sugar Oh!

If you are eating a diet that has a high sugar or carbohydrate content, then the answer to this question is likely, YES !!!

Too much dietary sugar (in a variety of forms) is the culprit for many health conditions that are prevalent in the U.S. , but did you know that it also ages the skin?

If there is too much sugar in the body, protein molecules can cross link with
sugar molecules, creating advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This is called the glycation process. Once AGEs are formed, they tend to gravitate towards the dermal collagen and elastin in the body. The body doesn’t recognize the new molecule and will produce antibodies against them, causing an inflammatory process. Inflammation becomes problematic when it is chronic.
Americans causing our own premature aging by our sugar consumption more sugar in the body, the more AGEs are formed. The collagen then becomes compromised. Effects of glycation may result in premature aging of the skin; wrinkling, loss of elasticity, stiffness, increased rate of aging, and reduced abilities for the skin to repair itself, resulting in thin fragile skin.

In addition to reducing the amount of sugars or other carbohydrates that convert to sugars rapidly (foods with a high glycemic index), foods and supplements that have an anti-inflammatory effect and rich in antioxidants need to be added to the diet; Vitamin A: carrots, kale, spinach, cantaloupe; Vitamin C: broccoli, brussels sprouts, guava and citrus; Vitamin E: olive oil, walnut oil, wheat germ oil, oats, tomatoes, carrots; Bioflavonoids and Polyphenols: citrus, berries, tea, red wine dark chocolate, pomegranates.

Some of these same anti-inflammatory ingredients are also being used for topical applications as well: Arnica-speels wound healing, Peptides-activate growth factor and collagen production, Glucosamine HCI-provides anti-inflammatory and antiglycation support, Omega 6 essential fatty acids-provide anti- inflammatory skin-building effects, Glycine soma-promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, Vitamin C-potent antioxidant and collagen-builder that protects against photo-damage and facilitates wound healing.

So, not only does your diet affect your weight and your health, it also affects your aging process. It make take longer in some individuals than others, but be proactive in life, and don’t wait until you see the adverse affects from bad habits before you change your habits. Start now. If you are already experiencing some of these affects from glycation, then modify your diet! Our nation overall has become too dependent on high sugar or starchy foods and, as a nation, our health is suffering due to our diet. We must make changes and teach our children to do the same. We may have the ability and right to eat what we want, but we need to harbor the responsibility to do it wisely, and to educate our children to do the same.