Natural Ways to Treat Acne
A large majority of the population has suffered from an embarrassing case of acne at one time or another. In fact, some have had such bad problems with the condition that they must resort to using potent and even dangerous drugs and chemicals in hope of keeping the condition in check. Many individuals are unaware that there are more natural, and just as effective, ways to treat acne without the harmful and annoying side effects associated with prescription medications.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and helps in the elimination of toxins and waste through sweating. The skin must be recruited to help out in the elimination and detoxification process if the kidneys and liver are over burdened or worn out. When the skin is working in this capacity, acne is sometimes the result.
Therefore, in the case of acne, it is crucial that the skin not
be called upon to function as
part of the elimination and
detoxification system. To
do this, the liver and kidneys
must be strengthened and
cleansed, so that they can
handle the amount of work
required on their own.
Additionally, the hormones of
the body must be brought back
into balance (when they are out
of balance the kidneys and liver
have to do extra work), as well
as improving the overall diet of
the individual (again, with a
poor or unhealthy diet, the
liver and kidneys are
overworked).
Methods to strengthen the liver, kidneys and all other bodily organs, include adding key minerals and vitamins to the body. This can be done through supplementation or through diet modification. The nutrients which should be increased include Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E. These can be taken as a pill or by increasing the quantity of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and beans eaten each day. Consider removing all refined and processed foods from the diet and replacing them with whole foods, fruits and vegetables plus at least eight glasses of water each day. If this is not possible, think about adding a multi-vitamin to the diet.
As far as minerals and other nutritional compounds go, the important ones include zinc and essential fatty acids. Zinc can be found in most meat products, beans, nuts, peas, oatmeal, zinc-fortified breakfast cereals, whole wheat bread, milk, spinach and most seafood (oysters, crabmeat, lobster and salmon).
Foods containing the best sources of essential fatty acids are flax seeds or flax seed oil, canola oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybeans, walnuts, dark-green leafy vegetables, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.
In addition to implementing dietary changes, herbal therapy is extremely beneficial in strengthening, cleansing and tonifying the kidneys and liver and returning them to full power so that the skin does not have to work as hard in the elimination process.
Herbal remedies include dandelion, milk thistle, red clover and burdock root. These herbs can be consumed through teas, tinctures or as pills. It is best to work with an individual who is experienced and knowledgeable in the dosing of these supplements to determine which herb is right for you.
By eating a healthier, more
wholesome diet and adding herbs
to improve the functioning of
the elimination and
detoxification systems, the
appearance of acne is sure to
decrease and possibly even
disappear after a short period
of time. As with any
change in diet, please first
consult your doctor.
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