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Do Milk products Cause Acne?
Dairy consumption has been positively linked to acne for many teenagers and adults. Numerous studies have proved this association, including a portion of the landmark Nurses Health Study involving 47,355 women in 1998. Unfortunately, the reasons behind this milk-acne connection are much less concrete.
Regardless, the facts are that thousands of persons have given up dairy foods only to let their acne magically disappear. The results are amazing and they need no particular explanation. If you are still hesitant on the trial and error method, here are a few different theories behind their success.
Milk Allergies – Like eczema, acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and can be a byproduct of food allergies. In fact, it is believed that food allergies, particularly dairy and gluten, are the top aggravator of acne. Since acne does take time to come and go, and many food allergy reactions are delayed, about two weeks off of a suspect food is typically required to begin noticing results.
Hormones – Of course, the teenager with raging hormones and raging zits, it is an all to common site. Hormones are a well-accepted reason for acne within the dermatologic community. It has been estimated that 75% to 90% of milk and milk products on our shelves comes from pregnant cows due to the milking process. This milk contains progesterone and other hormones that are known precursors to DHT, the primary acne-producing hormone in humans. These hormones are carried primarily in the butterfat, and are known to make frequent appearances in milk, cheese, and butter. Pizza may be back on the acne list? Past research shows a strong likelihood.
Nutrients – Back in the 1960’s, Dr. Jerome K. Fisher conducted a clinical study on the cause and effect relationship of milk and acne for a presentation to the American Dermatological Association. His research looked at over 1000 teenage acne patients over a 10-year period. He quickly noted that the severity of their acne and whether it worsened was directly correlated to their milk consumption. Also milk has been found to contain excessive quantities of iodine (may vary by herd), a well-known pore irritator and aggravator of acne.
Diet is recognized to play crucial role in skin conditions, and milk products is the top food culprit of acne. Dairy elimination may not be the solution for everyone. But it is really worth to try if you can get rid of acne by this simple way.
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