Controlling Acne Problems

Acne problems are one of many potential teenage nightmares. In these teen years, hormones are swinging wildly, stress is a problem, and soda and junk food are usually a significant part of the diet. These are the factors that set the stage for that giant-size acne problem. Control these factors and you can diminish the acne attacks.

Hormonal imbalances, unless serious, should be left to nature to work out as they are an expected part of growth. In this case, nature knows best.

We can control stress, but some stress forms and strengthens the adolescent. These are the demands of life that the teen must learn to endure into maturity.  Exercise, meditation and avoidance of unnecessarily stressful environments and people can substantially reduce stress over time. Take time to be still.

Want to see those pimple assaults diminish within a month? Many physicians and nutritionists know the close association between acne problems and poor dietary habits. Improve dietary habits and in a month you'll start seeing fewer pimples and a brighter life.

Ideally, your diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, juices, lean protein, such as chicken or fish, and lots and lots of water. You need fiber. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system, indispensable to getting the most out of your food. Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of fiber. You can also take daily supplements of Vitamins A, B complex, C, E, zinc and selenium.

Two herbs you'll find especially useful are turmeric and barberry.

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years for digestive health. It is a natural antibiotic, strengthening and toning the digestive system, while correctly balancing intestinal flora. Clinical studies back up this anecdotal use. If you enjoy curry dishes, go for it!  Recipes for Indian dishes containing chicken (a lean protein), green vegetables and turmeric, the main constituent of curry, abound.  Turmeric is quite inexpensive, and goes a long way towards combating acne problems.

Barberry is traditionally used for acne problems. Chinese and Japanese medicine, as well as many  western clinical studies confirm it's efficacy.

Naturopathic physicians maintain that acne problems reflect an over-acidic condition of the body. Dr. John Heinermann, the famous medical anthropologist, reports that the juice of watermelon flushes much of these acids from your system. Who doesn't like watermelon?

Now that you know what you should be eating to control acne problems, here's what you should avoid.

Fried foods and hydrogenated fats, such as margarine, top the list of foods to avoid. Teens with acne problems are already overloaded with excess oil in the sebaceous glands, which ultimately ends up producing a pimple or an acne condition. Olive oil is the oil of choice. This "thin" oil, has no cholesterol or trans-fatty acids.

Other foods to avoid are teen favorites. Chocolate, sodas, junk food and refined sugar are main contributors to acne problems. Avoid them!

If you work hard following these suggestions above, you should experience good results!

Read more at www.acneconditions.com/acne-problem.html.