Are you eating fruits that cause hormonal acne? Read to know more.

One of the main reasons why women dread periods is the acne that comes along with it. Hormonal pimples are bigger, meaner and more painful than regular acne. They also end up doing more damage to your skin. In fact, most of them are too huge to be called pimples. That s why hormonal acne is often also called cystic acne. The problem stubbornly follows you from your teenage to your adulthood and shows no signs of quitting even when you are in your forties.

There comes a time in every acne sufferer s life, when they have exhausted all options, isotreninoin, chemical peels, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid but still see no difference in their condition. It s time then to turn towards Ayurveda. According to the ancient system of healing, food plays a big role in balancing hormones and preventing hormonal acne in women. Dr Surya Bhagwati from Dr Vaidya s New Age Ayurveda prescribes the right diet to ensure that your skin remains spot free during periods!

Does diet play a role in worsening hormonal acne?

Yes says Ayurveda.It is a known fact that the genesis of every disease is in the stomach. Hormonal acne is caused by the imbalance of hormones in the system, and faulty food habits can often exacerbate it. Dr Bhagwati says, Certain foods that impair your digestive system. Processed food like refined flour and coffee can cause the build-up of ama or toxins in the system. Foods that are excessively spicy, salty or sour can cause Pitta dosha and metabolic imbalance. This causes the hormones to go out of control.

What should you eat to control hormonal acne?

A diet rich in fruits, nuts and vegetables is essential for tackling hormonal acne according to Dr Bhagwati. Here is a list of things to include in your diet.

Fruits: Apples, bananas, melons, pears and fig

Vegetables: Cabbage, cauliflower, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, lady finger (bhindi) and peas

Fats: Coconut oil (rich in lauric acid which heals skin and regulates hormone production) and ghee.

Spices: Cumin seeds, lemongrass, saffron, cardamom, fennel seeds and mint

Drinks: Nut milk like almond milk, coconut water, fennel and liquorice tea

What should you avoid eating?

Fruits: sour fruits like grapes, tamarind, peaches and sour apples

Fats: canola oil, corn oil and sesame oil

Vegetables: chilli peppers, brinjal, olives, raw onion, radish, tomatoes, carrots

Spices: chilli, mustard seeds, soont or dry ginger, cloves and garlic

Drinks: coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, sherbets, lemonade and alcohol

Dr Vaidya’s New Age Ayurveda is an Ayurvedic institution that provides free medical consultation to those who seek it. It specialises in quality treatment and premium herbal pharmaceutical products. Visit their website: www.drvaidyas.com