July 13, 2013

Are You “Paleo” and Still Not Seeing the Clear Skin You Want?

Since there are so many not-so-Paleo versions of what Paleo really is popping up out of the wood work, it would be quite easy to adopt the principles of one such approach and, being that it’s not really Paleo, not see or feel the results you were hoping for.

A perfect example is the myth that dairy is part of the Paleo diet.

It’s not.

Sure, there are some people who don’t notice immediate symptoms like bloating, gas or skin breakouts, but that doesn’t mean that dairy is therefore part of Paleo. This is no different from a vegan who decides to begin eating fish…they can’t technically call themselves a vegan anymore. (This, by the way, was the case for me when I began my journey from vegan to Paleo years ago..)

So, if you think you’re doing the Paleo diet and you are still having issues with acne, rosacea, eczema, double check that you’re not accidentally not really following the Paleo diet by making any of the common errors below.

Eating dairy. Most dairy products impair zinc absorption and zinc deficiency is common in acne patients. Also, since dairy products elevate insulin (yes, even whole milk), after a series of hormonal reactions, cause an elevated level of male hormones which stimulate excess oil production
Eating any grain- even those that are gluten free. Same deal as above with regard to the resulting excess oil production after the spike in insulin. This is in addition to all the other negative consequences of eating grains!
Not eating plenty of fresh, leafy green veggies at every single meal, even breakfast. Supplying the body with whole, natural forms of every last mineral and vitamin we need is imperative to creating a healthy, glowing complexion.
Eating ‘Paleo sweets’ or treats. Birthday? Anniversary? Sure. But every day or even every week. Eating a treat made from coconut flour, dates, honey and almond butter may be something you can fool yourself into thinking is a healthy, Paleo option, but it’s not. Think of how we all tried to fool ourselves into thinking that frozen yogurt was a healthy snack. I did it, too! It’s not.
Not getting proper amounts of Omega 3s. Nuts and seeds, and products made from them, are all very high in inflammatory Omega 6s and low in 3s. Keep nuts and seeds in extreme moderation if you must have them, but better to omit them at least for a thirty day trial.

Remember the plate we showed on the Dr. Oz show. (Click here for a recap):