Genetic Makeup of Acne Revealed
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Scientists
recently completed the genome sequence for Propionibacterium acnes
(P. acne), revealing thousands of genes that give acne bacterium
the ability to cause skin disease. A common disfiguring problem,
acne affects more than 80 percent of teens in the United States.
Before this discovery, scientists assumed a large number of bacteria
present in the skin would trigger the common symptoms--inflammation
and immune response--of acne. New data shows P. acne, once believed
to be harmless, can produce proteins that actively produce a disease
like acne. Researchers found some 2,300 genes in P. acne, along
with some including enzymes that can break down human skin.
The process of sequencing the genome showed how these bacteria
degrade skin tissue because of massive amounts of these enzymes
as well as proteins that trigger an immune response, scientists
said.
Because this genome can be a pathogen also implies a threat to
public health from contaminated blood. The concern: Researchers
in previous studies have found the presence of P. acnes in donated
blood (from improper sterilization or skin flaking). One expert
believes the slow-growing nature of P. acnes in blood would prevent
such contamination from being a serious threat, although the potential
exists.
Understanding P. acnes, researchers said, could likely help scientists
develop new treatments for acne, because many strains have become
resistant to common antibiotics.
New
Scientist July 29, 2004
Dr. Mercola's Comment:
Most conventional doctors and dermatologists say that acne is
not related to diet, but I can confidently tell you that there is
indeed a link, and a strong one at that. In my own practice, I found
my patients' acne clears up when they follow the no-grain diet described
in my book Total Health Cookbook
& Program.
How does acne originate? Eating refined carbohydrates and sugar
leads to a surge of insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called
IGF-1 in your body. This can lead to an excess of male hormones,
which cause pores in the skin to secrete sebum, a greasy substance
that attracts acne-promoting bacteria.
Additionally, IGF-1 causes skin cells known as keratinocytes
to multiply, a process that is associated with acne.
Some say acne is a disease of Western civilization because studies
have found that the condition is virtually nonexistent in non-westernized
societies, where refined carbohydrates and sugar are rarely eaten.
For instance, in one study that looked at acne cases in islanders
of Papua New Guinea and hunter-gatherers of Paraguay, no acne cases
were found in either group.
The findings, which are in-line with many other studies, make
a strong case for the significant role of environmental factors,
such as diet, in acne.
Limiting grains is an integral step toward optimizing your health.
The more we study the influence of grains, and their secondary consequences
on insulin, the more we will
find that their pervasive influences touch nearly every aspect of
our health.
Wrongly, conventional medicine attempts to treat acne with expensive
antibiotics or topical creams that can be especially problematic
because, the drug may kill the good bacteria along with the bad.
Another consideration especially for teens is the alienation
factor. Many people are embarrassed because of having acne and that
can prevent them from feeling as confident as they should be for
their own good mental health and peace of mind.
In fact, one study I've reviewed found the stress of final exams
aggravated the acne of college students. That's why it is so important
to deal with your stress
before it becomes overwhelming. There are a variety of ways that
you can do this, including making sure you get enough quality
sleep.
The most natural, helpful tool to relieve stress I recommend
is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), which involves tapping
your body's energy meridians and voicing positive affirmations to
clear emotional blocks, thus restoring your mind and body's balance.
Learn how you can do it yourself with my free
EFT report.
Because I struggled for the first 40 years of my life with acne,
I wish I would've known this information a whole lot sooner.
Related Articles:
No-Grain Diet Clears up Acne
for Good
Bread may be the Culprit
Behind Acne
Doctors Ignore Acne Drug
Birth Defect Warnings
Teenagers
Now a Target of Prescription Medicine Promotions
http://www.mercola.com/1999/archive/pcos.htm
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