Diets feature high on the list of topics most discussed at spray-tan appointments, sleepovers and self-help seminars where the sound of chick-chat is nothing short of deafening. Come the summer period, or more specifically the Christmas period, talk of whittling down to nothing in preparation for festive feasting, or what action is best taken to drop a dress size goes into overdrive.
The Clear Skin Diet, developed by Naturopath Dr Alan Logan along with Dermatologist Dr Valori Treloar, and detailed in their book, 'The Clear Skin Diet: A Nutritional Plan for Getting Rid of and Avoiding Acne', is the latest diet to be, um… eaten up, by our perfection seeking selves. The Clear Skin Diet is based on research linking inflammation (the driving force behind acne) with spikes in blood sugar levels, the consumption of dairy products, with the exception of yoghurt, and stress – all hallmarks of the Western diet.
The doctors advise suffers of spotty skin to soothe, if not stop, inflammation by avoiding dairy (with the exception of yoghurt, which is good for gut function), eat red meat only once a week, eliminate fried foods and high glycemic carbohydrates such as white flour, white rice and potatoes, and limit sugar and sugary fruits such as bananas, raisons and melons. They suggest eating mini meals every three hours to balance blood sugar levels, and filling up on vegetables, whole grains and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, eggs, legumes, lean beef and poultry, and cooking oils such as olive, flaxseed and walnut oil.
In addition to making dietary changes, The Clear Skin Diet also recommends assessing your lifestyle: avoiding stressful working environments and relationships, reviewing your sleeping patterns, and making time for regular exercise.
Its little wonder diets are being adapted to prevent and cure blemished skin; according to some research, 50 percent of adult women now suffer from some form of acne. It’s a complex issue and can be difficult to treat, but with the help of remedies such as The Clear Skin Diet; willpower; and a little luck, our skin will be calm and glow with good health.
Diets feature high on the list of topics most discussed at spray-tan appointments, sleepovers and self-help seminars where the sound of chick-chat is nothing short of deafening. Come the summer period, or more specifically the Christmas period, talk of whittling down to nothing in preparation for festive feasting, or what action is best taken to drop a dress size goes into overdrive.