When it comes to problem skin, I’m a huge advocate of locating the source of the issue rather than masking it with products.
More frequently than you would imagine, the root of many skin problems is internal – and can be treated through diet.
I speak to customers on a daily basis who’ve transformed their skin by eliminating certain foods.
Dairy as a skin trigger
Dairy has long been recognised as a potential trigger for skin conditions, particularly those worsened by inflammation, such as acne, eczema and rosacea.
While alkaline outside the body, dairy becomes acidic in the stomach – and can impede the body’s natural detoxification process.
The strongest links lie between the consumption of dairy and acne. The consumption of milk and other fermented dairy products can cause hormonal imbalances that stimulate the overproduction of sebum, leading to blocked pores and congested skin.
Health benefits
Many who decide to eliminate dairy from their diets have found symptoms such as nausea and stress have decreased. They have also reported better sleeping patterns and higher energy levels.
In time, sodium levels in the bloodstream lower and cholesterol can also be greatly reduced.
Following a dairy-free diet can be hugely beneficial for those with digestive problems. Around 75% of the world population cannot properly digest dairy and it acts as an irritant for conditions such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), which up to 20% of the UK population suffer from.
A Dairy-free diet
Switching to a dairy-free diet takes some getting used to! However, there are fabulous alternatives to dairy easily available. Almond, soya and coconut milk are all delicious and work well with cereal and in hot drinks.
There are also the options of nut butter, coconut cream, soya yoghurt, rice milk and oat milk – so you don’t have to miss out!
Do remember that dairy provides essential nutrients like calcium and potassium, which must be supplemented in order to keep the body healthy.
Things to consider
Going dairy-free is not for everyone.
Our stomach, triggers and digestion are as unique as a fingerprint, so something that may work for another may be completely wrong for you.
Let me stress – there is little clinical evidence linking dairy to conditions such as acne, rosacea and eczema.
However, many doctors and nutritionists will recommends an exclusion diet based on experience and anecdotal evidence alone.
When making any drastic changes to your diet, I would always recommend consulting a doctor or nutritionist beforehand.
So, does anyone follow a dairy free diet? Have you found it has changed your skin? I’d love to know!
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