While whey protein powder builds muscles, it may be the cause for unruly breakouts, especially in women, dermatologists warn.
Dermatologists
have seen an increase in hormonal acne in women who add the popular
post-workout regimen to their smoothies and shakes, a doctor told
Women's Health.
Whey protein is a dairy product that contains hormones which produce oils that can clog pores.
Since
women are more inclined to experience hormonal acne, a relationship
between the protein and breakouts have been suggested by researchers,
though few studies have been conducted to prove a direct link.
Whey protein powder is typically consumed after a workout to repair micro-tears in the muscles and promote growth.Whey
is one of the main proteins in cow's milk that helps calves grow. The
powder form that we see comes from a liquid that is drained off of
cheese
A growth hormone called
IGF-1 is present in dairy and causes an increase in insulin, triggering
sebum oil production that clogs pores and leads to acne. Though
there is extensive research that shows dairy products and acne are
connected, there have been few studies on the relationship between the
use of whey protein and acne to prove they are directly linked.
But
one study on 30 participants showed the onset of acne in those who used
the supplement over a two-month period were more prominent in women
than men. Acne is caused by excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria and hormones.
New York dermatologist Dr Morgan Rabach said: 'Hormonal acne is much more of a thing in women than men.' She
suggests that whey protein throws women's hormones off, including
testosterone, but other factors come into play when diagnosing acne. 'I
have advised patients to stop using whey and everything from the kinds
of cleansers and lotions they use to cleaning their cell-phone with
alcohol pads to get rid of oils,' she said.
But Dr Rabach did say that she has seen a difference in patients' skin with reducing milk products.
Dr Rabach adds: 'Hormonal imbalances in women, intrinsically or from outside sources, are a real phenomenon.'
The
growth in female hormone imbalances has lead to the use of hormone
therapy including birth control and other medications to treat acne.
Keeping hormone levels stable prevents breakouts.But
she adds that there is more to acne than just your diet. 'Changing one
thing wont make it go away completely, but it is part of the whole
picture.'
FOODS THAT HELP HEAL ACNE
*Probiotics help reduce inflammation
Foods include: Kombucha, sauerkraut and pickles
*Omega 3-Fatty Acids also reduce inflammation
Foods include: Salmon, walnuts and soybeans
*Antioxidants boost complexion
Foods include: Dark greens and berries
*Zinc at low levels has been connected to more severe acne
Foods include: Cashews and almonds
(Daily Mail-Health)
The Gazette Notification regarding the price reduction of several Imported Essential Commodities is due to be issued tomorrow (14) after receiving the approval of Consumer Council according to the Consumer Affairs Authority.
