When my son played Ice Hockey as a teenager, he went away on weekends for back to back games. He always returned very spotty. When he was at home, his diet was dictated by us and was very good but when away he ate lots of junk food high in carbohydrate.

It has always been my belief that there is a very strong link between acne and diet. A study done recently has made things a lot clearer. The prevalence of acne, a distressing skin condition, is very high. It is estimated that 79 to 95% of adolescents, 40 to 54% aged 25 and older, 12% of women and 3% men in their middle age have acne.

No one knows the true cause of acne. The distribution globally of acne raises the possibility that low carbohydrate intake is responsible for the lower incidence of acne in non-Western countries. The theory is that high carbohydrate intake causes raised Insulin level (Hyperinsulinemia). High Insulin levels is an important part of acne in general because it affects androgenic hormones and growth factor.

In a 12 week study, Dr. Robyn. N. Smith and colleagues, from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, gave 43 male adult acne patients, aged between 15 and 25, a randomised low glycemic load diet (25% energy from protein and 45% from low glycemic index carbohydrates) and a control diet rich in carbohydrate dense foods without consideration of the glycemic index. The results published in the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed the low glycemic diet was associated with a significant reduction in total acne compared with the normal diet

This randomised trial was the first to look at acne and the specific effect low glycemic index food have.

In a press release, Dr Smith and his colleagues said, “Although we could not isolate the effect of the low glycemic load diet from that of weight loss, the findings support the hypothesis of a relationship between acne and high insulin levels and acne.”

Low glycemic load foods are rich in complex carbohydrates and release sugar into the blood stream slowly. This reduces the peak level of insulin. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels but it also affects sex and growth hormones.

Glycemic Index is a value obtained by monitoring blood sugar after eating the food. Low Glycemic Index: 55 and lower. Medium Glycemic Index: 56 to 69. High Glycemic Index: 70 +

Low GI Foods. All-bran (UK) 30 Oat bran 50 Rolled Oats 51 Whole Wheat 49 Special K (UK) 54 Natural Muesli 40 Porridge 58 Soya and Linseed 36 Wholegrain Pumpernickel 46 Heavy Mixed Grain 45 Frozen Green Peas 39 Frozen Sweet Corn 47 Tomatoes 15 Raw Carrots 16 Broccoli 10 Boiled Carrots 41 Cauliflower 15 Cabbage 10 Mushrooms 10 Lettuce 10 Green Beans 15 Red Peppers 10 Onions 10 Chillies 10

HGI (High Glycemic Index) Foods. Pretzels 83 Rice Cakes 87 Glutinous Rice 86 Short Grain White Rice 83 Tapioca 70 Scones 92 Fresh Mashed Potatoes 73 French Fries 75 Donuts 76 Instant Mashed Potatoes 80 Watermelon 80 Dates 103 Instant White Rice 87

To knock spots off your teenage child or yourself, eats cereals and beans regularly and avoid white bread, burgers, and French fries.