Terrible skin/Eating enough calories while GF
Skinny_Mocha
Posts: 208 Member
Hi! Sorry for the story, but I'm having a major problem and can't find enough information online.
I've been GF (not Celiac's, but was only eating 1200-1400 calories a day, and exercising, and still weighed 190 pounds) for about 6 weeks, and my skin is absolutely horrid. It wasn't even this bad when I was a teenager. I have huge blemishes covering my face endlessly, and nothing topical seems to be working. It started when I began clean eating about 6 months ago, and got about 10 times worse when I went GF.
I wash twice a day, apply medication to the affected areas, and sleep with my hair in a ponytail and headband. I flip my pillowcases (washed & dried with dye/perfume-free) to a new side each night, and change once a week. I use a separate towel (also washed & dried with dye/perfume-free) to dry my face after washing. I even made a point to stop touching my face throughout the day.
And yet, nonstop, horrifying acne. I thought clean eating and GF is supposed to make your skin glow. Mine's never been so bad. I understand that there is some detoxification process, but is it normal to be this awful for this long? Has anyone had this problem, and did it clear up?
I'm concerned that maybe I've increased sugar and dairy to meet my calorie goals (I don't eat a lot of meat), and those may be provoking my skin. BUT, cheese is my second favorite thing to coffee, and I know there have been times I've eaten a ton of it without noticeable skin trouble. And if I do cut out dairy, how do I get enough calories (at least until I've lost enough weight to reasonably have a lower calorie goal)? One can only eat so many nuts.
Thoughts? Thank you!
I've been GF (not Celiac's, but was only eating 1200-1400 calories a day, and exercising, and still weighed 190 pounds) for about 6 weeks, and my skin is absolutely horrid. It wasn't even this bad when I was a teenager. I have huge blemishes covering my face endlessly, and nothing topical seems to be working. It started when I began clean eating about 6 months ago, and got about 10 times worse when I went GF.
I wash twice a day, apply medication to the affected areas, and sleep with my hair in a ponytail and headband. I flip my pillowcases (washed & dried with dye/perfume-free) to a new side each night, and change once a week. I use a separate towel (also washed & dried with dye/perfume-free) to dry my face after washing. I even made a point to stop touching my face throughout the day.
And yet, nonstop, horrifying acne. I thought clean eating and GF is supposed to make your skin glow. Mine's never been so bad. I understand that there is some detoxification process, but is it normal to be this awful for this long? Has anyone had this problem, and did it clear up?
I'm concerned that maybe I've increased sugar and dairy to meet my calorie goals (I don't eat a lot of meat), and those may be provoking my skin. BUT, cheese is my second favorite thing to coffee, and I know there have been times I've eaten a ton of it without noticeable skin trouble. And if I do cut out dairy, how do I get enough calories (at least until I've lost enough weight to reasonably have a lower calorie goal)? One can only eat so many nuts.
Thoughts? Thank you!
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Replies
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I had to see a dermatologist. Three months of low dose antibiotics and a topical ointment, and I looked and felt normal again. Wished I didn't try to fight it myself for so long before seeing a doctor.
Pam0 -
I had to see a dermatologist. Three months of low dose antibiotics and a topical ointment, and I looked and felt normal again. Wished I didn't try to fight it myself for so long before seeing a doctor.
Pam0 -
I had to see a dermatologist. Three months of low dose antibiotics and a topical ointment, and I looked and felt normal again. Wished I didn't try to fight it myself for so long before seeing a doctor.
Pam
Thank you! I'm definitely going to a dermatologist, then!0 -
Could it be the nuts?? I just realized I've been eating raw cashews and almonds daily, plus peanut butter and sunflower seeds most days, since starting clean eating.
Maybe that's what increased the most when I went GF...0 -
I'm not positive, but I was under the impression that it is an old-wives tale that some foods make you break out... again I could be totally wrong!
I had to switch away from chemical products for my face- I use a olive oil/castor oil make-up remover to clean my face, and coconut oil for moisture when I need it. These have improved my skin condition, tone, pores, etc. I would still see a professional, but perhaps you are using too many irritating chemicals?
Good luck!0 -
I'm not positive, but I was under the impression that it is an old-wives tale that some foods make you break out... again I could be totally wrong!
I had to switch away from chemical products for my face- I use a olive oil/castor oil make-up remover to clean my face, and coconut oil for moisture when I need it. These have improved my skin condition, tone, pores, etc. I would still see a professional, but perhaps you are using too many irritating chemicals?
Good luck!
Thanks! I actually have sensitive skin, too, so only use chemical-free skincare. When I was looking it all up, it was ridiculous to see one article say "it has nothing to do with what you eat" and the very next say "it has everything to do with what you eat" So, I think it depends on the person. For me, it has to be something I'm consuming or another problem, because I've never had trouble like this before. And I have a great skin regimen that worked just fine until changed my eating habits. All this good-for-me stuff is supposed to clear up my skin, not make it worse.
I'm really leaning toward cashews, because that's something I know I'm eating more of. I'm going to go nut-free for the next week or so, and see what happens.
Thanks for your response!0 -
Check out this link
http://blog.vitalobjectives.com/2011/12/acne-troubleshooter-v20.html
You may seriously want to consider the dairy free. I have read many articles that say there is a correlation to dairy and acne. My daughter is now Dairy(casein) and Gluten free. And she's a vegetarian. Let me tell you cooking in our house is interesting. Also I am trying to limit my carbs and will probably go full paleo after Christmas.
Also my daughters both took antibiotics for years for acne and used topical stuff including Tazerac for years. It worked for the youngest for a while but she started breaking out like crazy this fall which is when I took her to a local functional medicine doctor who is working with us on the DF/GF diet. There are a lot of risks in taking antibiotics. My youngest took 4 rounds within the last year for UtI'S Strep and I think it messed up her system leading to the acne. The new doctor told us that there can be a flare up with the diet change which is a result of the body cleaning itself out. That could be happening with you.
Here's something else to consider before taking antibiotics:
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/are-antiobiotics-making-us-fat
Good luck to you!0 -
I often have problems with antibiotics (allergies and side effects) and was really leery of taking them for my acne. But they were low dose and didn't cause me any problems, and of course I took lots of probiotics as well. Those with celiac disease are more prone to SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) and those little bugs can cause some terrible acne. Also ulcers/reflux. The antibiotics cleared up a lot of problems for me, including the acne. The dermatologist figured that because of my fair skin, I would have a lot of scarring and need laser surgery, but it all healed up.
Pam0 -
A friend of mine has the same problem, she's allergic to a lot of other foods, not just gluten, including corn and soy. . . I would recommend getting your blood tested for food intolerances. I have a great Dr., but she's in AZ and I'm not sure how much use that would be to you.
I have found when I eat "bad" foods (I have a ton of food issues as well), my face breaks out a little bit. For me, clean eating for 2 days will take it away. For my friend, it takes about a week.
Message me if you have any more questions.0 -
Check out this link
http://blog.vitalobjectives.com/2011/12/acne-troubleshooter-v20.html
You may seriously want to consider the dairy free. I have read many articles that say there is a correlation to dairy and acne. My daughter is now Dairy(casein) and Gluten free. And she's a vegetarian. Let me tell you cooking in our house is interesting. Also I am trying to limit my carbs and will probably go full paleo after Christmas.
Also my daughters both took antibiotics for years for acne and used topical stuff including Tazerac for years. It worked for the youngest for a while but she started breaking out like crazy this fall which is when I took her to a local functional medicine doctor who is working with us on the DF/GF diet. There are a lot of risks in taking antibiotics. My youngest took 4 rounds within the last year for UtI'S Strep and I think it messed up her system leading to the acne. The new doctor told us that there can be a flare up with the diet change which is a result of the body cleaning itself out. That could be happening with you.
Here's something else to consider before taking antibiotics:
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/are-antiobiotics-making-us-fat
Good luck to you!
Thank you! I have like or six potential things going on from that chart, so very helpful!
Sorry about what your daughters are going through! I want to avoid antibiotics because I have poor health insurance and don't want to be on medication forever.
I thought it might be my body cleaning itself out, but I think it's gone on too long and is too severe. I think it might even be a combo of nuts and dairy and stress. I'm going to try cutting down on all of it (especially stress!) and see what happens. Thanks for your help!!0 -
I often have problems with antibiotics (allergies and side effects) and was really leery of taking them for my acne. But they were low dose and didn't cause me any problems, and of course I took lots of probiotics as well. Those with celiac disease are more prone to SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) and those little bugs can cause some terrible acne. Also ulcers/reflux. The antibiotics cleared up a lot of problems for me, including the acne. The dermatologist figured that because of my fair skin, I would have a lot of scarring and need laser surgery, but it all healed up.
Pam
Ugh, sounds like you had a frustrating ordeal, too! I'm going to cut out some things and see what happens, then visit a dermatologist. It might be nice to have a low-dose antibiotic for when I want to eat cheese or something. I have really fair skin and I scar easily, too, so maybe a round of the stuff would be okay. Thank you!0 -
A friend of mine has the same problem, she's allergic to a lot of other foods, not just gluten, including corn and soy. . . I would recommend getting your blood tested for food intolerances. I have a great Dr., but she's in AZ and I'm not sure how much use that would be to you.
I have found when I eat "bad" foods (I have a ton of food issues as well), my face breaks out a little bit. For me, clean eating for 2 days will take it away. For my friend, it takes about a week.
Message me if you have any more questions.
Ah yes, I'm really starting to think it's the nuts and dairy - since I've increased both going GF. I'm going to start eating more meat/seafood for protein and limit dairy to one serving until what I have is gone. Then I'll go a couple weeks without and see what happens. Thank you - this is very helpful!0 -
Skin is clearing up!!
I don't want to jinx it, but it's been about a week of no nuts and I can see my face again!!!!
It appears the cashews were the main culprit, but I'll play around in a few weeks and see.
Thank you all for your input!0 -
NEW TO THE GROUP-
My name is Jennie. I am a 32yr old mom of two...I have been dealing with the same thing, except I am fighting the blemishes all over my body. I went and saw a derm. and was told it was all in my head. That was a horrible day. Since then I have been diagnosed with Cealics, so Im "trying" very hard to eat gluten free. (my will power sucks so far) but I am making changes day by day to get that way. Ive been put on a low dose of antibiotics and have seen improvement in my skin, but Im scared it wont last. Also to add to my frustration I was a size 8 in July and Im now a 14. I feel terrible and Im completely overwhelmed, frustrated, and totally self hating right now.
So Im trying to get remotivated. Here's to hoping.....0 -
I would bet that you are intolerant to something you are eating! I know for a fact that food will cause skin problems. My husband cant even touch gluten without breaking out in little bumps all over his legs. Our son is gluten free, casein free, and egg free. If he eats too much of something he is intolerant he gets eczema on his legs and face! My mom also has major reactions to nuts and YEAST! We are currently on the Body Ecology Diet to kill the candida overgrowth that is making us both sick. Good luck to you! I hope you find out what is causing the problem
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I was worried that I would just break out again after the antibiotics, but this has not been the case. It has been a year and a half, and only my normal hormonal pimples, no more rampant acne.
PamNEW TO THE GROUP-
My name is Jennie. I am a 32yr old mom of two...I have been dealing with the same thing, except I am fighting the blemishes all over my body. I went and saw a derm. and was told it was all in my head. That was a horrible day. Since then I have been diagnosed with Cealics, so Im "trying" very hard to eat gluten free. (my will power sucks so far) but I am making changes day by day to get that way. Ive been put on a low dose of antibiotics and have seen improvement in my skin, but Im scared it wont last. Also to add to my frustration I was a size 8 in July and Im now a 14. I feel terrible and Im completely overwhelmed, frustrated, and totally self hating right now.
So Im trying to get remotivated. Here's to hoping.....0 -
Here's where I am with this:
Cashews, dairy, soy, and processed sugar have all caused blemish problems so far - in different severities. I'm still determining other nuts (sunflower seeds, almonds, and peanuts/peanut butter).
Dairy - I can get away with about one serving a day without breaking out
Soy - almost an immediate reaction around my mouth, chin, and jaw line (they use hormones to process it a lot of the time)
Cashews - those were causing the worst acne, but I have had a couple of In Kind bars with cashews in them without incident. I haven't eaten them by themselves since, because my skin is still healing from last month. Did you know that cashew shells are toxic?
Sugar - it seems like most GF processed foods are either high in processed sugar or high in sodium, so I'm trying not to over-do either. However, I do notice I breakout on the sugar days.
I am fighting to balance out the dairy and sugar, so I can still consume them (in order to keep my calorie count at a reasonable level), but don't plan to touch soy or cashews again.
Good luck, everyone!! Keep us posted on your situations!0
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