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Nutrient Intake - Impact on Acne
Other than Vitamin E and
B Complex, there are some other nutrients and minerals which are important
in the prevention and cure of acne. These include Zinc, Magnesium,
Selenium, vitamin A and essential fatty acids. These all have properties
which help in keeping skin healthy and preventing acne formation by
strengthening the immune system. [For more information on Vitaplen
Complete, our liquid multivitamin
which has all of the ingredients mentioned in this article,
click here.]
Over 200 enzymes contain the trace mineral zinc, which functions in
more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral. Zinc is perhaps the
most famous immune system booster. Many white blood cell functions depend
on a certain zinc level. As white blood cells are important parts of
the immune system, it weakens the immune system. Not only this, decreases
in zinc levels also decrease thymic hormone levels. Zinc, just ike vitamin
C, has antiviral activity especially against several viruses known to
cause common cold.
Acne seems to respond well to Zinc supplements. Studies have shown
that in case of acne, zinc shows the same results as tetracycline.
Like Vitamin E, another fat soluble vitamin helpful in treating acne
is vitamin A. It aids in hormone production, maintains the integrity
of mucous membranes and the digestive tract, and is beneficial for night
vision. Vitamin A also helps in the growth of skin, teeth, bone and
improves immune system function.
In some cases, very large doses of vitamin A have been successfully
used to treat severe acne. But it must be remembered that higher doses
of vitamin A can prove to be very toxic to the body and it should be
taken only under supervision of a doctor. It happens because this vitamin
is fat soluble and thus, if taken in large amounts it gets stored in
the body, unlike water soluble vitamins which are excreted easily.
Selenium is one more trace element that has been in the limelight because
of its cancer preventive properties. Studies have shown, if taken with
vitamin A and Vitamin E, selenium can reduce the severity of persistent
acne and help reduce scarring.
With selenium, toxicity is a problem and it should be used under supervision
of a doctor only. Selenium is found both in organic and inorganic forms.
The organic form, which is found in various food items, is easily absorbed
in the body when such food items are eaten. In drinking water, selenium
is found as inorganic forms but these are also easily absorbed in the
GI tract. Selenium is usually found in foods rich in protein such as
poultry, fish, meat, cereals, seeds and other grains. In vegetables,
it is found in garlic, mushroom and asparagus.
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Essential fatty acids are also good to consume for acne as they are
beneficial in keeping the skin healthy. Zinc-rich food and essential
fatty acids taken together improve the acne condition. Even liver strengthening
nutrients are beneficial in acne infection.Essential fatty acids are
those which our body cannot produce and we are required to take them
from outside, like vitamins or foods rich in fatty acids like flaxseed
oil. These EFAs are as important for the body as proteins because both
these nutrients work together. It can be said that EFAs are the building
blocks of our body. In the treatment of acne, these EFAs help in thinning
the sebum, which clogs the follicle pore, thus causing acne.
For skin health, food rich in EFAs should be consumed often as it helps
dilute oily sebum and decreases chances of clogged pores. Omega 3 fatty
acids are found in wheat germ and soybean oil. Although tuna, salmon
and walnuts are also EFA rich, they contain high amounts of iodine which
is not good for acne.
Another mineral helpful in improving acne is magnesium. It is essential
for metabolism, aids in growth of bones and is the body's major electrolyte.
It is helpful in relieving stress and is responsible for the health
of the heart, blood circulation, blood pressure and overall relaxation.
As stress triggers off adrenal hormones, magnesium can help in reducing
stress, relaxing muscles and thus reducing formation of extra hormones
and avoiding acne worsening. Magnesium rich foods are meats, seafood,
green vegetable, dairy products, nuts, bananas, peanut butter and potatoes.
Cleaning up our diet and taking adequate levels of basic nutrients
can be of big help in skin disorders like acne. In the absence of these
nutrients, food and toxins produced by metabolic function do net get
completely processed and end up getting eliminated through the skin
as acne or eczema.
For more information on Vitaplen
Complete, our liquid multivitamin which has all of the
ingredients mentioned in this research article, click
here.
Other Resources:
Unhindered
Living
gmuntz.tripod.com/vita.html
Internet
HealthLlibrary
Diagnose-Me.com
acne.as
Symmcorp
Greatest
Vitamin Product
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