Notes from Ben on Acne

Supporting Lifestyle and Nutritional Protocol

As with all seemingly topical skin conditions, the root cause of acne starts inside the body. This troublesome and all too common pathology involves 3 major hormones: 1.) Cortisol – associated with stress, 2.) Insulin – linked to elevated blood sugar, and 3.) Testosterone – related to elevated blood sugar as well as puberty. The cardinal signs of this hormone-based acne include excess secretion of sticky skin oil (sebum) production and clogged pores that are the end result of excess keratin production. Eventually, colonization of skin follicles by bacteria can follow resulting in inflammation and the formation of the characteristic and dreaded acne pimples. Sometimes allergic reactions and intolerances to foods especially dairy, grains, eggs, beans (especially soy) and peanuts can cause rashy lesions independent of the clogged pores, oily skin, excessive keratin production and bacterial proliferation that are the hallmarks of ordinary hormone acne. Consider adding the following protocols to your daily routine:

1. Eliminate problem foods such as grains, flour, dairy, soy, peanuts, and other legumes.

2. Reduce sugar intake.

3. Use probiotics, multiple strains and so-called good bacteria from fermented vegetables.

4. Enjoy fresh vegetable juices (with the fiber). Select only veggies that do not create digestive distress.

5. Use digestive enzymes, pancreatin, bile salts and apple cider vinegar with all meals. Start meals off with “bitters” and bitter veggies like dandelion greens, radish, arugula and kale.

6. Use nutritional supplements featuring all 90 essential nutrients. Pay particular attention to:
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Chromium
• NAC
• Selenium
• Zinc/Copper
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B5 along with B-complex

7. Take advantage of the healing powers of sunshine! Don’t burn, but make sure you are exposing skin to the sun’s UVB rays regularly.