....  

The main thing about this book though is that you can get it as an E-book or as a hard copy Paperback.  Personally after owning both versions of the E-book and now owning the Paperback I have to say that if for no other reason the ability to use the recipes....the hard copy is the better option.   This book contains 538 pages divided into 17 chapters and includes:  

Dozens of areas of information
Section for Vegetarians
Section for Preganant Women
Shopping List
Cooking Tips
30 Day Meal Plan
150+ Recipes (over 100 pages)
Supplement reccommendations
Resources
References
etc

http://www.ovarian-c...s-book-res.html

For the most part it basically contains most things that had I published an ebook would have wanted to include because I feel they are essential for surviving a new dietary lifestyle! {1st  3...}  It comes in two different levels, a Reccommended Level and a Maintenance Level.  For those curious the Recommended level is what most members including myself are following to some degree through our own trial & errors (via some time of Eliminaiton diet).   {people to...}    However for those that get the book, you may not have to go through what we went through and the BEST part is that these recipes are soo customized diet friendly!  There are recipes for:


Meals
Meat
Seafood
Poultry
Eggs
Soup
Salad
Vegetables
Sauces
Smoothies
Snacks


Oh but what is even BETTER, is that these recipes are 95% Nut free (but you can substitute or leave out) 99% Sweetner-Free (natural or artificial), 100% Grain-Free , 100% Dary-Free, and Trans Fat Free! {contact me...}  This book was written inconjunction with a Naturopathic Doctor (her daughter had acne too) so these meals and recipes are so completely healthy and man....the recipes, the sauces...the soups....so yummy!  You can read more about the authors and check out the first two chapters here:  http://www.ovarian-c...reechapters.pdf

Furthermore, the book also includes information regarding how significant a role exercise can play on reducing insulin resistance!  {and will} As well as providing information regarding Insulin Resistance and Leptin Resistance (may explain why some of us aren't underweight while others are overweight with acne-prone skin), and how this disease is now being considered a Chronic Silent Inflammatory Disease and thus where inidividual food hypersensitivities come into play.  {hook you up...} ......If you've NEVER tried dieting before and want to!  Based on what I've heard from others regarding their diets, and how similar it is to my diet (very similar), this book may just be a good and healthy starting point for you or perhaps your ultimate solution!  

Sorry, I've gotta run, but I'll catch back up with you all, except for a select few, in about 2 weeks or so.

Peace, love, hugs!

Part A: Links of Significance

For those of you that like to debate, are looking for answers, or are curious about other's experiences, these threads may be of interest:

TESTIMONIES

"My Experience with Diet and Acne"
http://www.acne.org/...showtopic=20816

"Raise a Hand If you Don't Get the Diet-Acne Connection"
http://www.acne.org/...showtopic=57408




Detecting Food Allergies
http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=101599

"Official" Diet-Acne Articles Thread
http://www.acne.org/...showtopic=77931

Accupuncuture for Acne
http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=102952

SUPPLEMENTS

The Wonders of Broccoli (Pills)!
http://www.acne.org/...showtopic=94583

PRESCRIPTIONS

P. Acnes & Acne (anti-antibiotics)
http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=100401

LIVER & INTESTINAL HEALING

"My Acne Regimen" (Diet, Liver & Blood Cleansing)
http://www.acne.org/...showtopic=47719

Cure Acne Naturally, by Sepsi (free book)
http://www.acne.org/...showtopic=97808

DIETS

Gluten & Acne
http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=100963




"Healthy Meal Ideas"
http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=100794

"If all this causes Acne...what is left to eat"
http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=100079

"Going Shopping"
http://www.acne.org/...showtopic=99588


I'll skim through the board and post others of interest.  Of course, if you find a thread that is a must have, please post the link!


  


Part B:  Chronic Silent Inflammation

Acne is an Inflammatory Skin Disease

Please do not let this title deter you from thinking that acne is not genetic, that acne is not hormonal, that acne is not a form of skin diabetes, etc.  These are ALL true...it's just that currently the evidence points to what's activating the acne, causing the hormonal disorder, skin diabetes, insulin resistance, etc is due to Subclinical (no obvious outward signs) Long-term Inflammation.

Ever wondered why certain drugs are prescribed for acne?

Why Accutane or Antibiotics are probably the most prescribed methods of treatment for acne sufferers?

Ever wonder why if acne is caused by a bacteria, why you would be prescibed Accutane, or Spironolactone or Birth Control, when NONE of these kill bacteria?

Ever wondered if the problem has to do with androgens, WHY are the dermatologists still prescibing antibiotics....long-term?

Acne has been called an Inflammatory Skin Disease for decades.  Based on available articles, science and the medical community have known about some of these immunological events preceeding two specific immune responses (Type III & Type IV) which initiate the inflammatory events found in the development of acne since the 1970s!  As a response to this inflammation, antibiotics was chosen as one of the first methods to fight against this in acne  

Unfortunately, due to the past and present mindset of certain doctors and scientists, a percentage of us are worse off because of it either mentally (people still think it's about bacteria or sebum) or at least physically, thanks to developing some of the known side effects of antibiotics.  

Now, after reading numerous scientific articles/abstracts what I've noticed is that antibiotics do indeed work to kill certain types of inflammation.  Antibiotics are used:

To kill the inflammation that clogged the pores and then to kill the inflammation caused by overgrown TRAPPED bacteria!

This is why it's continually prescribed for acne, except these SAME sources of inflammation can be inhibited or prevented, in acne sufferers, by using:

* Anti-fungals (and they don't kill p.acnes)

* Anti-parasitics

* NAC

* ALA

* Green, White, Red Tea

* Boswellia

* among other HIGH powered antioxidants


Not to mention, this includes a host of other drugs or topicals used in the treatment of acne.  Omega 3s are obviously anti-inflammatory. AHAs (Glycolic, Mandelic, etc) are anti-inflammatories.  Salicylic Acid/BHA is an anti-inflammtory.  Retinoids and Accutane are anti-inflammatories.   Benzoyl Peroxide is an anti-inflammatory.  Hydrocortisone and Glucocorticoids (to a point) are anti-inflammatory.  Tylenol, Asprin, & Motrin which some members use (and SHOULDN'T) are anti-inflammatories.  B5 Therapy...Anti-inflammatory..........

The list goes on, some do it directly and others indirectly by inhibiting or regulating our ability, in some way, to make inflammatory products!  Most of these drugs, topicals, supplements, as well as specialized diets also have other abilities and due to this, or the fact that some have stronger anti-inflammatory properties, make certain "treatments" a better choice than other methods based on an individuals circumstances.

Now, the above list of supplements, which are usually antioxidants, and some of these drugs, and certain diets, can multitask by lowering our testosterone levels, our IGF-1 levels, and boosting our Glutathione Levels, or SOD levels, and our PGE1 Anti-inflammatory Prostaglandins, among other things.  







When I speak of inflammation, with regards to acne sufferers, I'm referring to biomolecules such as:

* Histamine

* Free Radicals

* ROS - Reactive Oxygen Species

* PGE2- Proinflammatory Prostaglandins

* Leukotriene B4

* Cytokines (Interleukines 1 - 12a/b sometimes, TNF-a/Tumor Necrosis Factor-a, etc)

* NO - Nitric Oxide

* Peroxide (from lysed PMN/Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (white blood cells/neutrophils))

* Lactic Acid

* PPAR beta/delta   - Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors beta/delta

* Substance P

etc...

Like for me to back up back up my statements?  Read on!

(Thankfully further studies refine THIS study as well)




(This was one I had been looking to post again for awhile and I thought they had removed this article!  This is a Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction and was a key part of my arguement for WHY, sometimes, there's such a huge variance among the anti-inflammatory/anti-acne diets.)





And excerpts from "What is the pathogenesis for acne?"






(Funny Splenda/Sucralose is a Chlorinated/Halogenated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (LabGirl, True or False) and based on reports on this board as well as on the web, just as with Dioxin, it is capable of increasing acne in those prone and initiating acne in those not prone.)



Therefore, while inflammation is at play, it's obvious P.acnes doesn't play a PRIMARY role, otherwise why the use of RetinA, Accutane, Spironolactone, other antiandrogens, anti-fungals, and Insulin Sensitizers (some are PPAR-gammas), etc???  

Yes, they all work to kill some aspect of the inflammatory process, which in turn, or in conjunction, allows them to also regulate blood sugar, regulate androgen production, regulate IGF-1 production, etc.  

Now, if we can all begin to think of acne as an inflammatory skin disease first, and for now everything else about it second, we can move on to figuring out WHAT we need to do to trace the source of inflammation and HOW to stop it!

Peace  

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!

Truthfully, knowing what we eat is NOT going to help you figure out what you CAN eat, but perhaps it will give you hope in that you can see it's possible to have a social life or have fun or eat nutritiously and still follw an anti-acne/hormonal regulating diet!

Gluten Free Grains:  Rice (wild, brown of various types), Corn, Oatmeal, Quinoa, Buckwheat

Legumes: Green Beans, Lentils, Black Beans, occassionally other types if seasoned well.  Usually as a side dish or in soups.

Fruits: Melons, Apples (several varieties), Pears (several varieties), Grapes, Kiwi, Mango, Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries)

Dried Fruit (unsweetened and unsulphured): Mango, Apples, Raisens, Pears

Vegetables: Avocados, Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, etc), Greens (Spinach, Collard, Mustard, etc), Lettuce (bibb, loose leaf, romaine, etc), Gourds (Zucchini/Squash, Pumpkin, etc), Potatos (red, white, sweet), Olives (various types), Carrots (raw), Celery, Artichoke, Asparagus, garlic, green onions, bean sprouts, peppers (chili, jalepeno, etc) and so on.
* If in a rush, even though it costs a bit more, I'll buy the bagged Salad or Coleslaw blends (and add meats, other veggies, herbs, and/or oils). I actually perfer certain veggies to be Fresh, Frozen, and/or canned and I usually eat them raw, steamed, grilled, broiled, or baked, due to taste preferences.

Seeds:  Sunflower (roasted & salted in sunflower oil or soybean oil, as well as in the shell) Pumpkin, Seseme

Oils (Salad dressings or for cooking):  Grapeseed, Olive Oil, heck sometimes soybean or canola if parents are cooking.  Flavored Oils or Vinegars and also use Smart Balance (instead of butter).

Animal Protein:   Eggs, Pork, Beef, Poultry, Seafood....Mushrooms (fungi).  I'll even eat Hebrew National All Beef franks and Sheltons Natural Chicken or Turkey Hotdogs & lunch meats.  I don't eat most lunch meats due to them containing wheat, sugar, and/or transfats.

Seasonings & Sauces:  Fresh or Dried Green onions, garlic, cilantro, basil, oregano, Seasoning Blends (great for adding flavor to veggies, eggs, meats, soups, etc).  Sea Salt, Kosher Salt, and prefer Fresh Ground pepper. Tamari Soy Sauce (wheat free), Tomato/Pasta Sauces, Salsas, Natural Chicken or Vegetable Broths and none of these seasonings or blends contain Sugar/Dextrose or Trans fats.

Sweeteners:   Vegetable Glycerin or Xylitol

Drinks: Water (95%+ of the time), Naturally Flavored unsweetened water (rarely carbonated), Regular/Flavored Teas, sometimes Coffee.  Since I can't tolerate 100% Fruit Juices on rare occassions I might make KoolAid, Limeade, or use a natural flavoring oil mixed with one of my sweeteners to get the taste of a juice.  Sometimes I'll use these flavorings or flavored teas as my liquid base for GF baking or making GF hot cereals.


Examples (adhereing to my avoids list in my regimen):

Gluten-Free Substitutes:  Waffles, Pancakes, Breads, Corn Tortillas, Brown Rice Tortillas, Quinoa Hot Cereal (closest to Cream of Wheat),  Pasta, brownies, donuts, cookies, crackers, etc (due to my diet being strict in avoiding trans fats, dairy and sugar....most of these I would now have to make from scratch or from a customized mix)

Snacks:  Dried Fruit, Fresh Fruit, Frozen Fruit (eaten frozen like grapes, berries or melons), Natural Flavored Applesauce (unsweetened), Raw Vegetables, GF Crackers, Natural Potato or Corn Chips (Lays Naturals, or some from a health food store), Popcorn (usually home-popped), Homemade Trail mix (dried fruit mixed with seeds), Rice Cakes, etc

Breakfast:  Fresh Fruit, sometimes raw vegetables, Eggs (mixed with meats, mushrooms and/or vegetables like spinach, green onions, garlic, etc), Bacon, Hashbrowns, GF Hot Cereals

Sweet Stuff: Xylitol Gum, Xylitol Mints, Raw Cacoa Nibs mixed with Dried Fruit (my not so guilty chocolate pleasure) and overwhelmingly veg. glycerin sweetened Liquid Calcium Supplement (to the point that I don't like taking it).

Desserts:  I experiment with this a lot.  Sometimes I'll heat up applesauce, with dried fruit, and cinnamon.  Sometimes I'll at baked apples or pears or sweet potatos (w/vanilla).  Sometimes I take this one corn chip that tastes more like a pastry and dip it in warm applesauce and it's like I'm eating apple pie.  If I have the desire for it I'll make GF baked goods like cookies or brownies (haven't made a cake yet) only I'll use my type of sweetners and coconut milk or oatmeal milk (unsweetened but tastes sweet) instead of milk.


Anyway I'm getting sleepy so my brain is going, but based on my diet, I hope this gives you an idea of how nutritious your diet can STILL be as well as ideas as to how you can still enjoy desserts and other "junk" food.

Night!

P.S.  Notice I didn't mention "organic"?  That's because some people require this and others do not.  However yes there are certain fruits and veggies that we should eat organic and IF I can afford to I will (buy on sale).  Otherwise I only eat organic when I've discovered that a particular fruit or vegetable tastes amazing organic.  Of course, while I've yet to be able to participate due to my work/school schedules, all of these (organic) fruits, vegetables, herbs and even legumes & GF grains are more affordable if you buy from a Co-op, CSA, or Farmers Market!

P.P.S.  Yes, I still eat out at resturants and even consume certain types of fast food. I don't do it as often as I use to but when I do, I usually know what I'm eating and NOT eating thanks to ingredient lists and/or great customer service! Furthermore, I can also eat certain types of canned or frozen food, hence processed, as long as it doesn't contain ingredients/chemicals that I'm avoiding.

What if you were allergic to that type of psyllium?  Was it pure psyllium or mixed with sugar?  Could it possibly have pesticides?  Or maybe your body just doesn't don't like psyllium.

Also....perhaps it was causing a slight detox reaction since it can be used in intestinal cleansings (by brushing off sticky gunk attached to instestinal wall).    



Now, to clarify myself a bit more, for those interested.....I do not consider overeating the same as eating past your "sensitivity threshold" point.

Meaning, some of us are more or less sensitive to certain foods.  Some of us are capable of eating added sugar....up to a certain amount.  Others of us can't have ANY added sugar.

I don't consider this to be called overeating, though I guess some may think so.  

I consider this to be a form of eating more than your body can tolerate....this would have nothing to do with energy, or calories rather.

Now to continue, the difference between underweight and overweight (both can get acne) has once again to do with genetics. Unfortunately, I'm in a bit of a rush so here's some food for thought:




So this is a summary of what's in his book, The Insulin Time Bomb...backed by over a hundered journal abstracts.  Bascially what I got out of the above is that if you have Metabolic Dysregulation or at least Insulin Resistance, than you are suffering from chronic inflammation.  This form of chronic inflammation is PREVENTING us from using our energy sources effectively!  So we can eat a lot or a little, it doesn't matter because as long as the inflammation exists we will suffer from poor glucose metabolism.  Along with this, we will suffer other metabolic defects as well.  These defects will vary based on our genetic propensities for a given disease.


Furthermore, regarding the desire or action to eat lots and lots of food for some people that are overweight or underweight.....Leptin is a hormone that is in charge of feeling satieted after consuming a meal and yet....it's presence is also decreased in Insulin Resistant states.  In fact, there's a book out talking all about Leptin Resistance and how this is the cause for..Diabesity  (think that's the name of the book), Diabetes + Obesity!  http://www.ncbi.nlm....4&dopt=Abstract  (or you could be Leptin Resistant in the way that you are Insulin Resistant....producing lots of it, but the body isn't responding to it)

What if some people overeat because their bodies aren't fully utilizing the energy that it's giving it and since it's also not able to fully realize that it's been given all the nutritonal building blocks it needs, the body keeps saying to feed it more???


So, perhaps what makes the underweight different from the overweight when they both suffer from the same disease...acne, diabetes, insulin resistance etc...is that those that are overweight have lower Leptin levels and lower LPL as mentioned above (along with some other regulatory hormones)???


Oh and for those of us with a "fast metabolism" instead of letting our fat sit around and accumulate....we turned this fat into cholesterol to produce hormones and also into more inflammatory products... a perfect state to initiate the development of acne...an inflammatory skin disease


Another thing....There are several forms of Insulin Resistance....but:

Type A Insulin Resistance - known for having trouble building muscle (guess this can also apply to gaining weight), inducing hyperandrogenism, and acanthosis nigricans and yet...can also have a muscular build (probably due to the excess androgens).  This form is said to be more common in females...but perhaps those statistics have changed.

Oh this seems to support that:






Please note, the author of the above article and books leads to the cause of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, such as Insulin Resistance, Diabetes Type II, Obesity etc as...having a Intestinal Hyperpermeability (Leaky Gut) and Chronic Immune System Activation, induced by foreign particles entering the blood stream....specific foods.  Once again....these foods will vary depending on the individual.

Anyway those are some things to think about.

Hope I didn't offend anyone.  

I luv you guys I truly do.  We are this semi-dysfunctional family thanks to a few black sheep, but for the most part we are all here with the best of intentions and for the same reason and that's what counts!  That being said, while I believe that we should "never say never" about treatments on this board.....I've sorta gotta call this one.


First of all, Fat contains more than double the amount of energy as does Protein or Carbohydrates.  So if it was all up to energy, than fat would be a major issue.   Then again, we, in the United States, are a society that is more heavily carbohydrate based, with a greater emphasis on refined grain consumption, in which case the sheer amount of carbohydrates in the form of energy would surpass what amount of energy we obtain from fats.

Yet if you look at the studies, it implicates ALL of these building blocks!  There is no "safe" category here because there are unfavorable fats, unfavorable carbohydrates, and not some much unfavorable proteins, but these proteins are good at producing allergic/intolerant reactions, anabolic reactions (among other things) that also yield the same result.  

You must go beyond the surface of how this seems and look at specific properties of a certain protein, fat or carbohydrate. You can not lump them all together because each type of building block contains a variety of different proteins or carboydrates or fats with different compositions and resulting physiological effects.   Therefore, just as the clinical studies have done with certain foods, you should be focusing on specific ones, and that is what you will see some members of this board doing (when following elimination or avoidance diets).

I don't really exercise, as much as I hate to admit that, but I KNOW what the studies have shown (for daily vigorous exercise) and I know the results of members on this board that do exercise immediately (w/in 8 hours) after consuming something sweet and they are quite favorable in reducing acne or in more clincial terms, inflammation, insulin spikes, insulin resistance. So YES exercising is always a good thing.  Exercise and the right Diet are the BEST things you can do and studies have shown they can even outway prescription drugs!   For some people with certain persistant symptoms Exercise, Diet, and the Right Supplement(s) (Or Detoxing/Cleansings) could very well be THE perfect regimen.

Yet....Exercising alone....I have my doubts about....when you are as far gone as some of us are.

Again, I've read the studies. Regarding Metabolic/Hormonal Disorders (directly or indirectly) leading to acne....

Exercise alone is NOT more effective than Diet.

Exercise alone is NOT more effective than Prescription Drugs.

Now, that is not to say that we ALL shouldn't exercise moderately to vigorously a minimum of 30 minutes - 1 hour 3x a week!  Gotta plug what I'm learning in school, but also, because that is what the studies have SHOWN to reduce signs & symptoms of Insulin Resistance.   On top of that, at least whenver I do so, I feel stronger, happier, more energetic, and while I haven't done so enough to note how it affects my last 1% of acne, it does give me more glowing skin!  So while I definately think that exercising may be enough to help people eliminate that last 1% - 10% of the acne they have.... if they have already crossed the threshold into Insulin Resistance or some other hormonal disorder....I do not think that exercise will be enough based on what myself and others have experienced, along with what the studies are currently showing.

  

Before you all start jumping on me like I'm a set of monkey bars.....I did not say that there wasn't some sort of issue with energy.  Based on what I've read along with others including my own anecdotal evidence, I just don't think it has to do with simply.....overeating.

Now think about....Insulin Resistance is a part of the Metabolic Syndrome.  These both play a HUGE role in how we utilize the energy sources in our body.  Another word for this problem might be....Metabolic Dysregulation, meaning a malfunction or poor regulation of the body's metabolic processes.  In other words...an imbalance, disorder, etc etc.  Well, that would certainly lead us to our current conundrum:



Hmm...first question....is everyone that is underweight or overweight...overeating?

If they are, is it really due to them overeating.....or overeating the wrong foods?

Of course, is everyone really eating the same foods?

I can kinda sum the above up by saying that not everyone overweight overeats.  Some people eat very little and do exercise and still nothing (more on this later).  Just because there are people with...."fast metabolisms" and "can eat whatever they want", it does NOT mean that they are doing so "whenever they want!"  Whether I overeat or under-eat, it does not matter.

This form of thinking is a major step back, especially if you were to look at all the recent studies.

I can eat quite a bit of gluten-free grain carbohydrates even refined (per my diet below) and not get acne.  I can eat 1 - 3 meals a day or 4 - 5 (if trying to gain weight) with or w/o exercising and there's no difference, but let me put one wrong piece of food in my mouth....no matter how little, and that is all that matters.  Sure, some people can get by following a generalized basic diet....but for others....It IS about what you eat.

In fact both Teplo and Donsball pointed out this very fact!

Specifically, Donsball what type of weight building protein were you consuming in larger than normal quantities (is it the quantity or the protein type?).  

Teplo, I’d hardly call a few slices of pizza overeating, but I guess it depends on how big they are.    Yet, what about it simply being the pizza with it’s cheese (milk product), wheat flour, etc on it?  While not acne triggers for everyone, those ingredients definitely are for some of us...including you (dairy and iodine right?).

(more in a bit)

Bloodcries,
     By all means don't apologize for saying what's on your mind!  I in no way am anyone's judge and jury when it comes to finding a solution to one's acne woes.  My goal has always been to encourage members to think and research for themselves but also to provide information and support to anyone, regardless of what solution they personally choose.  While I would love for people to choose a solution that is as safe and healthy as possible, I understand that for various reasons it may not turn out that way. Yet wether it be through a single treatment or a combination of diet, exercise, detoxes, supplements, topicals, or oral drugs I want members to be responsible, level-headed, and safe by choosing a regimen that provides the most effective treatment with the least amount of product or the lowest effective prescription dose neccessary!

Futhermore, if they believe there is a problem I want them to go to their doctor, more specificially an Endocrinologist, and get the tests neccessary to determine as such.  If the results aren't in their favor, I want them to see another one and if need be a third specialist (Endo, Naturopath, Allergist, etc), because frankly some are more knowledgable and/or compassionate than others. Once they do this, and if it is determined that they have a specific hormonal/metabolic disorder, it's usually easier to determine whether a particular diet will be effective for them (if they wish to go this route) or what other treatment program they should go on (sometimes doctors aren't up on the the lastest/ancient prescription drugs).

Keeping all of the above in mind, if one finds that topicals are all they need, they should stick with it.  There are so many circumstances at play here when it comes to acne, but my goal is to inform those members that may be long term acne sufferers early on, so that they don't end up as long term sufferers.  I know that's a bit hard to do with teenagers, but if they know their family's health and/or acne history sometimes that's enough of a motivator.  If they find that topicals or oral drugs aren't working for them, well that's why the Diet/Holistic forum exists.  It's easy for someone to say "just do this" or "just take that", but when those things get you only 30%, 50%, or 80% clear it's not good enough, is it?  I mean if there was something that got you 90% or 100% clear, wouldn't you rather have that?  That's my goal at least and from what I hear of others, it's their goal too.

Furthermore, I by all means am not saying that diet (alone) will work for everyone, let alone get everyone 100% clear. Due to various circumstances, including one's own lifestyle, personal outlook, and willingnes or flexibility this may not be at all a possibility.  What I am saying is that for members such as myself it DID work when other drugs, topicals, and supplements did not. Again, this may very well be because myself and most others, were long term sufferers (10, 20, 30 years +) and usually knew we had a hormonal/metabolic disorder for which changing our diet was quite an amazing solution!

Nevertheless, not everyone with a hormonal disorder may find they benefit from diet.  Not everyone with cystic acne my find that a diet change will do them wonders.  There are still plenty of drugs, supplements, and topicals out there that have done amazing things for other long term sufferers, including 100% clearing them (i.e. Dan's Regimen)!  For these people, they shouldn't ever want to change their diet, BUT I hope that these people understand that if they have a hormonal/metabolic problem it itself still needs to be treated.  This brings me to possibly what Minnymouse was contemplating for her son.  Last I heard, she had him on sprouted grains and he was doing fine.  I honestly don't know what happened but I remember her recieving grief from other members for being such a wonderfully concerned & supportive mother!  I don't know if her son got tired of it or not, but what I do know is that Accutane, and most importantly Vitamin A Megadosing (consult your physician), isn't always the answer.

Accutane is hailed as the wonder drug, yet the manufacturer doesn't quite know how it works.  Over the past few years I've read up on it and found that it truly is quite a fascinating drug, with regards to the many ways that it can work for an acne suffer.  It is Anti-androgenic, a 5-Alpha Enzyme inhibitor, Anti-proliferative, Anti-inflammatory, and possibly aids in repairing Intestinal Hyperpermeability (Leaky Gut Syndrome) and those are what I can remember.  The thing is, it hasn't been studied to determine if accutane works for people because of all of the above or because most people passed the pubertal stage or simply "grew out of acne".  While I've heard it does work for people with hormonal disorders in eliminating their cystic acne, their other acne returns.  Unfortunately with some people with hormonal disorders, ALL of their acne returns within 3 - 6 months or 3 - 6 years after the initial dose of accutane.  There's debate as to why this may be, but these people go on to have a 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th dose of accutane before they contemplate a "maintenance dose" or move on and try something else.  Whatever their decision here, I hope that members understand that if accutane does not work for them, to please keep in mind that it may have something to do with possibly having a hormonal/metabolic disorder that needs tending to.

In regards to yours and Cubsfan theory, when we compare ourselves to those in 3rd world countries, we must take into account that genetics is also at play.  While it would be great to think of dropping us off in some remote island to freely consume fruits, vegetables, and nuts some of us already have activated the genes or have genetic predispositions to where consuming certain foods, no matter where we live, could prove to be problematic and thus, actually give us acne!  Just as people from other countries that enter the United States don't initially have health problems, but actually bear successive generations that increasingly do have health problems, the same would have to occur on this remote island.  Theoretically, we would essentially have to give birth to several generations built upon "healthy" and pollution free eating in order to hopefully rewire our genetic map so that acne would no longer exist (on this island).  Well, that's one possibility anyway...

Now, regarding your personal situation, while I hesistate to do this, I wouldn't be clear following your particular diet either.  I eat oranges very rarely since changing my diet 3.5 years ago, so I honestly don't know what they do to my skin, but it is a variable that must be considered.  I can't consume most nuts and while Brazil Nuts aren't considered a nut, but rather a seed, I eliminated this one as well.  Along with that, I absolutely can't consume almonds (considered a fruit) and with that fruits that are more closely related to almonds (cherries, plums, apricots, peaches, & nectarines) because there can be and were cross reactions. Furthermore, while I can eat most fruits, including naturally dried fruits, I can't drink fruit juice, let alone 100% fruit juice (due to the missing fiber?).  See, changing one's diet is not about simply eating "healthy", going Organic, going "Low Carb" or Vegan, as I actually ended up eating a diet that's still far from all organic, has plenty of animal products and is incidentally Moderate in carbohydrates.  No, it's about choosing the right foods for you as an INDIVIDUAL....unfortunately this is where we lose most people.

Instead of taking note that these diets worked for us individually some members compile a huge list of unfavorable foods and then begin to follow this so-called diet or complain that it is too restrictive.  Of course it is!  You will never see me hand someone such a list of foods and tell them not to eat from that list.  There's a right and wrong way to do the "right" thing (whatever that may be), and with regards to changing one's diet...that is definately the wrong way!  As I've mentioned with others, the best diet to follow is the one that works with your hormonal/metabolic disorder.  If you don't have one, then pick a popular diet on the board based on a book or ONE person's experience and go from there.  In time you can add in foods or take out foods if need be (there are some shortcuts to this) and utilizing a food journal may help one see a pattern. Of course, there are sometimes food allergy and food intolerance tests that can be performed, but the most accurate method is still an Elimination & Provocation type diet. In the end, if this proves not to be successful for you, and drugs and topicals are not either, there's always various detoxification programs for you to try.

They say that topicals and certain drugs are methods of symptom suppression.  Other drugs, supplements, or diet can be methods of symptom prevention.  Yet detoxification, liver flushing, colon cleansing, and healing your Intestinal Hyperpermeability (Leaky Gut) is supposed to be THE answer, or cure rather, for the elimination of acne!  So much so does this work that people that previously had allergies, intolerances, sensitivities to foods or chemicals have found that they, including various members of this board, are no longer as sensitive and can eat certain foods are ALL foods again!  So, if your goal is to be clear and still live the life you want free of restrictions, the detox, cleansing, & healing route appears to be the way to go.  Again there are right and wrong ways to do this so please speak with one of our resident "experts" on the board about this, and because it's all about cleansings, you will have to perform periodic cleanses to maintain such results.

When it comes to answering questions for those on the board that are 12, 15 or 18 it's not always easy to know what advice to give.  I know the pain I went through and if I was 12 again, I know what I would do.  Yet, not all parents are that supportive and understanding and at that age a 12 year NEEDS to be working with a nutritionist if changing his or her diet is the route to go.  If and when I experience what others have regarding the detox regimens, while I will speak more about it, again, how do you expect a child or teenager to explain this to their parents? Some of these protocols are quite invasive, seem rather off the wall, are based primarily on anecdotal evidence, and can be costly, but they have worked for others and as such, they still deserve to be mentioned.  It is so unfortunate that the things that actually work on this forum, aren't always backed by a clincally controlled double blinded scientific study, but even when there are some (like what's in this thread), it's still not enough to motivate someone into doing the right thing for themselves or their child, whether it be diet, detox, or taking them to see a specialist (for a prescription)!

It is unfortunate that a percentage of members don't understand or take it to the extremes.  I've gone through what others have gone through, with regards to acne affecting ALL aspects of my life, but I guess because I had good friends and a family that would let me pursue doctors until I found an answer, I just don't have the obsessive or guilt-ridden nature as do some members.  Even in my pursuits, I only ever saw 3 endocrinologists total and they were years apart.  Interestingly, when I got the diagnosis, I wasn't even looking for one, lol    I honestly found I had more success when I didn't try so hard or did things the "right way".  Starving yourself, jumping into things without proper research and/or supervision, feeling negative, or worrying are definately not the answers.  Yes, of course there is some "work" involved here, but there are substitutes for foods, new foods to try, new ways to cook foods, ways to handle social outings, snacks etc that it was never an issue for me, it all became second nature, and ultimately it allowed me to feel healthier and more "normal". As such, I consider what I've found to work for me a HUGE blessing in so many ways!  I guess that's why I can continue to do so and be extremely happy about it and never depressed about my so-called can'ts because I have many other things that I can NOW do that I couldn't before!


Best of luck on trying things over and, of course, I'm here for support as well as others.  

(Part 2)

Like I mentioned earlier, Gluten Free got me only 95% clear, well I had to avoid other things to get to that 99%.  I’m still working on how to get rid of that other 1%, but do you honestly think that I would toss my diet aside just because it didn’t give me 100% clear skin like it can for others? Not!  So it didn’t cure me of all my symptoms, but the other benefits for me were no more painful menstrual cramps, less dandruff & oil production, slight body hair reduction, and the smallest pores I’ve had since before puberty. Of course, this wasn’t my first attempt at avoiding foods to eliminate acne. It took several tries over the years, but what really did it was acne & hormonal message board surfing, LOTS of researching and of course knowing how to find the right diet appropriate for my hormonal disorder:  PCOS or Insulin Resistance Syndrome.

Unfortunately, some of you give up on diet after your first attempt.  I am a firm believer that there is absolutely more than 1 way to solve a problem, but for some of us what made the biggest difference or the only difference, was altering our diets and/or doing liver flushes OVER taking prescription medication or using treatment topicals.  That’s just fact and most of us didn’t get it right the first time either. Considering that we all live in different environments, let alone in entirely different cultures, we are not exposed to the same quality of foods, type of foods, water, toxins, and so forth.  Therefore to account for those environmental variances here’s some other suggestions:

Get tested to see if you have a(n):
Hormonal Disorder
Health Disorder
Allergy
Intolerance
Chemical Sensitivity

Experiment (tests aren’t always accurate or prescriptions aren’t always effective)
Elimination Diet  (the BEST way)
“Evil� Lectin Free Diet
Paleolithic Diet
Anti-Candida/Yeast Det
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
Grain-Free Diet
Blood Type Diet (Type B or O)
Gluten-Free Diet
Acid – Alkaline Diet
The Acne Prescription Diet
Low Carbohydrate Diets (above diets are usually more effective)


Avoid/Eliminate Irritants (examples):
Allergenic Foods (due to autoimmune respnse)
Dairy
Wheat
Corn
Nuts
Tree nuts
Soybean
Banana
Peaches
Berries (blueberry, strawberry, etc)
Eggs
Pork
Fish
Shellfish
Salicylates (this just sucks http://users.bigpond...ian/fi/sal.html )
Chocolate (pure cocoa or the candy bars?)
Cotton Seed Oil

[people can be allergic to anything incl. all fruits, or citrus fruits, etc]


Intolerant Foods (due to lacking a specific enzyme for digestion)
Dairy (lactose, casien, whey)
Grains
Gluten (wheat, barely, rye and...maybe oats)
Legumes/Beans (includes peanuts, soybean)
Night Shades  (potato, tomato, peppers, eggplant)


Chemical Sensitivity
Yellow No. 5 (healths sake)
MSG
Caffiene
Sulfites (the stuff on some dried fruits)
Nitrites (preservatives)
Aspartame  (just for healths sake)


Additional Hormone/Health Disrupters:
Refined Foods (anything that isn't normally white, as in bleached flour, rice, etc)

Trans Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Oils, Hydrogenated Oils)

Most Saturated fats  (unrefined coconut oil is supposed to be safe) - mainly (red meat) animal fats

Refined Sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup)

Improperly Prepared Food:
Traditionally foods contain enzyme inhibitors to prevent them from planting and growing in the wrong environment.  Refining strips unripe foods of some of these, but not always.  If consumed often enough they can be responsible for a variety of enzyme or vitamin deficiencies (vitamin A, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, etc) within us. Some found that all they needed to do was consume them ripe:

Sprouted (GF) Grains
Soaked/Sprouted Nuts
Soaked/Fermented/Sprouted Legumes
Ripe Fruit  & Vegetables

Example:

We've ALL heard of the age old myth about chocolate and greasy foods, right?  Well, did you notice how OLD those studies were?  They were done back in the 1960s and 1970s and some of them were quite flawed.  So zoom into the 2000s, and mabe a bit in the late 90s, and you will see the Acne-Food connection from an entirely DIFFERENT angle!  

More recent studies out there connect increased Insulin levels to increased DHT, Testosterone, Androgen levels.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....3&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....7&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....7&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....3&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....6&dopt=Abstract


That increased levels of IGF-1 and IGF -2 have been linked to those with acne and normal individuals that consume gluten.  However, Celiac individuals tend to be defecient in IGF-1 when they DO consume gluten.  This may be due to the fact that they are now capable of eating and digesting gluten-free grains/carbs that would increase their levels. IGF stands for Insulin-like Growth Factor and Celiacs are people who are genetically unable to digest & tolerate Gluten (wheat, barely, rye, etc) proteins.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....1&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....1&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....2&dopt=Abstract

That various types of drugs (anti-androgen, insulin sensitizers, etc) and/or a low carbohydrate diet in a ratio similar to: 30% Carb, 45% Protein, & 25% Oils have been shown to reduce the 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme neccssary in converting Testosterone into DHT (super androgen).  
http://www.lef.org/p...prtcl-117.shtml
http://www.ncbi.nlm....3&dopt=Abstract


That according to Eat Right 4 Your Type and the Protein Power Lifeplan, certain Lectin Proteins (ALL grains & Nightshades) and Gluten proteins ACT like Insuin Mimickers.  Also, that the most prevalent Blood types,  Type 0 and B, are most likely to have problems with Lectin and Gluten proteins, resulting in them more likely to be Insulin Resistant or Diabetic.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....6&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....6&dopt=Abstract


Also, that certain antibiotics actually increase our levels of DHT, yet because of their anti-inflammatory actions (til you become resistant) still manage to help with existing acne.  Maybe that's why some of us broke out horribly after we went off of them....we had more male hormone than what's "normal" for us =0
http://www.ncbi.nlm....6&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....9&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....4&dopt=Abstract

Of course, what you've all been waiting for.... 13-Cis Retinoic Acid (isotretinion or... Accutane) reduces Insulin Sensitivity, acts as an anti-androgen on the sebaceous glands and ceases the conversion of testosterone into DHT!!!!  Unfortunately, these are usually temporary effects lasting only during treatment.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....5&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm....7&dopt=Abstract
http://www.sinacne-r...udios/arte.html

What does ALL of this mean to an acne sufferer?  Well, what causes acne again? Oil, dead skin cells, and inflammation....is that what the defination is?  OK and what causes our bodies to do the above???  Usually no matter what the culprit, is it NOT DUE TO HORMONES?????   Before one scoffs and quickly dismisses the evidence, they should really learn the mechanisms of the way food & nutrients interact with the human body first. Thankfully, more scientists and doctors are starting to pay attention!  Unfortunately, some of them did keep the "secret" to themselves....money money money???

This is all information I've gotten from various reputable places, including http://www.pubmed.org and below are further articles that explain something that I found rather interesting.  While I believe that everyone has varying degrees of sensitivity (foods, cosmetics,etc), which explains WHY different foods, or certain amounts, are aggrevating to some people and not others, maybe this will help more of you out.  At the very least, it should dispel the latest "myth"(denial) that this is all psychosomatic or a placebo effect.  Those of us who've actually gone the dietary route know better. Not to mention, it did other postive things for us that we certainly were NOT expecting.  =)


More Abstracts:
http://www.ncbi.nlm....8&dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm....6&dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm....6&dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm....8&dopt=Abstract


FYI
http://www.rtfm.com/...rb/lc-pcos.html
http://oak.cats.ohio...91990/carb.html

Also, through my research on various hormonal disorders that can have acne as a symptom, defects in several of the Cytochrome P450s have repeatedly come up.  CYP450s are genes that are responsible for various enzymes neccessary in the conversion or production of trans-retinoic acids, testosterone, cortisol, detoxification etc. http://drnelson.utme...u/P450lect.html Which once agains brings us back to a hormonal imbalance involving various organs, with the end result being some form of....Insulin Resistance??? I myself wasn't expecting to find some of the info that I did so if I missed something, please contribute to it. Yet if that is the case, then ALL these years we have been LIED to! ALL this time, some of you have been paying $400 plus retail per month for Accutane!  When the people that knew the truth, quickly ceased further research on this (see for yourself) because all ANY of us has ever needed to do was reduce our Grain, Carb, Sugar intake!

Sigh...there you have it.  Outside of environmental causes, bad skincare or an allergy, I have not found any other reason as to why we get acne.  Obviously it's a defect and it may indeed be on a CYP450 gene, but obviously not all of us have the same defect. So until we can figure out which gene and which defect it is for each of us, some of you that have "done it all", may want to try some other internal approach, such as detoxfying your liver or changing your diet.