Western medicine is notoriously sophisticated when it comes to drug formulations and targeted medicine approached from a perspective based in deductive science. It has, however, been largely a failure when it comes to being open to solutions to medical problems which come from outside the realm of deductive science. That is why for years western medicine failed to draw ties between diet and acne. Medical development, and treatments for acne sufferers, has progressed significantly within the last 15 years alone. Yet the problem of acne has remained largely uncurbed, until recently.

In the past few years empirical studies first trickled and are now flooding in indicating that there are links between acne and diet. The basic premise of the research is that eating refined carbohydrates and sugar is the ultimate culprit for many individuals' problems with acne. The scientific theory holds that when carbohydrates and sugar are metabolized they lead to an increase in insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1 production. This growth factor then causes male hormones to begin being produced in the body in much greater quantities. These growth hormones lead directly to an increase the amount of sebum produced. Sebum is the grease-like substance that comes out in your pores which people often describe as 'oily skin'. Sebum then clogs your pores and ultimately causes to an accumulation of bacteria in those pores which cannot escape because of the sebum. This of course ultimately leads to acne.

That rather exhaustive explanation explains simply this; when you consume refined carbohydrates and sugars you may aggravate your skin, clog your pores, and develop acne.

So, what is the answer? Not surprisingly, it may be to cut back on sugars and refined carbs such as sweets and pastas. These foods provide us with very few of the nutrients we need while providing us with a great deal more by way of clogged pores. In fact, recent studies are showing that these foods may be so bad for you that your body actually fights them like it does a disease, through the production of white blood cells. Not only do these white blood cell expenditures temporarily lower your immune system, but they also cause your body to produce more waste, some of which is exuded through your pores.

But it may surprise you to know that giving up chocolate and spaghetti may not be the only way to go about getting clearer skin. Rather, there are a number of foods, in particular raw vegetables and antioxidants which can actively clear up skin. These foods act as a sort of mop within the body to soak up toxins, also known as free radicals, which are often expelled as bacteria through the skin.

So in effect, following a better diet can attack the problem of acne in two different ways, cutting back on sugars and refined carbs will cause your body to produce less of the pore clogging sebum, while increasing your intake of certain raw vegetables will significantly cut down on the amount of bacteria which is exuded through your pores. Combined, these two techniques will cut down significantly your propensity to suffer acne.

About the author:

Ruth Stattmiller writes about natural health topics, including acne treatment.