Foods that Speed up Your Body’s Aging Process

It can be impossible to prevent factors that speed up the aging process for our bodies. However, certain things like diet and lifestyle are in our control. The two main factors that contribute to aging are sun exposure and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs form when protein or fat combine with sugar.

Certain foods speed up your body’s aging process as they are high in proteins, fats, and sugars. It doesn’t mean you avoid these foods completely. To prevent aging and have a healthy lifestyle, you must balance between a healthy diet and these foods. There is no magic or guarantee that not eating these foods will give you a firm, supple skin, and avoid aging. It is just a way to ensuring you take precautions and look after your health.

French Fries- One of the most popular, tasty, and delicious snacks, french fries are notoriously unhealthy. They are fried and salty, usually made at a high temperature. Foods fried in oil at a high-temperature releases free radicals that can cause cellular damage to the skin. Exposure to free radicals accelerates the aging process due to an action called cross-linking. Cross-linking affects DNA molecules and can weaken the elasticity of the skin. Consuming excess salt also draws out water from the skin and leads to dehydration. This makes skin prone to wrinkling. A healthy alternative to french fries would be sweet potato fries as they are rich in anti-aging copper. Copper aids in the production of collagen.

White Bread- A hotly debated food, white bread has a high glycemic index. It causes inflammation in the body which is directly linked to the aging process. When refined carbs integrate with protein, AGEs get formed. AGEs have a direct impact on chronic diseases, illnesses, and the aging process. White bread contains sugar, which can further age the skin and cause acne. Replace white bread with grain-free bread or sprouted bread that contain antioxidants.

White Sugar- Sugar is one of the major contributors to skin issues such as acne, inflammation, and aging. Sugar also contributes to the formation of AGEs. When our sugar levels are elevated, the AGE process is stimulated. It gets sped up more if sunlight is involved. If you eat ice-cream or drink soda on the beach, you will be speeding up the aging process of your skin. Use alternatives like dark chocolate, honey, or blueberries to tackle sugar cravings. Adding replacements like stevia or erythritol also help.

Dairy- For some people, dairy may cause inflammation in the body which can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of premature aging. Diets low in dairy products may protect sun-exposed skin from wrinkling and aging. Dairy tolerance and impact is subjective for several people. Some people get acne or poor skin due to milk while cheese or yogurt causes no such issues. Dairy is also a great source of calcium. So avoiding dairy is not as simple as it sounds. You should try replacing it with oats, almond, or soy milk. Consult a doctor regarding personal tolerance levels for dairy and dairy products.

Margarine- Studies have shown that those who don’t consume margarine or butter have less skin damage than those who do. Margarine is worse than butter due to the amount of partially hydrogenated oils. These trans-fatty acids make the skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation damages the skin’s elasticity and collagen. You can use olive oil which is rich in anti-aging oxidants as an alternative for margarine or butter.

Processed Meats-Hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and pepperoni are examples of processed meats. These meats are high in sodium, saturated fats, and sulfite which can dehydrate the skin and weaken collagen by causing inflammation. Use healthier meats like turkey or chicken as they contain protein and amino acids that support in the natural formation of protein. Or you can use eggs for a cheaper and healthier option.

Alcohol- Alcohol can cause a number of problems when it comes to the skin, including redness, puffiness, loss of collagen, and wrinkles.Alcohol depletes your nutrients, hydration, and Vitamin A levels, all of which have a direct impact on wrinkles.Vitamin A is extremely vital for new cell growth and the production of collagen, ensuring that skin is elastic and wrinkle-free. Drinking in moderation is recommended for men and women. Choose low-calorie, low-alcohol content drinks and hydrate yourself with water.

Balancing your consumption of these foods is important in the long run. Adding the alternatives we mentioned also provides you with daily meal ideas or healthy snacks. Consult a doctor or medical expert before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. You can also reduce the effects of aging by topical creams, treatments, and medical alternatives. Food is a sustainable and long-term process of achieving healthy, clear, and ageless skin.