Archive for the ‘High Sugar Intake’ Category
Aging is a natural process of the human body; however, what we eat and the activities in which we indulge can have an effect on our skin and appearance accelerating aging. A high diet in sugars can have an effect on how young or old you look. Sugar is included in the processed foods we eat and in the natural foods that we consume, such as fruits. Sugar takes the form of sucrose, dextrose, and high fructose. These may appear in product labels as such or as corn syrup or corn sugar. Sugar increases the insulin levels in the body, which in turn will inhibit or slow the release of growth hormones and depresses the immune system. Because insulin is also responsible for promoting fat storage, when you consume too many sugars, you are promoting the increase of fat in your body and the high triglycerides in the blood, which causes heart disease. In addition, there is a lot of glucose (sugar) in the system, it will prevent the amount of vitamin C that is allowed to enter the system since they have a similar composition. This means that with less vitamin C in the system, you are prone to illnesses – vitamin C is an antioxidant and an anti aging vitamin. Fructose, malts, honey and sucrose, are types of sugar that are unhealthy if consumed in high amounts.
The negative effects of sugar in the body are many, starting with a depressed immune system and followed by tooth decay, osteoporosis, mineral imbalance, anxiety and depression, hyperactivity, problems in concentration, rise in triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels, drowsiness, diabetes, kidney damage, stomach problems, wrinkling, gray hair, weight gain, colitis, Crohn’s disease, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, food allergies, free radicals increase, toxemia, eczema and skin disorders, pancreas damage, enlarge liver, fatty liver, kidney disease, fluid retention, hormonal imbalance, migraine, fogginess, blood clots, cancer, fermentation of colon bacteria, and many other conditions that age the body.
Sugar is also responsible for the formation of harmful molecules called advance glycation end products (AGE), damaging near proteins, collagen and elastin, and contributing to the formation of wrinkles. Collagen and elastin are proteins that support the firmness and elasticity of the skin. In addition, these harmful molecules will deactivate antioxidants, and will convert the existing collagen in the body into a type of collagen less strong, and more fragile. A more fragile collagen will lead to sagging of the skin. This has been observed in some people with diabetes, which show early signs of aging. It seems that many diabetics have 50 times more AGE’s in their system than individuals who are not diabetic.
To promote a younger appearance and to prevent wrinkles and sagging skin, it is important to lower or eliminate the consumption of sugars. Using products to restore collagen in the skin and promote the growth of collagen, as well as taking vitamin B1 and B6 – AGE’s inhibitors – will help in keeping a youthful look. In addition, it is important to consume foods high in antioxidants. Two ingredients that help block AGE’s are aminoguanidine and alistin. These are contained in many anti aging products. In general terms, sugar is the number one enemy of youth.