|
DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: ACNE
Description: Acne is an inflammatory
skin disorder caused by the sebaceous gland, located at the bottom of
each hair follicle, becoming trapped with natural oils, causing
bacterial buildup and inflammation. Sebaceous glands are found in large
numbers on the face, back, chest and shoulders. The skin is the largest
organ of the body. One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the
body’s toxic waste products through sweating. If the body contains
more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the
skin takes over. As toxins escape through the skin, they disrupt the
skin’s healthy integrity. This is a key factor behind many skin
disorders, including acne. Dirt, dust, oils, and grime from pollution
can clog the pores.
Symptoms: Inflamed spots or elevations either on or under
the skin. Blackheads form when the oil combines with skin pigments and
gets trapped.
Incidence: About 80 percent of all Americans between the ages of
twelve and twenty-four are afflicted with acne.
Causes: The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that
contribute to it include heredity, oily skin, and androgens. Acne is
more common in males because androgens (male sex hormones) like
testosterone stimulate the production of keratin and sebum, which leads
to clogged pores. During puberty, androgens increase in both sexes,
making girls in this age group more susceptible as well. Many women
suffer premenstrual acne flare-ups that are prompted by the release of
progesterone after ovulation. Oral contraceptives high in progesterone
may cause breakouts as well. Other factors are allergies; stress; the
use of certain drugs; over-consumption of junk foods, saturated fats,
hydrogenated fats, and animal products; nutritional deficiencies;
exposure to industrial pollutants; the use of cosmetics; and
over-washing or repeated rubbing of the skin.
Treatments: Diet and nutritional therapy, combined with various
topical treatments (prescribed by a health care professional for severe
cases), can bring relief.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
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Chromium picolinate
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As directed on label
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Aids in reducing infections of the skin
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Essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil and primrose oil are good
choices).
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As directed on label
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To supply essential gamma-linolenic acid, needed to keep the
skin smooth and soft, repair damaged skin cells, and dissolve
fatty deposits that block pores.
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Vitamin B complex
Plus extra
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
And
Pantothenic acid (B5)
And
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
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100 mg. 3 times daily.
100 mg. 3 times daily. Do not exceed this amount.
50 mg. 3 times daily.
50 mg. 3 times daily.
|
Important for healthy skin tone. Use a high-potency formula.
Improves blood flow to the surface of the skin. Caution: Do
not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high
blood pressure.
The anti-stress vitamin.
Involved in cellular reproduction. Deficiencies have been
associated with acne.
|
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Zinc
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30-80 mg. daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg. daily from
all supplements.
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Aids in healing of tissue and helps prevent scarring. A
necessary element in the oil-producing glands of the skin.
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Garlic
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2 capsules 3 times daily with meals.
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Destroys bacteria and enhances immune function.
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Potassium
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99 mg. daily
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Deficiency has been associated with acne.
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Vitamin A
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25,000 IU daily until healed, then reduce to 5,000 IU daily.
(If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.
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Antioxidants and precursors of Vitamin A
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Vitamin E
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400 IU daily
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An antioxidant that enhances healing.
|
Herbs:
 | Burdock root and red clover are powerful blood cleansers. Milk
thistle aids the liver in cleansing the blood.
| A poultice using chaparral, dandelion, and yellow dock root can be
applied directly to the skin with acne.
| Lavender, red clover, and strawberry leaves can be used as a steam
sauna for the face. Simmer 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs
in 2 quarts or water. When the pot is steaming, place it on top of a
thick potholder on a table, and sit with your fact at a comfortable
distance over the steam for 15 minutes. You can use a tower to trap
the steam if you wish. After 15 minutes, splash your face with cold
water. Caution: If acne is extensive or badly inflamed, do not
use steam treatments, as this may worsen the condition.
| Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Dab
full-strength tea tree oil sparingly on blemishes three times a day,
or add 1 dropperful of tea tree oil to ¼ cup warm water and pat it on
the affected area with a clean cotton ball.
| Other beneficial herbs include alfalfa, cayenne, dandelion root and
echinacea. |
| | | |
Recommendations:
Include the following in your diet:
| Fiber, important for ridding the body of toxins.
|
| Raw foods that contain oxalic acid, including almonds, beets,
cashews and Swiss chard. Spinach and rhubarb also contain oxalic
acid, but should be eaten in small amounts only.
|
| Foods rich in zinc, including shellfish, soybeans, whole grains,
and sunflower seeds. Zinc is an antibacterial agent and necessary
element in the oil-producing glands of he skin.
|
| Soured products, such as low-fat yogurt, to maintain healthy
intestinal flora. |
Avoid the following:
| Alcohol, caffeine, and soft drinks.
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| Fats, especially saturated animal fats, butter, shortenings,
margarine, fried foods.
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| Cheese, eggs, and cream.
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| Hot and spicy foods.
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| All forms of sugar. Sugar impairs immune function.
|
| All processed foods and iodized salt. These contain high levels of
iodine, which is known to worsen acne. For the same reason, avoid
fish, kelp, and onions.
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| Topical steroids, which can aggravate acne.
|
| Do not squeeze the spots. To do so is to risk increasing the
inflammation by causing breaks in the skin in which harmful bacteria
can lodge. Do not touch the affected area unless your hands have
been thoroughly cleaned.
|
| Keep the affected area as free of oil as possible. Shampoo your
hair frequently. Use an all-natural soap with sulfur that is
designed for acne (available at health food stores). Wash skin
thoroughly but gently; never rub hard as vigorous scrubbing can make
acne worse.
|
| Avoid wearing makeup. If you must wear cosmetics, use only
natural, water-based products. Wash and dip makeup applicator
brushes and sponges in alcohol after each use to avoid
contamination.
|
| If you must shave an area of skin affected by acne, use a standard
blade and shave in the direction of hair growth.
|
| Avoid stress as much as possible. Many dermatologists also
recommend fifteen minutes of sunshine each day, regular exercise,
and sufficient sleep for people with acne. |
Considerations:
| For severe acne, the drug isotretinoin (Accutane) cures or greatly
reduces acne in about 90% of people who use it, but it can cause side
effects like dry skin and nosebleeds. It can also be dangerous if a
woman taking this drug becomes pregnant, because it can cause severe
birth defects, such as fetal brain deformities.
| The treatment of choice for moderate cases of acne is topical
tretinoin (Retin-A). Like Accutane, it should not be used during
pregnancy. In addition, it causes extreme vulnerability to sun damage.
| Antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for
acne. If you must take antibiotics, it is wise to take some form of
acidophilus because antibiotics kill "friendly" bacteria
along with "unfriendly" bacteria.
| Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter
acne products. It can be helpful, but it is extremely drying and can
cause allergic reactions. It should not be applied near the eyes or
mouth.
| Picking, squeezing, or scratching blemishes or blackheads may cause
scarring.
| Niacinamide is a major nutrient in the repair of any skin condition
because it brings fresh, healthy blood to the surface of the skin.
| Kombucha tea, which has antibacterial and immune boosting
properties, has been found by many people to be beneficial for acne. |
| | | | | |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
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Product No
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Description
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Comments
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Cost
|
|
943-12
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Chromium Picolinate capsules 200 mcg.
|
As directed on label
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$4.95/60
|
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111-15
|
Flaxseed oil 1000 mg. softgels
|
As directed on label
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$7.95/100
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890-15
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B Complex 100 mg. tablets
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1 tablet 3 times daily
|
$8.95/100
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926-15
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Niacinamide 100 mg. Tabs.
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1 tablet 3 times daily
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$2.95/100
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888-12
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B5 Pantothenic Acid 500 mg.
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1 tablet 3 times daily
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$6.50/60
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836-15
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B6 50 mg. tablets
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1 tablet 3 times daily
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$3.35/100
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923-15
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Zinc gluconate 50 mg. tablets
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1 tablet daily
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$4.95/100
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978-15
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Garlic 400 mg. odor free tablets
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2 tablets 3 times daily
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$5.50/100
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248-15
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Potassium Gluconate 595 mg. tablets
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1 tablet daily
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$2.00/100
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958-15
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Vitamin A Natural 10,000 IU softgels
|
Start with 2 softgels daily until healed; then reduce to 1
softgel daily
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$3.95/100
|
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234-15
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Vitamin E 400 IU (d-alpha Tocopherol)
|
1 softgel daily
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$8.95/100
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Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
Alternative Medicine, The Definitive
Guide
Compiled by Burton Goldberg |
