Some of you know skin health is very sensitive to diet, but most of you will be surprised at some of the newest findings!

    Sweets even “healthy”chocolate:   Sweets make various skin conditions worse. A study conducted in the Netherlands, suggests that chocolate increases production of interleukin -1b, a marker of immune system inflammation, which increases the inflammation due to acne. Chocolate might increase production of interleukin 10, lowering immune function and creating an optimal condition that allows bacteria to proliferate.   Inflammation is also at the heart of many other common skin troubles.

      Carbs and sugars: No one has acne in Papua , New Guinea! It is a fact that people there eat low glycemic foods, and avoid stuff like BREAD.  Increased insulin levels due to carb ingestion causes the skin to secrete MORE sebum, a greasy substance that attracts acne-causing bacteria.  Excess sebum also can clog pores, and create red inflamed skin or even Rosacea.

   Whole grains and fruits:  Gluten can and will create inflammation if you are sensitive and will initiate an immune response that can result in acne and other skin problems.   Substituting fruits for other high sugar foods will also worsen skin, cause infection and wreak havoc with the immune system.  Excess  sugar in any form also ages skin prematurely.  It literally breaks down collagen much the way sun damage does.

  Dairy: Growth factors present in dairy foods can function similarly to insulin and also increase sebum production. Dairy is also a common sensitivity and/or allergen for many people which increases inflammatory responses and damages the skin.  Lactose is a sugar and if one cannot process the sugar properly it will build up in the system causing skin and digestive inflammation.

       Soy and other food allergens. Soy, nuts and seeds are other highly reactive foods that can create an immune reaction and inflammation that create skin inflammation and immune problems. Also, Vegans and vegetarians can over emphasize Soy and Dairy in their diets, taking in far too much and actually becoming intolerant and reactive to those foods over time.

 Fruited yogurts, dried fruits, granola, trail mix:  These common,”healthful snacks “actually contain more sugar than a candy bar. Sugar literally breaks down your proteins, creating advanced glycation end products, appropriately called AGEs that creates both wrinkles and sagging.

  Junk foods: It should not be surprising that foods lacking in nutritional value are not good for your skin. Negative nutrient foods like  Big Macs or french fries, supply nothing of nutritive value  and actually create  free radicals which damage skin much as excess sun exposure does.  Fast foods and processed chemically laden foods  are also empty in nutrients but high in sodium and calories and can create a puffy eyed appearance. Replace high sodium, processed foods with natural, unprocessed whole foods.  High fat, fried foods even nuts will increase inflammation if over consumed.

  Alcohol: Any type of alcoholic beverage dehydrates the skin and makes skin look older and dry.  Try to get two liters a day of mineral water for fresher looking skin.  Alcohol is also pure sugar weakening the immune system which excaberates conditions like psoriasis and eczema, acne and rosacea.

 Caffeine: Caffeinated beverages will have the exact same dehydrating effect as alcohol.  If your beverages contain sugar it is even worse!

   Did you know that over one THOUSAND bacteria may live on the skin surface???  Find out what this means to you.  Reg here to stay apprised of this and other breaking health articles that will be published right here.

  Source: Healthy Living, Yahoo!

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