While often touted as direct solutions, healing diets primarily support the body’s innate healing capabilities, according to Annemarie Colbin in “Food and Healing.” Colbin suggests that skin conditions like acne often arise when the body’s primary detoxification pathways—the kidneys and lungs—become overwhelmed by toxins. Certain dietary patterns, particularly the typical Western diet, can excessively burden these systems, manifesting as acne.
Colbin observed that dietary modifications frequently improve even severe acne cases, sometimes within ten days to three months. She categorizes acne triggers into two main groups. The first involves excess fat, protein, and sugar, advising the limitation of dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream), fatty meats, nuts, and peanut butter. The second category relates to “mineral-water excess,” referring to isolated substances like iodized salt and concentrated supplements, including multivitamins and kelp.
The impact of mineral or vitamin supplements is highly individual. Colbin emphasizes balance, aligning with the body’s inherent drive for equilibrium, a principle echoed in physiology and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She posits that isolated minerals and vitamins elevate the need for macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates). Salt falls into this category, potentially triggering cravings for whole foods to restore balance. While a multivitamin at mealtimes within recommended daily allowances (RDA) is unlikely to cause harm, especially given potential nutrient deficiencies in conventionally grown foods, it underscores the importance of balanced supplementation. The misconception that “more is better” can be counterproductive.
References:
Annemarie Colbin, Food As Healing (Ballantine Books, New York)
Simon Mills, The Essential Book Of Herbal Medicine (Penguin Arkana)