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Supporting Your Health While on Accutane: A Nutritional & Integrative Approach

Writer: Carl HarkienCarl Harkien

Accutane (isotretinoin) can be an effective treatment for severe acne, but because it is a powerful medication, it’s important to support your skin, liver, gut, and overall health while taking it. A targeted nutrition and lifestyle approach can help minimize side effects and promote optimal healing from the inside out.

By focusing on nutrient-dense foods and key supplements, you can enhance skin hydration, support detoxification, and maintain gut balance while allowing Accutane to do its job safely and effectively.

Support Skin Hydration with Essential Fats: Accutane works by reducing oil production, which often leads to dry skin, chapped lips, and increased sensitivity. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain skin hydration and reduce inflammation, promoting healthier skin from within.

We start with Food First:


·         Fatty fish (wild salmon, sardines, mackerel)

·         Chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds

·         Extra virgin olive oil, avocados, walnuts Supplement Support:

·         Pure Omega 1000 – A concentrated, high-quality omega-3 supplement providing essential EPA & DHA to nourish the skin and reduce inflammation.


Protect the Liver & Enhance Detoxification: 


Since Accutane is processed by the liver, supporting detox pathways is essential to minimize stress on the body. The liver relies on cruciferous vegetables, antioxidants, and key nutrients to effectively process medications and eliminate toxins.

We start with Food First:

·         Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower) to boost liver enzyme activity

·         Leafy greens (spinach, arugula, Swiss chard) for glutathione production

·         Turmeric & ginger to reduce inflammation and support liver function


Supplement Support:

·         RHMD Detox – A targeted liver support formula with milk thistle, NAC, and glutathione precursors to enhance detox pathways and protect the liver while on Accutane.


Maintain Gut Health & Reduce Inflammation: Accutane can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to digestive discomfort, bloating, or imbalances. Prioritizing gut-friendly foods and probiotics can help maintain a healthy microbiome while reducing inflammation that may contribute to skin issues.

We start with Food First:

·         Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, plain yogurt, kefir) for natural probiotics

·         Prebiotic-rich foods (garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas) to feed good bacteria

·         Bone broth and collagen-rich foods to support gut lining integrity

Supplement Support:

·         Metagenics UltraFlora® Spectrum – A broad-spectrum probiotic containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium lactis to support gut health, digestion, and immune function while on Accutane.


Prioritize Key Nutrients for Skin Repair & Healing: Accutane can deplete certain nutrients essential for skin regeneration and inflammation control. Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients can help support healing, reduce dryness, and optimize skin function.

We start with Food First:

·         Vitamin E – Almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach (for skin repair & hydration)

·         Zinc – Pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, lentils (to reduce inflammation & support wound healing)

·         Magnesium – Dark chocolate, nuts, leafy greens (to reduce stress and support detox pathways)

The Bottom Line

Accutane can be a game changer for severe acne, but supporting your skin, liver, and

gut health is crucial to optimize your results and minimize side effects.

By prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods and incorporating targeted supplementation, you can help your body stay balanced, hydrated, and resilient throughout treatment.


 
 
 

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