MSc(ANutr), CNM Dip, mBANT
My acne flare ups began, as they typically do, in my teens. By my mid-twenties I had hoped I would simply ‘grow out of it’ but much to my dismay, that didn’t happen. After several years of experimenting with topical treatments and then medications, my skin hadn’t improved. I then began experiencing severe digestive issues and was diagnosed with IBS. I was given a leaflet, told to avoid a range of food groups and sent on my way.
I became obsessed with what I was eating, scared it would trigger a bout of acne or cause digestive upset which would last for several days until I got it ‘under control’ again. I cut out entire food groups, had a very long list of ‘no-go’ foods and would avoid social events in case I felt pressured to have a celebratory drink or a slice of cake. Slowly I felt that food had control over my life, I was simply trying to manage it. It was at this point I realised I needed to educate myself on digestive and skin health, its potential links and how I could empower myself to feel better.
