Anti-inflammatory Treats For Your Skin

[Mrs. Sharon B. Hodge]

Anti-inflammatory Treats For Your Skin
By Dr. Perricone

http://www.dailyperricone.com/2008/10/anti-inflammatory-treats-for-...


Two decades in private dermatology practice, seeing thousands of patients, in conjunction with extensive study on the subject has confirmed my belief that the most horrific and frightening aspects of Halloween are not the ghosts, ghouls and goblins on your doorstep. Instead they are to be found in that goody bag full of candy on the arm of each trick or treater.

Sugar in all of its forms (corn syrup, cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc.) is extremely damaging to the skin–and in fact to all organ systems. Sugar and foods that rapidly convert to sugar when eaten cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, resulting in the release of insulin into the blood stream, that then cause us to store, rather than burn fat.

As these sugars and starches are eaten, they cause a burst of inflammation throughout the body.
The sugar molecule can also can permanently attach to protein, such as the collagen present in our skin and other parts of the body. This process is known as glycation.

At the point of attachment, there is a small mechanism creating inflammation, which then becomes a source of inflammation in its own right. This inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen, resulting in wrinkled, sagging skin. In addition to inflammation, glycation also causes cross-linking in our collagen, making it stiff and inflexible where it was once soft and supple.

Unfortunately, these “sugar-bonds” can occur throughout the body as we age and are not just confined to the skin. This process, known as glycation affects our arteries, veins, bones, ligaments, even our brains, resulting in the breakdown of organ systems and the deterioration of the body. Glycation creates “free radical” factories known as advanced glycation end products (AGESs), which also increase cellular inflammation.

After learning about the “horrors” caused by eating sugar and high glycemic carbs, a trip to the candy store begins to take on qualities of Stephen King at his fictional best. But we all do need an occasional treat and that is why I recommend a small serving of dark chocolate which contains 85% cocoa. This is delicious, rich and intensely chocolate experience contains high levels of antioxidants known as flavonoids.