Gluten-Free Acne Cure

The common connection between acne and gluten (a protein) is inflammation. People that are sensitive to gluten are unable to digest gluten successfully, so the protein molecules are not completely digested. The immune system then responds with an attack on the "so-called" foreign invaders. Once the attack commences, the immune system uses white cells to discharge histamine, which leads to an inflammatory response. This inflammation raises insulin resistance in the cells that are close by. Thus, insulin resistance causes problems with blood sugar, which eventually leads to problems with acne. There are gluten- free alternatives to help manage acne.

Eliminate Gluten

If you have acne, eliminate gluten from your diet. Common foods that contain gluten include barley, wheat and rye. Review food labels carefully because if it says "wheat free," it doesn't always mean that it is free of gluten. When in doubt, do not consume the product. Also avoid couscous, bulgur, fillers, malt, spelt, dextrin, kamut, modified food starch, kasha, semolina, matzo meal, triticale and durum flour. Watch out for starch; you want corn starch, not wheat starch. Other gluten-containing foods include grains, cereals, processed foods and breads; a number of these products are made without gluten as well.

Gluten-Free Foods

A healthy and well-rounded nutrition plan is vital to obtaining clear skin. Minimize, or eliminate entirely, highly processed food. Instead, eat plenty of plant-based or lean proteins, fresh organic vegetables, fruit and healthy unsaturated fats. Place greater emphasis on eating gluten-free foods that are abundant in vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, vitamin B6 and zinc. Add some acne-friendly herbs to your food such as oregano, garlic, parsley and chives.

Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin. Choose foods rich in vitamin A, such as butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, greens and cantaloupe.

Zinc is a mineral that strengthens the immune system, helps repair the top layer of skin, promotes proper hormone function and diminishes inflammation. Asparagus, broccoli, nuts, beans, almonds, summer squash and beef are all good sources of zinc.

Vitamin C is an excellent anti-inflammatory, which protects the immune system and cells. Some foods rich in vitamin C include brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, cantaloupe, green and red pepper, strawberries and oranges.

Vitamin E is important for defending cells against free-radical damage, and it helps decrease skin irritation and encourages healing. Rich foods sources of vitamin E include blueberries, collard greens, papaya, spinach, turnip greens, nuts and asparagus.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids aids skin healing and helps dilute the oily sebum that blocks pores. Eat a variety of omega-rich foods such as brussels sprouts, cod, halibut, salmon, flax seed, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, tuna and soybeans.

Other great substitutes to gluten-laden foods include quinoa, brown rice, grits, rice flour, tempeh and wheat-free tamari instead of soy sauce.