Acne is the most common skin condition affecting both adults and teenagers. Acne, pimples & blemishes are caused by clogged pores, infected by bacteria and dead skin cells. By performing a 2 week gut cleanse you can have radiant acne free skin!
When too much dairy, fast foods or sugar are consumed, it can contribute to the growth of bacteria breakouts. Studies have linked specific gut cultures- ones associated with eating a high carbohydrate and fast-food diet to an increased risk for acne, confirmed by research linking processed foods high in carbohydrates and sugars such as pizza, burgers, chips, cereals, sodas, ice-creams and sweets.
Keeping a happy, healthy gut is a major factor to maintaining healthy and pimple-free skin. For teenagers, it's important to start following an eating plan that is high in plant-based phyto nutrients like veggies, fruits, fiber, nuts and seeds, which help keep the gut & intestines clean.
Some notable foods and substances that are known to promote pimples & breakouts include:
What to avoid or cut down on
List A:
- Refined sugars
- Cereals that contain high amounts of sugar
- Alcohol
- Antibiotics
- Artificial sweeteners
- Cakes, pastries, cookies
- Sodas
- Cigarette smoke
- Corn
- Dairy
- Red meat
- Fried foods
- Gluten - bread, pastries, cookies, cakes etc.
Trying to avoid or limit your intake of these foods will greatly help in maintaining a healthy skin microbiome, especially during the teen hormonal changes.
The hot list of foods that promote a super healthy gut and ultimately a healthy skin are:
What to eat much more of
List B:
- Green leafy veggies
- Almonds
- Apples
- Bananas
- Beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Garlic
- Lentils
- Mangoes
- Miso
- Oats
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Peas
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Sauerkraut
- Sourdough
- Coconut
- 6-8 glasses of filtered or spring water daily
A good daily probiotic can also do wonders to help keep the gut in balance.
Try the 80/20 rule and you'll never feel like you're on a 'diet' or a 'cleanse'. 80% from list B and 20% from list A. It's all about the balance.
