We have all heard there is a connection between acne and some of the foods we eat. These foods are not the “cause” of your acne, but they could be making it worse.
Salty foods and food high in iodides are common culprits. Eliminating (or reducing) foods with these ingredients can support your journey to clearer skin.
Milk & Cheese contain iodides and hormones that contribute to acne. Heavy milk consumption contributes to cystic acne in teens.
Health Foods & Supplements – Sometimes vitamins contain some form of iodide and/or biotin – it could be in the form of iodine, iodide, potassium iodide, or kelp.
Protein Bars often contain potassium iodides. Whey and soy protein powders can be bad for problem skin. Try hemp or pea protein powder instead.
Asparagus & Broccoli are higher in iodides than other veggies. Eat them – just not every day.
Iodide Contents in Food (parts per million of iodide):
Salt
Iodized Salt (1/4 tsp) – 100
Seasoned Salt – 40
Sun Evaporated Salt – 30
Non-iodized Salt – 19
Meat/Poultry
Beef/Liver – 325
Turkey – 132
Seafood
Kelp – 1020
Cod (3 oz) – 87
Squid – 39
Crab – 33
Vegetables
Asparagus – 169
Broccoli – 90
Dairy
Cheddar Cheese Spread – 27
Milk – 11
Butter – 26
Mozzarella Cheese – 13
Miscellaneous
Tortilla Chips w/ salt – 80
Potato Chips w/ salt – 40