It has been confirmed: sugar ages you! The process of glycation links sugars to collagen and elastin, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that stiffen and damage skin.
Nutrition and aging skin: sugar and glycation
(This picture is courtesy of Pixabay.)
- Glycation a process where glucose and fructose bind to proteins like collagen and elastin in your skin, creating cross-links.
• These links make repair nearly impossible.
• Result? Skin loses elasticity and resilience.
Youthful skin depends on avoiding excessive glycation!
- How AGEs (advanced glycation end products) form:
• Glycation occurs naturally but accelerates with high blood sugar.
• UV exposure boosts the process, compounding the damage.
• Cross-linking proteins not only harms skin but also affects organs like kidneys, eyes, and heart.
- Glycation starts early—by your late 20s, glycated collagen builds up at 3.7% per year!
In diabetes, glycation accelerates, but tight glycemic control can cut AGE formation by 25% in 4 months!
- It’s not just sugar in your diet!
Foods cooked at high temperatures (fried, grilled, roasted) are high in pre-formed AGEs.
Example: Boiled rice (1 AGE) vs. crispy rice cereal (220 AGEs).
- Glycation and Gut Health:
AGE-rich diets can disrupt gut microbiota, lowering beneficial bacteria. This reduces nutrient absorption, compounding damage to your skin and overall health.
- How to Fight Back Against Glycation:
• Limit sugar and refined carbs.
• Avoid high-heat cooking.
• Use spices like cinnamon, garlic, and turmeric, which inhibit AGE formation.
• Antioxidants (ginger, lipoic acid, flavonoids) also protect skin and body.
• Fast!
- Why It Matters?
Skin aging isn’t just about looks. Glycation harms collagen, enzymes, and gut health while driving systemic inflammation. Reducing AGEs in your diet slows aging and boosts recovery from cosmetic procedures.
- Beyond Skin: AGEs affect the whole body.
Elevated AGEs are linked to:
• Diabetes complications
• Heart disease
• Kidney failure
• Macular degeneration
AGE-reducing diets are a win for health AND beauty.
Sugar ages your skin through glycation, forming AGEs that stiffen collagen and damage repair mechanisms.
Take care of your myofascial system daily to stimulate collagen renewal, slow down aging, and restore your natural beauty.
How? I’m glad you asked! Subscribe to Anastasia’s channel and start applying her techniques today.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/@anastasiabeautyfascia
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