It’s your wedding day, and you want to look flawless. Period. No bride ever wants to deal with dark spots, acne, blemishes, and dark circles on their big day. But do you know that you can avoid it all by making a few lifestyle changes, following a balanced diet, and diving deep into a customised skincare routine that will benefit you?
HerZindagi spoke to functional nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan, CEO and Founder, iThrive, to understand what foods brides-to-be must avoid to prepare their skin for the wedding. She said, “Acne, a common skin condition, is primarily caused by the overproduction of sebum (skin oil) and the clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells and bacteria. Your diet strongly influences the development and severity of acne.”
Below mentioned are food items that can exacerbate acne by increasing dysfunctional sebum and inflammation.
Seed Oils Can Cause Inflammation
The expert said that cooking oils like corn oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil contain omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation. Instead of these, you can pick healthier options like coconut oil and ghee for cooking. They contain healthy fats.
Processed Foods Lead To Acne
Processed foods like carbonated drinks, burgers, pizzas, candy bars, biscuits, etc. contain refined sugar and seed oils in large amounts. It leads to inflammation and acne. Some people experience acne all over their face if they overdo it with processed food.
Soy Products Cause Hormonal Imbalance
The expert pointed out that soy-based products are associated with disrupting hormonal balance. It can affect your body adversely and lead to painful acne and other skin ailments.
Dairy Products Can Cause Allergy
Dairy products like milk and paneer, if consumed in excess amounts, can trigger acne. Many people are lactose intolerant, making them allergic to dairy items. If you are consuming well-sourced raw dairy products, you might be fine. Studies suggest that milk can lead to hormonal imbalance among many, which can contribute to inflammation too.
Corns Are Genetically Processed
We might think that corn is healthy, but Pradhan said that they can be genetically processed or modified. Therefore, brides-to-be must avoid them or limit their consumption weeks before their big day.
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Gluten Can Lead To Acne Flare-Ups
Gluten in wheat flour (atta), all-purpose flour (maida), and other food items can lead to acne flare-ups. Many people have an allergy to this component, and if they consume gluten, it can make them sick. If you also have gluten (Gluten-Free Diet) sensitivity, you must try alternatives like quinoa, rice, oats, etc.
Refined Sugar Can Cause Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Refined sugar is categorised under high-glycemic foods. This also includes soda and sugary cereals. The expert added that these items are associated with causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels that can lead to acne.
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Pradhan added, “While avoiding these foods will help reduce and manage acne for most people, certain cases require more targeted care. Consult with a good functional medicine practitioner to uncover and address your underlying root causes and health imbalances.”