The Wrinkle Cure Regimen

[Guest guest]

(excepted from " Bottom Line Personal " 11/15/02 edition, authored by Dr.

Perricone, MD, dermatologist and professor of medicine at College of

Human Medicina, Michigan State University; and author of " The Perricone

Prescription " (Harper) and " The Wrinkle Cure " (Warner).

Wrinkles are not necessarily part of growing older. They occur when low grade

cellular inflammation--caused by pollution, too much sun, poor nutrition, and

by-products of the body's metabolism--triggers the release of AP-1 and other

chemicals that destroy collagin. Improving your diet can prevent wrinkles and

minimize the ones you already have.

Protein is essential for repairng cells, including collagen cells. Animal

protein provides mor amino acids (essential for cell repair) and is more

readily absorbed than plant protein. Vegetarians (and others who may lack

adequate protein) should supplement their diets with protein powders and soy

foods.

Fish contains EFA's that block the inflammation mentioned in the first

paragraph. Fish is also the best dietary source for preventing free radicals

from damaging skin cells. Eat fish at least 3 times a week. Salmon, fresh or

canned, contains the most protective compounds; eating it TWICE A DAY can

make skin look more radiant in JUST 3 DAYS.

Dark greens and broccoli contain EFA's too, as well as carotenoids (vit A)

and other antioxidants that block inflammation. Eat green vegetables at least

twice a day.

Olive oil blocks inflammation, and makes it easier for EFA's in fish and

other foods to penetrate cell membranes. Cook with it and/or use it in salad

dressings. You should consume 2 tablespoons a day. (Carol says: maybe " we "

need more bcuz of the malabsorption issue; SOME of it gets thru, but how

much???). Extra-virgin Spanish olive oil, for some reason, is the most

protective.

Blood sugar control is important because sudden surges trigger an

inflammatory response in the skin. Stick to foods with a low glycemic index

(a scale of 1 to 100).

" White " foods are high on the index: rice, pasta, potatoes, pretzels; also

things high in sugar like candy, cake, donuts, and other low-fiber starches.

Low glycemic carbs are lentils, oatmeal, peanuts, nuts and most fruits and

vegetables.

Strawberries, respberries, blueberries and blackberries, fresh or frozen, are

among the best sources to block enzymes tha degrade collagen and other

connective tissue. 1/4 cup per day is recommended.

Drink lots (at least eight 8-oz glasses a day) of water: it plumps up skin

cells and reduces the concentration of inflammatory chemicals. It improves

the body's absorption of vitamins and minerals as well.

(Note: supplements are mentioned in this article, but they are all ones WE

are already taking--or should be. Thought y'all might be interested in seeing

just how close our recommended diets are to these recommendations. And you

thought it was just fot losing weight......)

Carol A