Fibre and probiotics for acne-free skin
It’s been nearly a month since I’ve completed my detox and I thought I’ll update on the state of my skin now. Well, my skin condition has improved, thanks to a dietary change as well. The acne continued to erupt about a week after the detox but has since stopped and are clearing up. When I wash my face now, I no longer feel new bumps which I was plagued with on a daily basis. And I’ll also venture to say that my skin tone looks healthier too. So what sort of dietary change did I make to enhance the benefits of the detox?
1. Taking soluble and insoluble fibre
I increased my intake of fibre. I realized that constipation was causing a build-up of toxins in my body and while the detox had helped to purge some of them, I had to continue or revert back to the same old issue. So instead of eating white rice, I went back to eating brown rice. I increased my intake of fruits and I also ate chick peas frequently. And lo and behold, I was going to the toilet big time! As many of you are aware, the main function of fibre is to aid digestion and keep the digestive system healthy and functioning properly. Waste and toxins shouldn’t be sitting in our intestine for too long and fibre intake can speed up the excretion of such waste and toxins from the body. I also learnt that insoluble fibre such as brown rice and chick peas that I was taking promotes the growth of a certain friendly bacteria that ferments and makes the waste material soft and bulky, which in turn helps it to pass through the intestines quicker to the bowel and out of the body. On the other hand, soluble fibre such as fruits, vegetables and also chick peas help slow down digestion and the sudden release of energy, especially from carbohydrates into the bloodstream. This means that blood sugar levels are more stable, which is really good for people with acne. And overall, I was feeling a lot more energetic on a daily basis.
2. Taking a probiotic supplement
Immediately after my 14-day detox program, I started taking Kordel’s Mega Acidophilus, a multi-strain probiotic formula that promotes friendly bacteria found in our gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the colon – helping to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by suppressing the growth of pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The formula comprises of a blend of 4 specially cultured strains of beneficial intestinal bacteria with fructo-oligossacharides (FOS). L. rhamnosus helps to prevent absorption of toxins. L. acidophilus helps to keep a proper pH balance in the small intestine, inhibiting yeast growth. L. casei and B. longum help support immunity against bacterial and viral infections.
Improve intestinal health
So all in all, I was basically bent on improving the condition of my intestines as I suspected that I was accumulating too much toxins that contributed to my acne. Because our skin is considered the largest organ of the body, it is also the largest detoxifying organ in the body next to the liver. So what the liver cannot handle, the skin takes over. Funnily enough, I read in a forum that thinner people may suffer from a severe breakout of acne when the body tries to purge out the toxins. This is apparently because the toxins has nowhere else to purge. I don’t know if this is true but it certainly applied to me!
A firm commitment to change
If you’ve acne issues and you also have poor intestinal health, you may like to increase your fibre intake. There is apparently a great connection between fibre and acne and personally, I think it’s true for me. In the past, I kept thinking I was suffering from hormonal imbalance but it could have been the toxins in the body wreaking havoc. And since embarking on my detox program, I’ve also made a paradigm shift in my lifestyle. Apart from eating healthy foods, I’ve also started exercising and as you know, perspiration is a way to purge out toxins from our body too. Well, I’ll cover the exercise bit in another post soon.
You can check out my experience on detox here:
Detox for better health & skin
Detox to lose weight and feel good
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Great article!!!
I suffer from breakouts one year after my first and second preganacy. Hair loss too. I reckon it’s the hormones that was wreaking havoc in my system. It usually takes a year to 18 months to resolve. However, during the period I was frustrated and at a loss of what to do. Now that I just gave birth to my third one, I worry that I’ll go through the same thing again. I’ll try your diet meanwhile to see if I could avert this ‘tragedy’ to my skin and hair department, ?
Yours sounds like hormonal imbalance so not sure if this diet would help you. But other than keeping the skin care, taking fibre and probiotics can keep our system healthy so it’s good for our body too.
Hope your system will be on track soon. I had some skin issues after my pregnancy and only cleared like 6 years later. Luckily it was on my body.
I used to take probiotics for chronic YI and noticed a remarkable difference in the amount of acne i got. I can’t take it these days because it gives me a headache, my diet/lifestyle is very different now though. Anyway, I totally agree with all the recommendations! Healthy living all the way!
I have an off topic question though Senora Viva. Do you know of any green/healthy alternatives to petrolatum?
That’s great that it is working for you! ?
I am also trying to increase my fiber intake. I have IBS…and there is really no other treatment than more fiber! lol.
I also think that probiotics is very good for health. I know it’s not quite the same, but I have been starting to eat plain, sugar/fruit free, active culture organic yogurt everyday as well!
Active cultured organic yogurt is good. I don’t like yogurt though and capsules are more convenient for me.
Alternatives would be beewax…commonly used in lip balms. It can be mixed with glycerin or olive oil for example.
i should eat fiber… it’s one of those thing u kept saying to yourself u need to eat more but when u r at the grocery store u ended up reaching for other food items.. lol..
Haha…I know what you mean. I never felt an immense need for them until recently when I discovered that they’ll help my skin condition. My mentality was probably one of – what you don’t see, you don’t care.
This sounds good. I read that it also helps with bloated stomach and I tend to have stomach problems too. It sounds really good if I can get all that rubbish out of my body. at times I feel like my body feels so heavy..and there’s my pimple prone skin too! thanks for the intro. I wonder if you could give me insight into the price for the probiotics. I shall increase my fruits intakes too. I stopped for a few days. Better start again!
The one I bought as you see in the pic is from Watsons…I think it’s lesser than $25 cos I got it cheaper due to a discount. I saw one at GNC for about $33 and it’s 90 capsules. But I didn’t note if it’s one per day.
Hi, i like your blog. Very informative. Just want to comment that i totally agree that high intake of fibre has a direct relation in achieving healthy skin. When i was having healthy mixed green salads with lean protein for lunch 3 to 4 times a week, not only did i get back my pre-pregnancy weight, my skin was probably at its best! Sad to say that i have since fallen of the wagon and the change of diet is reflected in my skin…sign…
Time to get back? ?
Hi Sesame,
just started on my Kordel’s Mega Acidophilus! Anyways, just to share, I was wondering when it’s the best time to take this supplement and came across many links that suggested acidophilus to be taken on an empty stomach for best results as the acidity level of an empty stomach will help to plant the acidophilus on the intestines better.
I haven’t really read about the best time. But I have always taken it at least an hour or two after breakfast. Hmm…I shall try to take it on a empty stomach in future. Thanks for sharing!
Yeap…try goggling “acidophilus on empty stomach” when you have the time. I will try to take it first thing in the morning from tmrw. ?
Okay, good luck! It’s going to be my long term supplement.
Hello!
I’ve recently bought the Kordel’s mega acidophilus and have taken it for about three days already.
Do you reckon one has to take it daily for a long long time….or simply periodically when the need arises?
I’m planning to take this long term because probiotics is afterall good for us so it will help our intestinal health. I have seen a drastic improvement in my skin after starting on it and so I’m definitely continuing. Into my 2nd bottle now.
Hi,
May I know whether how often you consume chick peas? Do I need to boil/cook them?
Thanks!
Yes, you have to soak them for half a day at least and then steam them until soft – about 20 mins to 30 mins. You can also soak them overnight.
I used to eat them on alternate days and then about twice a week. It all depends. They’re quite tasty so you can eat them daily.
Is it completely safe for anyone to take probiotics? I recently broke out with lots of pimples on my inner cheeks and forehead… ? I’m taking some antibiotics for my skin too…. I’m thinking of finding an alternative instead of taking pills again….
It’s pretty safe as far as I know but of course, it depends on your state of health.
I have had a rash on my lower right side of my stomach for over 1 months I showed it to my doctor 3 weeks ago he just gave me a cream and it do not work now in the past 2 weeks it has started spreading now on both side of my lower stomach hips and lower back under my boobs and under my arms by my arm pits seems to itch more at night. Any idea what it may be. I also was just disnosed with fatty liver and mild scaring do u think its related
I have no idea but it sounds like you need medical attention. Have you seen the doctor again?
Hi Sesame! I am interested in taking a probiotic for my acne. Do you have a recommendation for products in the US? Or tell me what to look for as I am not really familiar with probiotics. Thank you!
Check the probiotics at iHerb. You should be able to find the best selling one.