The short answer to the question of "does the paleo diet help get rid of acne?" is yes.
There is no question about it either. Think about it for a second. The paleo diet simply suggests that you eat the foods you were designed to eat and avoid the foods that you were not designed to eat. That is the basic premise. Millions of people eat a paleo diet and they all eat different foods. Everyone has their own version.
But the basic premise is the same. In general, eat quality meats, seafood, fish, fowl, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Avoid grains, legumes, dairy and all processed foods.
Many people on the paleo diet will eat butter from grass-fed cows. I am one of them! Grass-fed butter contains CLA, a naturally occurring trans fat that your body loves and can thrive on. Its also a great source of Vitamin A at 10% DV. Butter may be dairy but it is generally allowed for those who are trying to eat a paleo diet.
What are specific reasons that makes the paleo diet suitable for acne sufferers?
Your sugar intake is severely limited. When you eat a SAD diet you are more than likely consuming ridiculous amounts of sugar or more generally carbohydrates. Limiting your sugar intake is probably the greatest thing that you can do for healthy skin.
This is why I believe so many people have success after avoiding dairy. Many who consume dairy are drinking a lot of milk or eating a lot of ice cream. Both contain a lot of lactose, the sugar in milk. Our bodies are not able to digest lactose because we lack the enzyme lactase. This along with the simple fact that 12 grams of sugar per 1 Cup is a lot of sugar. Too much sugar is very toxic to your body.
Also, when you avoid sugar and replace it with paleo friendly foods then your body is taking in more nutrients. Instead of bread you eat vegetables, fruit or more meat. Fruit and veggies contain a lot of antioxidants while grains products lack these substances that help fight off oxidative stress.
When you begin to eat a paleo diet you also tend to change other aspects of your lifestyle. You begin to understand that getting enough sunlight and sleep along with playing more and working less is absolutely essential to a healthy life. All of this plays a role in the severity of your acne too.
Keep it simple and don't stress out about your macronutrient ratios. Eat paleo food and be patient. Soon you will get rid of your acne for life.
