Does Bread Cause Acne?

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In the quest to prevent acne and cure it faster ,medical science has been  looking at all the possible causes and treatments. In this respect ,various foods  one of them being bread are getting examined and doctors are trying to find out if it has any connection with acne formation.

Acne and Bread

Why would doctors think that bread and pastries may  cause acne anyway? Most  pastries are made from wheat which contains a protein known as gluten.Gluten is a protein commonly found in wheat and several varieties of grain. it helps hold the cooking dough together due to its sticky, glue like nature.Gluten is  also used in personal care products like shampoos and toothpastes, where it acts as a binding agent.

Research has shown that most people are sensitive to gluten and are not even aware of it.Gluten sensitivity refers to a condition where the immune system reacts negatively to gluten. It cause an inflammatory reaction in the gut and over time can lead to severe small intestine damage. Celiac disease is a severe form of gluten sensitivity where the reaction is immediate and often very painful.

Am i Sensitive to Gluten?

It may take a while to establish whether you are allergic or sensitive to gluten. This is because  symptoms are not immediate but may appear and be consistent over time. Though there are gluten intolerance levels tests that one can take.However , the most common symptoms of gluten sensitivity include:Headaches,Skin problems e.g  acne, eczema, rashes Bloating and flatulence  after eating gluten,digestive problems,joint and muscle pain.

How gluten can cause acne

If you are sensitive to gluten, then consumption of gluten over time  will cause damage to your small and large intestines.Your stomach lining can become irritated, leading to leaky gut syndrome ( a condition where gaps in the intestine walls widen allowing toxins and food to pass from your intestines to your bloodstream).This  can lead to a very negative and serious autoimmune response, inflammation, headaches and cystic acne.

Research indicates that gut problems can increase systemic inflammation and deplete your antioxidant reserves, and this can indirectly hurt your skin and aggravate your acne.

How to know if your acne is bread induced?

It would be good to do a little research and dig in deeper in order to know whether your acne is triggered by gluten or not.

However, if you think your acne is related to your gluten intake, make a plan to go off wheat for one month, and keep a food journal and list what foods you eat at each meal.

Also make a note of how your skin looks over the 30 day period; glowing, increased breakouts, blotched, etc.

If you get to the end of 30 days without gluten and your skin looks the same as it did in the month before, you’re probably not dealing with a gluten allergy.

However if  your skin clears dramatically – then bread and other wheat products could be causing your acne.

 

Since your skin is the body’s largest organ, treat it right, with a nutrient-dense diet. Get plenty of  sleep, drink at least 2 litres of water per day, and exercise regularly. Do not use any harsh chemicals on your skin, and try to limit touching areas prone to acne. Having acne can have a negative effect on your self esteem ,so make sure you avoid foods that could aggravate it to boost your confidence and looks.

 

 

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