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Aditi Rao Hydari is not just a versatile actor but is also known for her experimental fashion choices, and good hair and skin — which we attributed to her royal genes. However, according to the Heeramandi actor, her flawless skin — apart from her genes — is mostly owing to “cutting out gluten” from her diet. “I think cutting out gluten and dairy, at least mostly cutting out gluten, has helped. I try not to eat these things. And eating enough vegetables, good carbs, and greens,” said Hydari, in a rapid-fire with Grazia India.
Taking a cue from the actor, who recently got engaged to fellow actor Siddharth, we asked experts about the connection between the two.
Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, including barley, wheat, and rye. According to Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai, for individuals with gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger a range of symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. “In the case of autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or rheumatoid arthritis, consumption of gluten can potentially worsen symptoms and trigger an inflammatory response in the body,” said Dr Agarwal in an earlier interaction.
And since your gut lies at the core of your health and affects every other organ, gluten ends up being bad for your skin health too, said functional nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan, CEO and founder of iThrive. “Gluten can sometimes make your skin dry and flaky, by absorbing all the essential nutrients. Cutting down on gluten can be highly rewarding for your skin and overall health. It can also make your skin look fresh and supple, and reduce skin-related problems like adult acne, pimples, and breakouts,” said dermatologist Dr Rinky Kapoor.
Foods containing gluten, sugar, and maida are the source of inflammation in the body, which can cause acne breakouts and allergic reactions on the skin, Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist and cosmetologist, Shareefa’s Skin Care Clinic told indianexpress.com.
“While a gluten-free diet is not that much of help for skin health, there are studies that have shown improvement in various dermatological conditions after eating a gluten-free diet. These conditions are psoriasis, recurrent oral ulcers, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, and angioedema. So it is always better to go for a healthy diet for your body as well as for your skin and hair,” said Dr Chause.
One should focus on opting for a balanced and nutritious diet loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, rather than eliminating gluten from your diet. “If you are concerned about a particular skin condition, it is essential to consult a dermatologist rather than just making any dietary changes. Only giving up on gluten is not going to help. One will have to seek timely intervention to manage any skin condition,” said Dr Kapoor.