Dairy and HGL Foods May Cause Acne

glass-of-milkThe myth of grease, or chocolate causing acne were dismissed in the 60’s, and most people don’t think food has much to do with acne, but a new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics “has determined that there is increasing evidence of a connection between diet and acne, particularly from high glycemic load diets and dairy products.”

http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=6442474903#.USTWkug1eCo

Acne is a form of inflammation. We’ve heard of inflammation in joints, and even in arteries (which I’ll talk about in the 2nd part of the Artery Cloging Saturated Fat series), but this is an external display of inflammation. It’s also a venue for the body to try and expell toxins and things your body finds disagreable. Some people may have an unfavorable reaction to dairy, or these high glycemic load foods.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the actual study, or exactly what these “high glycemic load” foods were. I’d be very interested to see how the study was conducted, what diary products they tested, and what foods were part of the “high glycemic load.” Is all diary the same? Does dairy fat content matter? What about goat milk? What about cheese, and yogurt? There are too many questions still to do a real write up of this, but I’m glad to see people are at least re-thinking the idea that food might be a factor.

If you do suffer from acne, it may be an interesting study to try out on yourself. Eliminate dairy for a week or two and see if it makes a difference. If anyone finds the actual study, please send it to me. If you have any input, thoughts, or personal experience please share in the comments section.