< previous page page_23 next page >

Page 23
Skin Problems
Acne
Acne can have many causes. Stress, food sensitivities, yeast overgrowth, medication and allergies may all be contributing factors. Acne is likely to occur when sebum, a waxy substance that lubricates the skin, and keratin, a skin protein, block the sebaceous glands. It is important to keep all channels of elimination open, such as the colon, lungs, kidneys and liver. When they do their job of purifying the body, pimples won't end up on your skin. Our organs of elimination, especially the liver, also help to break down excess hormones that could also cause the skin to erupt. When acne occurs in adolescence it is called acne vulgaris. Acne is best treated with diet, herbs and exercise.
It can be embarrassing when one's health problems are so publicly announced on one's face. Herbs that help acne include burdock root, raw dandelion root, Oregon grape root, sarsaparilla root and yellow dock root. Drink plenty of fluids and teas made from these herbs.
The foods that are most beneficial to eat for healing acne include artichokes, barley, beets, cooked carrots, green leafy vegetables and winter squashes. Foods to minimize or avoid include oranges and grapefruit, hot spicy foods, peanut butter, wheat, nuts, high-fat dairy products, fried foods and hydrogenated oils. The hormones that are added to commercial dairy products and meats can overstress the liver. Some people with acne are sensitive to the iodine in shellfish.

 
< previous page page_23 next page >

If you like this book, buy it!