The Complete Acne Health and Diet Guide

Although acne most commonly affects teens, people of all ages are susceptible to this exasperating and sometimes scarring ailment. Trotter (The Complete Leaky Gut Health and Diet Guide), a naturopathic doctor with a special interest in digestion, hormones, and skin conditions, insists that dietary and lifestyle changes are the key to clearer, healthier skin and offer a better alternative to common practices of applying harsh chemicals on the affected skin or taking antibiotics. He recommends adopting an anti-inflammatory diet that eliminates all processed foods and artificial ingredients, along with foods that contain gluten, dairy, or eggs. Recommended replacements include naturally raised meats, wild-caught fish, and legumes. He also suggests increasing the amount of non-starchy vegetables, low-sugar fruit, nuts, and seeds. The most important supplements Trotter suggests for treating acne include L-glutamine, probiotics, fish oils, zinc, vitamin D, calcium D-glucarate, and indole-3-carbinol. Reducing stress and exercising regularly can also accelerate the healing process. The book stands out among others on the subject not only because Trotter views acne, its triggers, and treatments through a naturopathic lens, because it serves as a combined health guide and cookbook, providing 150 recipes to help readers follow the guide's dietary advice. It concludes with numerous scientific references and a comprehensive index. (Aug.)