Phases of Life – Page 3 – Abundant Health

Acne takes worldwide the top position of all dermatological diagnoses. 80 – 85% of all teenagers suffer from acne to a greater or lesser extent. Inadequate treatment in more severe cases can lead to physical and psychological consequences. It is generally believed that acne is a disease of puberty. But adults and already toddlers can suffer from it.

Most of those affected in the second decade of life have a mild form of acne. The clinical presentation mostly regresses between the ages of 20 and 25. 30% have courses that require specialized medical treatment.

Acne is caused by a combination of several pathophysiological factors: overproduction of skin fats by the sebaceous glands of the skin, cornification disorders and microbial colonization of the sebaceous gland sheath as well as inflammatory changes. During puberty, the production of male sex hormones, so-called androgens, increases in boys and girls. The sebaceous glands are thus stimulated to increase the production of sebum. The oily skin has a stronger cornification on the surface than dry or normal skin, which results in a narrowing of the excretory ducts. The skin fat is therefore very difficult to excrete and accumulates.

For the further course of the inflammatory process, it plays a role whether excessive colonization of bacteria can occur. As a metabolic product, free fatty acids are produced, which irritate the surrounding tissue. Initially, red nodules (papules) form, which can become ulcerated and then turn into pustules.

Types of Acne

Forms of acne can be classified by cause, age or severity of occurrence.

Acne neonatorum and acne infantum are forms that affect newborns and children. The formation is usually minor and healing occurs spontaneously, unless there are serious hormonal disorders. Acne vulgaris occurs during puberty and often extends into adulthood (acne tarda). It develops in the areas rich in sebaceous glands on the face, neck, chest and back.

The non-inflammatory comedonic acne only forms blackheads (comedones) or at most lightly inflamed papules (skin thickening). Papulopustular acne is the transition to inflammatory pustules and papules. The severe form is acne conglobata with large inflammatory nodules, abscesses, fistulas and scars.

Acne caused by environmental causes can in principle occur at any age. Acne aestivalis is also called Mallorca acne. It occurs after intense exposure to UV rays. Acne cosmetica occurs after long-term application of high-fat cosmetics. Acne medicamentosa is caused by drugs containing barbiturates, lithium or corticosteroids, misuse of anabolic steroids or overdoses of vitamins B6 and B12. People who take higher doses of vitamin D also suffer from acne more often.

Acne venenata is contact acne that can be triggered by chlorine, tar or lubricating oils. This list is not complete, but it should suffice to illustrate the wide range of causes and manifestations.

Consequences and Complications

Inflammation caused by acne can be accompanied by redness, swelling, and pressure pain. In the case of major inflammation, swelling of the lymph nodes can also occur. Squeezing out blackheads and pustules can lead to smear infections and boil formation. Severe forms of acne are associated with scarring. Psychological and social problems can arise. Those affected feel stigmatized or bullied. Self-esteem suffers. The pressure of suffering is often very high.

Acne and Diet

The influence of diet is still widely discussed, for the reason that there are not enough studies on the subject. The few studies show that there is a link between the consumption of dairy products and the formation of acne.((Adebamowo C et.al. High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.08.007
LaRosa C et.al. Consumption of dairy in teenagers with and without acne. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.04.030
Landro A et.al. Family history, body mass index, selected dietary factors, menstrual history, and risk of moderate to severe acne in adolescents and young adults. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2012.02.018)) It is more pronounced in girls than in boys. It is not the fat content of the milk that matters, but the hormones in the milk. These are not associated with fat but with whey proteins. Even whey protein supplements manifested the same effects.((Pontes T et.al. Incidence of acne vulgaris in young adult users of protein-calorie supplements in the city of João Pessoa–PB. DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132024)) Milk also contains other bioactive molecules such as steroids and growth factors that could also play a role in the development of acne.

What role milk really plays can vary from person to person. Certainly it is worth trying to avoid dairy products for a few weeks. My daughter had suffered badly from acne. Whenever she has completely canceled dairy products, her skin became very beautiful. But if she was careless, she spontaneously deteriorated. She also ate a lot of boiled carrots during this difficult time, and the beta carotene in them is the precursor of vitamin A. Vitamin A is very important for the skin structure. If there is a vitamin A deficiency, infections occur. Apricots, mangoes, oranges, peppers, spinach and Swiss chard also contain many carotenoids.

Salt should not be used too much, as high salt consumption promotes fluid retention in the skin, which can worsen inflammation of the sebaceous glands.

A fiber-rich diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, legumes and grains is appropriate because the fiber binds hormones such as androgens and excretes them. One study shows that blood serum and urine levels of androgens are lower in people who eat a high fiber diet.

Omega 3 fatty acids also play a role. They have anti-inflammatory and inhibitory effects on the formation of leukotriene B4, which together with the androgens stimulate the production of sebum. Omega 6 fatty acids on the other hand have an inflammatory effect and will increase acne formation.((Cordain L. Implications for the role of diet in acne. DOI: 10.1016/j.sder.2005.04.002)) Omega 3 fatty acids are found in nuts, flaxseed, chia, wheat germ as well as flax, chia, hemp, canola, walnut and wheat germ oil. Teenagers who eat a lot of saltwater fish high in omega 3 fatty acids have significantly less acne. But fish is no longer recommended today because of the high levels of heavy metals.

Chia as Omega 3 source - Photo by Polina Kovaleva from Pexels

Lukotrienes are tissue hormones derived from arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acids occur in very high quantities in lard and hard cheeses such as Emmental. They should be avoided in acne and all other inflammatory processes.

There was found a link between eating chocolate and the development of acne. This was true also for the consumption of dark chocolate and pure cocoa powder.((Vongraviopap S. et.al. Dark chocolate exacerbates acne. DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13188
Caperton C et.al. Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Assessing the Effect of Chocolate Consumption in Subjects with a History of Acne Vulgaris. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 May;7(5):19-23. PMCID: PMC4025515)) The consumption of fat, sugar and other refined products was associated as well with a higher risk of acne.((Aksu A et.al. Acne: prevalence and relationship with dietary habits in Eskisehir, Turkey. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04329.x)) This might be due to the increased release of insulin, which in turn makes the androgen hormones more active.((Julson E. Top 7 Foods That Can Cause Acne. Healthline, January 24, 2018))

Soybeans and derived products can have a beneficial effect. They contain phytoestrogens, which help to achieve a hormonal balance. Tumeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and probiotics can help as well to control inflammation. Vitamin A, D, E and zinc can help to strengthen the immune system and fight the bacteria involved in acne formation.((Julson E. Top 7 Foods That Can Cause Acne. Healthline, January 24, 2018))

Lifestyle Factors

Unfortunately, many teenagers suffering from acne smoke. High levels of arachidonic acid and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been found in cigarette smoke. These substances promote the development of inflammatory tissue hormones. The motto: “You are fine without smoke” should be spread much more widely among young people for many reasons.

Many acne patients have noticed for themselves that stress plays a large role. Around exam dates and in girls around the time of their menses, pustules can really flourish. If a new pimple is found on the nose in front of the mirror, it can be very stressful. It shows who has a good self-esteem or whether this nonsense on the nose can throw you off track.

The acne years coincide with the problem years due to the detachment from the parental home. This can involve a large amount of stress. An open ear within family circles and a more relaxed approach to the social pressures can help a lot. In a difficult case, you should seek professional help.

Pharmacological Treatment

Any treatment for acne requires patience. In difficult cases, you should work with a dermatologist. There are many active ingredients that suppress sebum production and normalize the cornification process. Alpha-hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, linoleic acid creams, retinoids (vitamin E), isotretionin, salicylic acid, zinc and zinc compounds, hormones in women and antibiotics in severe cases are some of the agents used. The treatment depends on the clinical manifestations and is arranged together with the doctor. False concepts and expectations are widespread. Realistic goals must be explained and the patient’s personal responsibility must be emphasized. But before you shoot cannons on flies, it is advisable to first take a close look at your diet and lifestyle. Because many of the drugs also have side effects.

Recipe for an Acne Treatment Mask

Acne treatment mask - Foto by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Use Luvos healing earth or powdered clay, amount as required
Mix with herbal tea until you have a spreadable mass.
Apply the compound to the affected areas using a brush, spatula or spoon.
Leave it until the mask is largely dry and then rub it off with your fingers to peel the skin at the same time. Then wash off the residue or wipe it off with a damp cosmetic tissue.

Herbs that are good for making the herbal tea for the pack: thyme, rosemary, peppermint, witch hazel
If the skin is rather sensitive: use sage or chamomile tea.
If you want, you can also take a facial steam bath before the pack with the mentioned teas.

Recipes

The beta carotene of carrots is absorbed better if they are cooked. It is though important to not cook them excessively, but preferably just cook them tender in steam, in order to not leak out the nutrients.

Carrot Spread

2 large carrots
2 garlic cloves
1 small onion
1 large tomato
1 pinch of salt
2 tbs. olive oil
1 pinch of oregano optional
1 tsp. nutritional yeast

Cook the carrot with little water
Saute the onion and garlic without oil, then add tomatoes, salt and oregano
Blend the carrot with a little cooking water
Add the remaining ingredients and blend well
Add the olive oil

DiabeticDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, VeganDiet

Carrot Sushi

1 large carrot
rice (tofu or guacamole for filling)

Cut the carrot into thin slices. At best use a slicer to slice the carrot lengthwise.
Steam for 10 minutes.
Roll in the form of sushi.
Stuff with cooked rice, tofu or guacamole.

Carrot Sweet Balls

1 large grated carrot
4 tablespoons shredded coconut
3 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

Grate the carrot with a fine grater.
In a frying pan cook the carrot and sugar and stir to avoid sticking.
Cover for a few minutes over low heat.
When the carrot is cooked and starting to dry, add the grated coconut and stir for a few minutes until it starts to bind.
Allow to cool slightly and mold into balls.

Dessert

GlutenFreeDiet, LowFatDiet, VeganDiet

Carrot Bread

2 large carrots
1 cup of oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cut the carrots into slices.
Cook until well cooked. You do not need to remove the skin.
Smash the carrots while still hot with a fork.
Add salt to taste and oatmeal until you achieve the right consistency. The dough is a little sticky. Wait about 5 minutes, as the oats absorb moisture and the dough will be easier to shape.
Mold in the shape of small balls.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

Eat preferably warm.

Appetizer

DiabeticDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, LowFatDiet, VeganDiet

Now we want a few recipes who provide us with good sources of Omega 3.

Chia Yogurt

1 cup of coconut milk
4 tablespoon chia
1 small mango
1 chopped apple
¼ cup of raisins

Put the coconut milk into a container and stir in the chia until it is well mixed.
Take to the refrigerator for 6 hours or until the next day.
Afterward mix with sliced mango, apple and raisins.
If you prefer, place in a bowl layers of chia yogurt interspersed with the fruit. Serve pure or with granola.

Breakfast

DiabeticDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet

Flaxseed Salt

The flaxseed salt can be used like sesame salt as a seasoning for salads and other dishes

½ cup flaxseed
1 tbsp salt

Put the flaxseed into a skillet and roast for a few minutes on low heat, stirring every few seconds.
When seeds start to pop in larger quantity, put on a lid and take the skillet off the heat.
Let the seeds cool to room temperature.
Transfer seeds to a spice grinder and mix with the salt.
Pulse for a few seconds. If needed repeat until seeds are finely ground.

To get the maximum benefits of the Omega 3 fatty acids, keep inside an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Never buy flaxseed already ground, because Omega 3 fats oxidize and get rancid very quickly.

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Breast milk makes smart! On average, breastfed children have an intelligence quotient that is three points higher. Breast-fed children are less likely to suffer from allergies. The close contact with the mother gives the baby a feeling of security. The nutritional composition of breast milk is optimally tailored to the newborn. Breast milk is always sterile and at the right temperature. These are all advantages that far make up for the little effort involved in starting breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding - The Best Start into Life

91% of all expectant mothers want to breastfeed. But only about 45% breastfeed for four months, and only 13% for the entire recommended six-month period. Breast milk is the best food in the first year of life. Its composition is precisely adapted to the infant’s need for water, energy and nutrients. In addition, it is always sterile and always at the right temperature.

The intensive skin and body contact stimulates the senses. The baby sees, feels, smells, hears and tastes the mother. Sucking strengthens the jaw muscles, which is beneficial for the later chewing capabilities and language development.

Breast Milk and Cow’s Milk Compared

Compared to cow’s milk, mature breast milk has much less calcium and less casein. That makes sense. A small calf doubles its birth weight much faster than a human being. That is why the calf needs more calcium for bone formation. But breast milk has more available carbohydrates in the form of lactose, which is the infant’s most important energy source. Various carbohydrate fractions also act as growth factors to promote the proliferation of bifidobacteria, which protect the intestines of the newborn from pathogenic germs and parasites.

The proportion of the unsaturated fatty acids in breast milk is higher than in cow’s milk. They are important for the development of the nervous system and the brain. They can also be found accumulated in the retina of the eye. The amino acid taurine, which babies cannot produce themselves in sufficient quantities, can be found in breast milk. Taurine has a particularly positive effect on the infant’s organ development and is important for fat digestion.

The mineral content is significantly lower in breast milk than in cow’s milk. The infant has not yet the capacity to excrete the excess minerals through the kidneys. That is why cow’s milk may only be used diluted in infant nutrition. Breast milk contains more vitamins A and E than cow’s milk. Trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, but also calcium are bound to specific fractions in breast milk and can be absorbed much more easily than from cow’s milk.

Changes in Breast Milk

Some of the energy and nutrients were already stored during pregnancy and are now accessible for breastfeeding. The hormone prolactin made the breast grow and prepared it for milk production. The newborn should be breastfed immediately after birth, because the sucking stimulus is the trigger for a particularly strong release of prolactin. Thus the milk production really gets going. The colostrum is produced in the first one to three days after the birth. It has a strong yellow color and is very important for the child, as it has a high content of antibodies and thus offers comprehensive protection against infection. We can call it the first vaccination for the newborn.

Breastfeeding right after birth - Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels

From around the third day, the transitional milk is formed. It becomes more fluid and whiter. Until mature breast milk is formed, the proportions of fat and carbohydrates increase and the protein content decreases. At the same time, the amount of milk increases. Even during the breastfeeding, the composition is changing. The foremilk, at the beginning of a feeding, is more watery and translucent. The baby should first take in enough fluids. The hindmilk then becomes richer in fat and satisfies hunger. It is therefore important that the mother takes enough time to breastfeed so that the child gets enough of the high-fat milk.

It should always be fed from both breasts. This is how milk production really gets going as a result of the sucking stimulus. In the past, only one breast was applied per meal, with the result that mothers soon stopped breastfeeding for fear that the child was getting too little milk. If the child stubbornly refuses a breast for any reason, one breast can be used exclusively without any problems. The author of this article has successfully experienced this for 15 months with her own child. If the mother is eating wholesome food, the baby does not need anything except breast milk for the first six months of life. Only then you should start slowly introducing complementary foods.

Allergy Protection

Breast milk is the best protection against allergic diseases. In the first few months of life, the intestinal mucous membrane of the infant is much more permeable to protein from the diet than in the adult. When the baby is breastfed, only species-specific protein is absorbed, so no immune reaction is triggered. In bottle-fed infants, alien protein can enter the blood without being broken down, and can lead to an immune reaction in the case of allergic predisposition. Cow’s milk allergies are the most common allergies in infancy. If someone in the family is known to have a cow’s milk allergy, the child should be fully breastfed for at least 6 months.

Industrial Infant Formula

If, for whatever reason, breastfeeding is not possible, industrially produced baby formulas must be used. It is usually offered in powder form. Most formulas are based on proteins from cow’s milk, which have a higer allergic potential. There are soy-based formulas available, who can be allergenic as well. In protein hydrolysate formulas, the proteins are broken down into smaller components, which can reduce their allergy potential. There are some follow-on formulas, which are less adapted to breast milk. They are richer in protein and have a higher mineral content. That is why they should only be fed from the age of 6 – 12 months, depending on their composition.

Problematic Substances in Breast Milk

The possible high concentration of toxic chlorinated hydrocarbons in breast milk can be a disadvantage. Such substances are found in pesticides, but also in plastic products. The mother could have also absorbed them with grilled and cured foods. However, it can be said that the content of such substances in breast milk has been falling steadily since the 1980s, as the danger of such compounds was recognized and some of them were banned. Toxins are stored in the mother’s depot fat. That is why a nursing mother should never flirt with radical weight loss. In any case, the weight usually decreases slowly during breastfeeding.

Other food ingredients can also pass into breast milk. That is why alcohol, black and green tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and coffee should be avoided. Nicotine also passes into milk. You have to experiment with bloating vegetables or fruits that can cause red butts in the nursing babies. It differs from mother to mother and from child to child. Despite such possible contaminations of breast milk, the advantages of breastfeeding predominate, at least in the first six months of life.

Breastfeeding with responsibility - Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels

Persevere

Perseverance is the most important advice. Breastfeeding only becomes nice and relaxing after a few days. Breastfeeding stimulates the shrinking of the uterus. This can be very painful in the first few days. The newborn also reports very often at the beginning until a comfortable rhythm is found. Feeding at night is also a nuisance at first. But you soon find a way to make it more comfortable, and some children also manage to sleep through the night, the dream of all mothers. It is very important to get information about breastfeeding before giving birth. The choice of hospital for birth can also determine whether or not breastfeeding is successful. Does the mother get support there and the necessary help with the initial difficulties? Every mother should be encouraged to breastfeed for at least 6 months, because breastfeeding is simply the best start in life.

Acne – Battle of Hormones