Anti-Wrinkle Foods
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We all like to look and feel our best. Part of looking our best is reflected in our complexion. Our skin is an excellent indicator of the state of our inner health. Pre-mature wrinkling, dry skin, roughness, eczema, rosacea and acne are all reflections that our inner health is “off”.
As we age, our skin tends to change as the body produces less oil, leaving our skin rough and dry. In addition, in the deeper layers, a decrease of two proteins called collagen and elastin causes the skin to thin, wrinkle and sag. Although the integrity of your skin is partially influenced by hereditary factors, other factors such as sunlight, smoking, eating inflammatory foods, harsh chemicals and stress can all accelerate the aging process.
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In order to keep the look and feel of your skin young and radiant, it is best to consume as many anti-wrinkle foods as possible and to eliminate inflammatory foods that can accelerate the wrinkling process. By following the steps below, you will quickly discover that healthy “glow” you have been looking for.
Step 1 – Eliminate all inflammatory foods from your diet. According to Dr. Perricone, author of the Anti-Wrinkle Cure, wrinkles, sagging and discoloration are not due to aging, but to accumulated inflammation. While I do not agree with his statement entirely, I do agree that inflammatory foods such as sugar, trans fatty acids and saturated fats can accelerate the aging of our skin. For better health and skin, it is best to eliminate foods such as packaged cookies, cereals, pop, margarine, red meats and full fat cheeses from the diet. Focus on nutrient-dense foods such as fruits (especially berries), vegetables (mostly green, purple and orange foods), lean proteins, soy food, green tea, low-fat dairy products, beans and whole-grain breads and pastas.
Step 2 – Supplement with fish oils. Similar to the way a conditioner coats a hair follicle, consuming a minimum of two to three grams of fish oils daily will increase the oiliness of your skin. For more information on top quality fish oils, visit TrueOMEGA. In addition, introduce low-mercury and low-toxic fish into your diet three to four times per week such as light canned tuna, wild Atlantic salmon, tilapia, sole, halibut and mackerel.
Step 3 – Pump up the amount of fruits and vegetables you consume to approximately five to nine servings per day. A recent study published in the American Journal of Nutrition (January, 2005) concluded that consuming antioxidants from fruits and vegetables may decrease the oxidative stress that occurs during aging. Oxidative damage is partially responsible for wrinkles and the sagging of skin. Specifically vitamin C and phytochemicals found in berries and broccoli promote the production of collagen and elastin – elements that keep skin looking youthful and vibrant. As a general rule, the more colourful the fruit and vegetable, the healthier it is for you.
Step 4 – Do not smoke. Smoking is one of the fastest ways to accelerate the aging of your skin. If you do smoke and are thinking of quitting, acupuncture and hypnosis are natural and side-effect free methods to kick the habit.
Step 5 – Minimize dehydrators such as coffee, tea and sugary pops or drinks. In addition to robbing the body of necessary hydration, these beverages also steal nutrients needed for a healthy and glowing complexion. Focus on liquids that promote skin health such as berry herbal teas, distilled or reverse osmosis water with fresh squeezed lemon and green tea.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and one of the best indicators of health. By filling your diet with colourful fruits and vegetables filled with plant nutrients, minerals and vitamins, supplementing with fish oils and drinking plenty of water – your skin will soon become radiant and glowing. For meal plan options filled with all the ingredients necessary for inner health that translates into beautiful and flawless skin, visit the Truestar Nutrition Section and design a personalized meal plan just for you!
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