13. HEALING ACNE WITHOUT DRUGS

I can identify with young people who suffer with pimply faces, because I had blemished skin most of my teenage years. I tried several remedies, but none completely eradicated my acne. Today there are powerful drugs which seem to be effective in curing skin problems. One such drug is Absorica.

It appears that we need to search deeper than just having a clear skin when we consider taking Absorica. A  blemished skin hurts the ego immensely, but acne is minor compared to a lifetime of suffering some of the possible side effects as written on the guidelines that come with the drug.

Absorica can harm the vision, even leading to permanent loss of eyesight. The drug can cause hearing loss, which also can be permanent. Another side effect can be serious mental problems such as depression, psychosis and suicidal thoughts. The drug can affect digestion, the bowels and cause chronic constipation. Common side effects are losing hair, dry and bloodshot eyes and dry lips. It is a cause for concern that Accutane, a similar drug, has been taken off the market after many lawsuits were brought against the company.

As those who suffer with acne omit the dangerous drugs, they are not helpless in clearing their skin. Natural remedies sometimes work wonders. One recommendation is to get outdoor exercise and sunshine every day possible. A second vital habit is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to cleanse the inside of the body. Since drinking enough water is so important, the person should pour two quart jars with water at the beginning of every day, then fill the drink cup from that water to make sure to drink the full amount. Water heals a multitude of ills including helping to heal blemished skin.

There are culprit foods that must be eliminated from the diet. The whites—flour, rice, sugar and excess salt. Dairy products are an enemy to be totally shunned. The hormones naturally occurring in milk, plus the IGF growth factor given to cows to make higher production, add hormones to the body that make for a face loaded with zits. Chocolate, spicy foods, fatty foods including peanut butter all seem to trigger acne, thus should be omitted.

After naming the foods that must be left out, we must focus on foods that heal the skin. Vitamin A is an antioxidant nutrient that fights free radicals, thus helping to prevent acne by reducing the production of pore-clogging sebum. Vitamin A helps promote the growth of healthy new skin cells and strengthens skin tissue. Good sources for this vitamin are sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, squash, and dark green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach.

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals, helps prevent damage to cell membranes and helps the skin recover from scarring. Foods containing vitamin E are spinach, collards, kale, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, avocados, broccoli, squash and pumpkin.

One more necessary vitamin is C, which boosts the immune system and strengthens cell walls. These foods protect the face from scarring and activate healing power to mend damaged skin. Vitamin C foods are citrus fruits, strawberries, red bell pepper, papaya, kiwi, guava, Brussels sprouts, and dark leafy greens like kale and spinach.

The manganese found in walnuts, almonds, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, legumes, oatmeal, brown rice, spinach and kale fights powerfully against acne.

The selenium in Brazil nuts, almonds, onions, garlic, whole grains, raisins and radishes preserves skin elasticity and reduces inflammation.

The omega 3 in flaxseed, walnuts and chia seed reduces inflammation.

All who suffer with skin problems should be inspired to learn to cook with the above listed vegan foods, because PLANT FOOD FIGHTS ACNE TO THE DEATH!

SPINACH-BLACKBERRY SALAD
6 c baby spinach
1 c fresh blackberries
1 c cherry tomatoes halved
1 green onion diced
1/4 c finely chopped walnuts
Toss ingredients together, then stir in the dressing.
DRESSING
2 T olive oil
2 T lemon juice
1 T honey
1 garlic clove minced
1/4 t salt
TASTY GREENS STEW
Saute in 1 T olive oil:
1 chopped minced garlic
2 fresh bunches of spinach (or any greens) washed and chopped
Add:
6 c water
2 c diced potatoes
1 T chickenlike seasoning
1 16-oz can garbanzo beans with liquid
1/2 c crushed garlic/parsley angel hair pasta
1 16-oz can Italian stewed tomatoes
salt to taste
Simmer 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked.