Published December 13, 2003 in the North Island Weekender
One of the most satisfying results of my treatment programs is
the comment that people commonly get from their friends and co-workers is that
they look so much better and what are they doing? How is it that when I
put Jane, age 47, on a treatment program for yeast overgrowth (candida
program), for example, that her face looks less gray and has better color and
texture often within a matter of one or two weeks? Usually in this short period
of time there hasn’t been enough weight loss to make the difference so what is
it?
Dr. Perricone in his book The Perricone
Prescription explains it very well and in this article I will summarize
some of his keys points. What I find refreshing about his approach is that he
explains the biochemistry in very easy to understand terms and the same
biochemistry that affects the skin affects every other organ of the body. So
when you embark on an anti-aging program for the skin you will slow the aging
process of every other cell in your body including your brain and your heart at
the same time!
There are 7 causes of aging skin: 1.dehydration, 2.deficiency of good quality protein, 3.diet high in pro-inflammatory foods, 4 deficiency of essential fatty acids, 5.deficiency of anti-oxidants, 6.excess toxins and 7.lifestyle that promotes aging of the skin such as not enough rest, poor skin care and lack of exercise.
All biochemical reactions take place in the presence of
water and mild dehydration drops the metabolism by 3 percent resulting in the
gaining of one pound of weight every six months! Protein is important for
rebuilding and repairing body tissues and as women, in particular, age they
crave carbohydrates to replace their decreasing levels of serotonin and they
eat far less protein than their bodies require. The effects of pro-inflammatory
foods such as those high in chemicals, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and salt are
evident the next morning on waking when the skin is puffy and pasty. Coffee
raises cortisol (stress hormone) and insulin which accelerate the aging process
and store body fat. Essential fatty acids such as omega 3’s, EPA and DHA found
in purified fish oil sources provide an anti-inflammatory effect of the cells
processes as do anti-oxidants such as vitamin E, C, carotenes, vitamin A and
lipoic acid. The DHA in fish oils also lower hormones of stress. Hormones that
contribute to the aging process are elevated cortisol, elevated insulin and
lowered growth hormone. Cortisol will increase with stress in our lives and
makes the cells more resistant to insulin resulting in increased body fat.
Elevated insulin levels will hasten the process of glycation of the skin which
makes the skin harden and wrinkle more. Growth hormone will thicken the skin
making it look more youthful. Exercise will lower cortisol and insulin and raise
growth hormone!
So when Jane embarks on my candida program what is she
doing? She is eliminating foods that are inflammatory such as yeasts, sugars
and alcohol. She is eating a high protein diet, she is eliminating toxins more
efficiently and drinking more water. As part of my basic treatment guidelines
she is also taking essential fatty acids in the form of purified fish oils one
tablespoon per day and she is taking B complex an important component of
maintaining healthy skin.
For those patients who are specifically looking for a skin care program I recommend a four-step program of facial care using glycolic acid as the main ingredient. Glycolic acid is a natural occurring polymer that supports the structure of the skin. The first step is cleansing. If you just use water on your face to cleanse this will not rid the skin of topical bacteria and other pathogens that contribute to dermatological problems such as acne rosacea. The second step is using a toner, the third applying a moisturizer. The final step is applying Firm Protect and Repair Cream which contains the anti-oxidants Dr. Perricone talks about in his book: Ester C, DMAE and lipoic acid. These will fight against the oxidizing effects of day to day living.
When Jane came in for treatment for her environmental allergens, she had no idea that she was also embarking on an anti-aging program for her skin!
Dr.
Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently
practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com