Battle Acne with Healthy Diet and Lifestyle
Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disease that affects approximately 85% of young adults and persists into adulthood. A recent study suggests that certain foods can worsen acne, but also some foods that may provide a protective effect The study findings were published in the Acta Dermato-Venereologica on November 22, 2021.
Most Asian diets include rice and various herbs and spices, but have a lower intake of dairy products in comparison with Western food. However, only a few studies have examined the influence of Asian cuisine on acne. Therefore, Dr Katewadee roengritthidet and his team conducted a study to examine the association between dietary factors and acne in Thai adolescents and adults using a self-reported survey.
In this cross-sectional study the researchers included 2,476 Thai adolescents and adults at a mean age of 26 years. The study was conducted through a web-based survey in March 2020. They collected the data using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. In Thai adolescents and adults, the prevalence of mild acne was 52%, moderate acne 22%, and severe acne 8%.
Key findings of the study:
♦ Upon analysis, the researchers found that the dietary factors were associated with increased severity of acne were consumption of
- Chocolate >100 g/week (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.29),
- Oily and fried food >3 times/week (aOR 1.84) and
- White rice (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.24–2.63).
♦ They also found that the factors associated with decreased severity of acne were consumption of sugar-free milk-free tea (aOR 0.61) and vegetables (aOR 0.74).
The authors concluded, "Acne is a multifactorial skin disease; both individual and environmental factors play an important role. Chocolate, white rice and oily/fried food, which is high in fat with a high GL, are dietary risk factors for acne severity. Conversely, regular consumption of vegetables and sugar-free milk-free tea are identified as protective factors."
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