For those interested, yes there is a genetic component to developing acne, in that certain people will be more "at risk", but there has yet to be specific acne gene. Just like there probably isn't a specific coughing gene, sneezing gene, when we get sick, right? Another example would be the small pox or chicken pox that's presented as skin lesions that were a direct result of a virus. Therefore, all of these are just signs of something wrong, imbalanced, or attacking our body and this is how we are physically able to be aware of the problem...some people aren't as lucky.
I know I know I know, the statements:
"no one knows why we have acne"
"no one knows how accutane works, it just does"
"there is no connection between diet & acne, but iodine may contribute"
"diet may work if you have an allergy, but my acne is hormonal so food can't be related"
"Bacteria causes acne"
"Sebum causes acne"
Sigh....through years and 1000s of hours of personal research, experimentation, and yielding positive results, along with others research & testimonies, I have never found anything that has defined acne as it's own disease. The various types of Acne and Acne-like lesions (rosacea, chloracne, yosho, etc) have ALWAYS been associated with one or more of the following:
Irritating/Pore Clogging Skin Care ingredients
Puberty
Hormonal/Health Imbalances
Stress
Allergies
Intolerances
Chemical Sensitivities
Toxins
Despite whatever your genetic risk is, the above can be corrected by altering your environmental influences as they can activate those dormant genes or can INCREASE your risk even more so. Now, later I'll clarify the above misconceptions, but until then here's something for all of you to mull over:
1965 - possible 1st evidence of Acne and the role that Androgens play as a subject of published research [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4221206[/url] (no available abstract)
1970 - this is the first study that provides an available abstract and mentions how Androgen Excess has been found to increase Acne & Hirsutism [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4252699[/url]
1972 - "Skin Diseases Induced by Hormones" and the role insulin plays [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4270049[/url]
1977 - Unexpected discovery of Insulin & Glucose role on Sex Hormone production [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=193114[/url]
1978 -“ Dermatologic Indications for Anti-androgenic Treatment” [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=82309[/url]
1980 - Influence of Sex Hormones on Acne (the role of DHT) [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6258368[/url]
1981- Type II Diabetes and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6793437[/url]
1986 - possible 1st evidence of Puberty being a function of Insulin Resistance
[url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3523245[/url]
1988 – “Cutaneous Manifestions of Systemic Diseases” (thyroid) [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9889752[/url]
1994 – Correlation among hormonal imbalance and cancer [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8144280[/url]
1995 – Hormonal Correlates of Acne & Hirsutism [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7825645[/url]
1996 – Hyperandrogenism, Insulin, & Cancer Risk [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8932921[/url]
1996 – Western Diets role in Insulin Resistance, Type II Diabetes, High LDL, and low Sex Hormone binding Globulin (SHBG) [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8604665[/url]
1998 - SHBGs role to bind Free Testosterone (can convert to DHT) as a function of Insulin production & Diet
[url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9770724[/url]
2000 - Hyperandrogenism & Insulin Resistance in Women
[url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11595827[/url]
2001 – Males, Sex Hormones, & Diet [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11319710[/url]
2001 – Sex Hormones, Diet, & Cancer [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11205485[/url]
2002 - Genetic & Environmental Influences. Points out that twins with acne are deficient in a component that produces HDL (good cholesterol) [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12485434[/url]
What I have read is that "acne is a skin disease with symptoms of hyperkeritinization and inflamed oil glands." I found that defination on the Mayo clinic web site, and the Mayo clic is very much respected. Some people produce excess skin oil, pores clog then acne results. I think acne is a disease all its own, much like vitaligo and is genetic like vitaligo.
Last edited by openseason; 10-16-2004 at 12:36 PM.
Well according to the Mayo Clinic's Feb. 2, 2004 update "Acne is a common skin disorder characterized by clogged pores and pimples." and "It's not known what causes the increased production of sebum that leads to acne."
That is really odd, I could have sworn there were plenty of old & new studies that specifically said that androgens (in conjunction with IGF-1) are what initiate sebum production...after all, this is why Accutane an antiandrogen/DHT inhibitor is "the biggest advancement in acne in the past 30 years"
That right there is the problem with a lot of "reliable" and "respected" websites and doctors, they either don't know about the past & present advances in acne or they basically "accept" someone else's word. I've read so many definitions of acne, but the only accepted definition scientificially is supposed to be what has been found through clinical trials & double blind studies, which my past doctors, along with endocrinology & some dermatology websites, did mention. Clinicals trials & studies that I posted above, for example, and there are 100s or 1000s more depending on how thoroughly you choose to research this.
Although, if you like, we could call acne a disease subset with signs of:
1. Androgen sensitivity & increased DHT only in the skin (90% of suffers)
2. Hyperandrogenism or increased serum androgen levels (10% of suffers)
3. Increased stimulation & growth of sebacous glands
4. Increased sebum (oil) production
5. Enlargement of pores
6. Skin cell hyperproliferation (excess growth)
7. Hyperkeritinization (thick skin)
8. Poor skin desquamation (skin cell shedding)
9. Inflammation
10. Increased growth of p.acnes and/or demodex mites
So based on the above, Androgens (& IGF-1) is what initiates the growth & stimulation of the sebaceous glands. Yet you dont have to have excess sebum production to have acne, as there are quite a number of people that have dry skin and still have acne. Therefore, the problem could be due to the overgrowth of skin cells & poor exfoilation abilities in these individuals, yet androgens still initiates these factors. This of course leads to clogged pores and thus increased levels of bacterial growth.
If those pores weren't clogged, would there still be increased levels of a form of bacteria that is found on everyone's skin? Probably not, but if so their growth could be due to the increased fats & sugars in the blood stream that the bacteria feed off in people that have an inability to properly metabolize those nutrients. As such, acne has also be defined as "Skin Diabetes".
Last edited by SweetJade1; 10-16-2004 at 04:38 PM.
The National Institute of Health says "Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits."
While the American Academy of Dermatology further emphasises the above by stated that "the hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens, which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males."
So, I honestly do not know why other organizations won't publicly admit this. Yet anyone with enough desire can do the research and see for themselves. Perhaps it would throw off the current economic status, with some companies losing money and other gaining, but does that make it OK? I guess it's true, doing the right thing, isn't always profitable...
Cystic acne starts deep beneath the skin surface. I know because I had that type. Surface exfoliation does not apply to that type, because the oil gland is clogged way down deep and forms a lump. Some doctors state that something causes the oil gland narrows and becomes clogged. That is where they get the theory the narrowing is caused by stress, which is just plain silly. When I was 14 years old I did not know what stress was. However my father had cystic acne which shows me there is genetics involved. You say androgens are involved, and the doctors have been saying that since the 1950s, that acne is caused by teenage horemones. That does not explain the exact mechanism of the disease itself.
Well those are the factors. I've had cystic acne too. It sux huh. Yet no one fully gets why people can eat what they want and not gain wieght while others do. It just is, and its the same for excess androgen production. There are several causes of hyperandrogenism, but not everyone will end up being overweight, hirsute, masculine, with androgenic alopecia, menstrual problems, acne, seborrhea, or have eczema. So, once again YES, there is a genetic aspect and the manifestation of symptoms is where it comes into play.
Now, everyone in my immediate family has acne, yet my parents family they don't. I haven't seen my brother in a few years, but he probably still has some (he's 36). My mother used to have bad acne all over her face and body like me (but I doubt it was as severe), now it's gone, but she now she deals with being overweight. My father has Type II Diabetes on his side of the family and still breaks out a bit in the beard and upper back region. Yet, despite my familys background, and having acne since the age of 10, I eliminated my cystic acne by controlling my insulin levels...which we know can influence androgen production.
Others, most without knowing their family's background or personal hormonal status, have also improved or eliminated their acne by balancing their insulin levels. So I'm not the only one and whether people chose to do this through diet or through medications, we have the right to know as much of the truth as we can. So, what finally cured your acne?
Last edited by SweetJade1; 10-17-2004 at 11:59 PM.
Well those are the factors. I've had cystic acne too. It sux huh. Yet no one fully gets why people can eat what they want and not gain wieght while others do. It just is, and its the same for excess androgen production. There are several causes of hyperandrogenism, but not everyone will end up being overweight, hirsute, masculine, with androgenic alopecia, acne, seborrhea, or have eczema. So, once again YES, there is a genetic aspect and the manifestation of symptoms is where it comes into play.
Now, everyone in my immediate family has acne, yet my parents family they don't. I haven't seen my brother in a few years, but he probably still has some (he's 36). My mother used to have bad acne all over her face and body like me (but I doubt it was as severe), now it's gone, but she now she deals with being overweight. My father has Type II Diabetes on his side of the family and still breaks out a bit in the beard and upper back region. Yet, despite my familys background, and having acne since the age of 10, I eliminated my cystic acne by controlling my insulin levels...which we know can influence androgen production.
Others, most without knowing their family's background or personal hormonal status, have also improved or eliminated their acne by balancing their insulin levels. So I'm not the only one and whether people chose to do this through diet or through medications, we have the right to know as much of the truth as we can. So, what finally cured your acne?
SweetJade- What exactly do you do to balance your insulin levels?
Well nothing cured my acne and I think Accutane has too many permanent negative side effects. You seem to be back to square one that high insulin making foods like chocolate cause acne. Just isnt so.
Katrina,
Primarily a Gluten Free diet got me 95% clear. Then it was misc. foods (mostly what would be considered allergens), dairy, added refined sugars (esp. corn syrup & high fructose corn syrup) & avoidance of trans fats, that got me the other 4%. So that's a total of 99% clear (medications NEVER gave me that) and with the elimination of the Almond Family, corn syrup & trans fats my face has done a 180 and is soooo dry w/tiny tiny pores, yet my skin care hasn't changed. There's actually an old book that someone pointed me to and so I bought it off of Amazon (Acne Can Be Cured) a few weeks back that said if you avoid saturated fats & trans fats you would have clear skin, but it doesn't eliminate gluten carbohydrates. Regardless, I still eat saturated fats & occasionally fried fats so maybe that's why I've got that 1% left. Yet, despite my formerly oily face & upper body, I've always had dry skin elsewhere so I think it's time I start taking some Omega 3s ;-)
Oh and, I NEVER would have known that the other foods/ingredients I used to eat caused me problems if I hadn't eliminated my BIGGEST culprit as it was masking the effects of the others. People tend to give up when the try such diets because they don't see (enough) results, but usually it's because they still have something in their diet that is masking the effects of what they are avoiding. It happened to me, it's happened to others, but I never carried a negative atitude about it, so when I heard about how this worked for others, after a few weeks, I decided to give it a try. The main difference this time though was I just learned how to do it "smartly", by researching and avoiding foods based on what the scientific studies have shown about them. The other foods, were through Trial & Error.
If you do a search, you can learn more about my diet and what some like to call a "human diet"
Take Care,
P.S. If you want to know what other ways you can balance your insulin levels look into diets that are HIGH in Fiber and LOW in animal saturated fat AND NO Trans Fats, and refined sugars. Also, if you are able to read & understand the above links you will see what foods are beneficial and which ones you should avoid. Wheat is not better than rice, in so many ways, so if you can't go gluten-free, at least go wheat & spelt free (lots of varieties).
Do the research, I promise you that if you have insulin problems (you may not know it), this is going to help you, probably in more ways than one. Also, if diet isn't enough, there are several medications and supplements (see my first post) you can try that will also help balance your insulin production and thus lower your overall androgen production....Isn't that cool? ;-)
P.P.S. I tested negative for gluten intolerance before I changed my diet, but gluten intolerance appears to be associated with a % of Type II Diabetes along with other health problems, so they may need to find new way of testing...
Last edited by SweetJade1; 10-17-2004 at 08:06 PM.
Well nothing cured my acne and I think Accutane has too many permanent negative side effects. You seem to be back to square one that high insulin making foods like chocolate cause acne. Just isnt so.
Ahh, but that is a conclusion that was NEVER tested. They never bothered to test chocolate CANDY (sugar, dairy, fat) to see if it affected your insulin levels. They NEVER differentiated between Pure Cocoa and Chocolate CANDY. No, instead what they did was give groups of teenagers or college students (this horrid experiment has been repeated so many times) two types of chocolate:
Experimental Group - Chocolate CANDY
Control Group - Placebo Chocolate CANDY - only it didn't have chocolate, BUT it still had the same glycemic value, etc.
Therefore, all those tests did was show that it's possible that we aren't allergic or intolerant to Cocoa (I'm eating a dark chocolate right now), but it did nothing to eliminate the other discriminating factors (sugar, dairy, fats). Idiots.
Unfortunately, that right there is the problem when people follow Low Carbohydrate Diets or Low Fat Diets. People get it in their heads that all fats or carbs are bad, when there are different types for each. That instead of avoiding foods based on them only being refined, they should pay attention to how much fiber they contain, how much amylose (good starch) they have, whether it contains gluten (if you care), and then worry about the amount of sugar it provides.
When it comes to fats it's not a matter of what's "greasy", but about the type of fat. We've got good fats (omega 3s, unsaturated fats) & the problematic fats. So, yes animal saturated fats have been deemed problematic in a numerous studies. Yet, what we get unknowingly is a lot of saturated-like fats that are from Trans fats and are considered much more detrimental (as they are foreign to our bodies). You probably are now seeing labeling or advertising that states that "this product has "0 Trans Fats'" but usually when you flip over the box, right there in the ingredient list will be "Partially Hydrogenated Oils" or Hydrogenated Oils (may be mislabled). LOL, if you've ever taken organic chemistry you would know that regarding Partially Hydrogenated Oils, they aren't completely hydrogenated and that the H atoms are on opposite (trans) sides of each other, thus TRANS FATs. That is very very scary, I'm guessing they don't have nutritionists working for them to properly assess their nutrient content. (surfing the web) Oh wait...it's a marketing ploy. The FDA allows them to state "0 Trans Fats" if there is less than 0.5g of trans fats per serving...well acne & healthwise, it still bothers me and other people.
Therefore, why are you relying on those highly outdated & incorrect studies, when I just posted for you a nice long list of studies dating back to 1977 - PRESENT that have shown an Insulin-Androgen Connection and how Diet can influence our Insulin & Androgen Production. I'm sorry if I didnt clarify this, but Insulin is not only involved in carbohydrate metabolism but also the storage of fats. These fats become cholesterol and cholesterol is what our Steriod Hormones (sex hormones-androgens, cortisol, etc) are made from. So, in light of how the body works and ALL of this information, why are you still holding on to such a highly detrimental fallacy?
Last edited by SweetJade1; 10-17-2004 at 10:22 PM.
Jade if you look at the twin study you posted, it states that the twins with acne had low levels of the good cholesterol. That would be a genetic problem not a food problem. You prove my theory because you are eating dark chocolate and are 99 percent clear, and according to your theory thats impossible.
What I am saying is that acne is an excess sebum production, which may br in response to androgens. However no young child has acne despite a diet of Captain Crunch cereal and Pop Tarts and chocolate milk. Why they dont have hormones thats why food isnt causing them acne.
Jade if you look at the twin study you posted, it states that the twins with acne had low levels of the good cholesterol. That would be a genetic problem not a food problem. You prove my theory because you are eating dark chocolate and are 99 percent clear, and according to your theory thats impossible. What I am saying is that acne is an excess sebum production, which may br in response to androgens. However no young child has acne despite a diet of Captain Crunch cereal and Pop Tarts and chocolate milk. Why they dont have hormones thats why food isnt causing them acne.
Yup, that's why children generally don't have acne because their bodies haven't gone into puberty (a temporary state of insulin resistance & hyperandrogenism). Although there are some children that begin puberty before the age of 8 and do get acne. Of course these children also end up having some sort of hormonal disorder, sometimes it is due to Insulin Resistance Syndrome.
Now as for your statement about the twin study THANK YOU for finally reading one of the studies I posted. =) Now, if you noticed they don't discuss what those twins ate. Yet even that isn't a huge deal because whether it is genetic or environment (diet) that is influencing their low HDL, a Western Diet high in (refined) carbohydrates, animal saturated fats, trans fats, added sugar, and LOW in fiber will ALSO lower your HDL levels. Therefore when a doctor sees this, they tell people to alter their diet.
If you have a higher risk, a certain ethnicities do, than the average individual, the LAST thing you should do is eat foods that will CONTRIBUTE to this risk. That is why people with allergies avoid certain foods that cause them problems, genetic factor or not, they KNOW that by avoiding what is activating that gene or defect, they can prevent the allergic reaction. Thus, if you are at a higher risk or are showing high levels, that is why doctors tell you to lower your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels through diet & exercise. Of course they will give you medication if you want it, but most people can do it through diet.
The funny thing is, the above Western Diet, what is contributing to an increase in Insulin Resistance Syndrome, doesn't also just lower your HDL levels, but raises your Free Fatty Acids (some are inflammatory), also raises your Insulin levels, which lower your SHBG levels, and as a result, raise your Androgen levels. That is what all of those studies show when you actually READ them.
Yup, to test my sensitivity to sugar (I don't crave it), I occasionaly do eat dark chocolate or Gluten-Free Cookies/muffins that don't contain dairy, or trans fats, but do contain evaporated cane juice or brown rice syrup. If I eat enough (several pieces), I will develop a few small whiteheads/pustules that go away within 2 days. I'm very sensitive to all forms of added sugar, but table sugar & cane syrup don't have a big impact on me, especially compared to Corn Syrup & High Fructose Corn Syrup (Cystic acne).
99% clear is better than when I was on BC & Spiro, it was also better than when I was on Avandia & Spiro. Over the years, what have you done that had the BIGGEST impact on decreasing your acne?
Last edited by SweetJade1; 10-18-2004 at 08:00 AM.
Also, androgens usually are the reason for acne. Again, not everyone that has high androgen levels will develop acne, but like I've said before, acne is but one of several possible symptoms.
So just ask all the females on here that are on BC (estrogen is antiandrogenic) Diane-35 (also contains an added antiandrogen) that have cleared if androgens aren't a factor.
You may also want to ask Joeh, Klark, or any of the other males around here that have gone on Spironolactone (antiandrogen) and cleared if androgens aren't a factor too.
Oh and, I don't do any of this because I like debating with you or many other hard headed individuals. ;-) I do this because I've been dealing with acne of the face, body, scalp & sometimes any other place you can think of, for 14 years now and as a result of it taking many years to get a diagnosis, I went through the gamut of emotions. From denouncing God when I was 12 (did take it back), to feeling very self concious, and as I got older , it slowly started to affect me academically because I worked so HARD to get rid of it, and it ALWAYS came back...it tired me out and was slowly starting to depress me. When I got a job, it slowly started to affect me financially (searching for all those cures, products, etc). When I got the diagnosis over 3 years ago (fluke in itself), and then began researching what else can affect my insulin & androgen levels, the answer was the above ;-) I don't do this with you or anyone other than because I care. I know how much it hurts (thinking about it can still make me cry), and I'm hoping that through education, more of you will be able to understand and therefore more successfully treat, better yet PREVENT, your acne from recurring!
Last edited by SweetJade1; 10-18-2004 at 08:53 AM.
well thats very sweet of you, but if your theory acout insulin/androgen is correct, why would high fructose corn syrup found in cola drinks cause cystic acne but cane sugar syrup would not? Seems to throw your whole theory out.
I've been getting acne for 12 years and nothing and I mean NOTHING worked on my skin to clear me up and if something did it was temporary. I can say that diet was truly the only thing that cleared my skin, It's very hard to keep it up and occasionally I stray but I always bounce back and it works every time. Thank you sweetjade for your valuable info, it's because of people like you and Prometheus I no longer feel hopeless.
well thats very sweet of you, but if your theory acout insulin/androgen is correct, why would high fructose corn syrup found in cola drinks cause cystic acne but cane sugar syrup would not? Seems to throw your whole theory out.
LOL, because different sugars react differently in the body. Not to mention, for some reason High Fructose Corn Syrup, even though it's a combination of Glucose & Fructose, like table sugar (sucrose), reacts very differently. They are not the same, HFCS actually contains more Fructose, hence the name ;-)
Since Fructose doesn't raise blood sugar as much as glucose does, this is why it's added to lots of foods & drinks, BUT it does raise lipid and LDL (bad) Cholesterol levels (means lower HDL) a lot more. This in turn can of course increase inflammatory prostaglandins and compete with sugar (glucose) uptake by cells, thus it increases your Insulin Resistance and some of the symptoms that come along with that (high cholesterol, weight gain/obesity, acne).
Before you say it, I know that Fructose is in fruits and it's usually OK to eat. That's probably because fruit have their own fiber to help slow metabolism of this type of sugar. Whereas, cokes, non-100% fruit juice, sauces, and other packaged foods do not contain the fiber.
Anyway, I think you want to throw my whole theory out except.....IF I and many others on this board & elsewhere (incl. biologists, nutritionsts, med students) were wrong, WHY are doctors giving women and men Insulin Sensitizing drugs to lower their androgen production and....it clears their acne?
Why are people going on Low Carb diets (some work better than others) and also accidentally noticing that their skin clears?
Why is it that even if you don't have insulin problems (or that you know of), the medications and/or diets still work??
Not to mention, the studies have shown that there's a(n):
Acne-Androgen Connection since 1965
Androgen-Insulin Connection since 1972
Acne-Androgen-Insulin Connection since
So I guess maybe when they only specifically mention Insulin-Acne Connection you'll be able to?
The middle man is the androgens, there won't be a study that talks about acne & insulin without mentioning it's effects on testosterone. Futhermore, there was study done in 1996 that focused on a western diets role on Diabetes, Insulin Resistance etc, and for some reason....they had testosterone listed (not estrogen, not progesterone, not cortisol, not thyroxine, etc) as one of the variables to look for. Why on earth would they care about testosterone, when diet, specifically Insulin's role, supposedly has NOTHING to do with it???
Well, they also had Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) as another variable to look for and....the western diet, high in refined foods, etc...lowered their levels of SHBG. This is now defined as a way to determine your level of Insulin Resistance by your levels of SHBG. SHBG has a job, it's job is to bind to Free Androgens. Apparently it has NOTHING to do with diabetes, weight gain etc, except that they know that Insulin & SHBG have an inverse relationship. The more Insulin you put out, the less SHBG you'll produce, thus that leaves more androgens available to convert into DHT (super androgen that loves to boost sebum production).
So, what I don't understand is you do want to believe in something, but why do you only chose to look at one side of this issue? You just accept it. You believe and do everything that they tell you to do, except accutane I guess, and where did it get you? You still have acne. I dont know for how long you've had it, but when does it bother you enough that you will decide to do your own research and see what you can find to help you. Honestly, the only thing that matters is whether or not the reason you still have acne is if it's due to a hormonal imbalance so that you can get the right treatment. If so, while most of these contribute to hyperandrogenism is it due to thyroid problems, cortisol imbalance, hyperinsulinemia....have you ever visited an Endocrinologist to find out?
FYI: Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and the epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the United States: an ecologic assessment. - 2004
[url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15113714[/url]
Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity. - 2004 [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15051594[/url]
Fructose, weight gain, and the insulin resistance syndrome - 2002
[url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12399260[/url]
Effects of high-fructose (90%) corn syrup on plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and normal subjects. - 1989 [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2695593[/url]
Last edited by SweetJade1; 10-18-2004 at 05:15 PM.
I've been getting acne for 12 years and nothing and I mean NOTHING worked on my skin to clear me up and if something did it was temporary. I can say that diet was truly the only thing that cleared my skin, It's very hard to keep it up and occasionally I stray but I always bounce back and it works every time. Thank you sweetjade for your valuable info, it's because of people like you and Prometheus I no longer feel hopeless.
Hey thanks for chiming in =) Hopefully as the government realizes just how significant that statemtent "you are what you eat" is, it will be a lot easier for more people to do the right things, in terms of their health and at reducing acne, because the packaged food will be of "better' quality. Hopefully one day they'll make it so fruits and especially vegetables are more affordable than a loaf of bread. That right there is what most people don't eat, the high fiber, HDL boosting, Antioxidant, Anti-cancer promoting vegetables. We are supposed to have 2/3 our diet in vegetables, and even I'm still guilty of not following it, but I eat more now than I used to ;-)
If you read these posts like I have, you will find that diet does not control acne. Like I said my father had bad cystic acne and ate a diet with very little sugar. Your statement that HFCS does not raise insulin levels is wrong. The reason there are so many fat kids in the USA is the consumption of soft drinks and the insulin rise. I do agree with you that sugar consumtion causes type 2 diabetes.
OMG, so I typed in Acne + Insulin in Pubmed and it gave me over 100 articles, one of which....
The effect of short-term altered macronutrient status on acne vulgaris and biochemical markers of insulin sensitivity. - 2004
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15294556
Go figure it would be in Asia, instead of the U.S., but it's only the short term (7 days) study and so there really aren't any results to report =( Yet they said that it was promising...whatever that means. So I guess we will have to wait until the Long Term study comes out......
If you read these posts like I have, you will find that diet does not control acne. Like I said my father had bad cystic acne and ate a diet with very little sugar. Your statement that HFCS does not raise insulin levels is wrong. The reason there are so many fat kids in the USA is the consumption of soft drinks and the insulin rise. I do agree with you that sugar consumtion causes type 2 diabetes.
Yeah, but according to the studies HFCS doesn't raise insulin levels. But if you look at other studies it says that it's not different than glucose. Personally I feel it's a bad thing, I know it's a bad thing, I believe the studies, and....we actually agree on something....awesome. ;-)
Now, sugar itself isn't my major problem (like 4%), it was specific carbohydrate foods I ate on a daily basis that contributed more so to my Insulin Resistance.
Did your dad ever go on a Low Carb diet, avoid Gluten, or avoid all Grains?
Or All Fruits, as this was a simple enough solution for some people?
Last edited by SweetJade1; 10-18-2004 at 05:39 PM.
