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Acne
Description
Acne, a chronic disorder of the sebaceous glands which produces oily substances on the skin, occurs most commonly during puberty and adolescence. At this time, sex-related hormones are especially active and affect the secretions of the sebaceous glands. Hormonal imbalance can often be caused by emotional stress resulting in excessive oil secretion. Often the emotional response to one's appearance, especially during puberty, makes the acne worse. When the system attempts to excrete toxins through the skin, it causes the oil to become dry and hard, thus clogging the pores, producing swelling, soreness and redness. We commonly find the acne sufferer eating a modern diet high in meat, deep fried foods, concentrated starches and sugars, which loads the system with toxic waste. This diet also lacks the necessary nutrients for maintenance of an adequate hormone balance. Bacterial infections are frequently associated with acne and are the direct result of picking or squeezing which irritates the skin eruptions.
Recommended Action
A change of diet is very important, starting with a D-tox Diet or a 7-10 day Cleansing Diet (see Section 3) to eliminate toxic wastes in the blood and bowels. Avoid strong acidic foods such as meats, sugars and refined starches. Whole grains help to correct hormonal imbalances and therefore should be eaten daily after the Cleansing Diet. They are especially useful if sprouted or soaked overnight to change their pH. Millet, buckwheat and brown rice already have a suitable pH.
Essential Fatty Acids (EPAs) are very important here. Many people have an inadequate balance of healthy oils in the body. This is particularly true if their ancestors consumed larger amounts of oil (such as fish, small game) than you are presently eating. If the oil that lubricates the skin becomes too waxy, it will clog the pores, resulting in acne. By increasing EPAs in the diet (with fish or flax oils, or in the form of supplements such as borage, currant, Evening Primrose Oil) one can often reduce acne. Sometimes congestion in the liver or gallbladder can also prevent the body from producing the right balance of oils.
Other areas to consider are Candida or Syndrome X (fill out the questionnaires in Section 3), as these issues have been found to increase the incidence of acne.
Single Herbs
Burdock root, Dandelion root, Echinacea or Sassafras (blood cleansers); Kelp, Alfalfa and Dandelion root (vitamins & minerals); Buckthorn, Turkey Rhubarb, Cascara Sagrada (bowel cleansers); Liquid Chlorophyll, Siberian Ginseng, Aloe Vera.
Combinations
Lower Bowel Tonic, Cleansing Formula. If hormone imbalance is suspected (as in puberty or after childbirth), use Female Formula for both males and females. If liver problems are suspected, use the Liver Formula .
Nutritional Supplements
BEVCB6 (2 tablets, twice daily), Vitamin A, B complex, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc (30 - 50 mg, daily), Vitamin E, and Multivitamins and minerals
Homeopathic and Tissue Salts
Acne - Antimonium crudum, Kali Bromatum, Sulphur Iodatum.
Suggested Program
Start with a 12 day D-tox Diet or 7 to 10 day Cleansing Diet, then adopt a maintenance diet. It should be noted that the acne often gets worse before it gets better during the cleansing phase.
Breakfast BEVCB6, Female Formula (three tablets), Essential Fatty Acids (two capsules).
Morning Snack: Vitamin C (500 mg).
Lunch: 1/4 cup Aloe Vera juice or gel. It can be switched to another time of day if needed.
Afternoon Snack Vitamin C (500 mg).
Supper: Same supplements as breakfast.
Evening: B complex with 125 mg Niacin.
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