If you�re a big fan of sugar coated cereals and candies, you might be surprised to learn that your own body engages in some sugar coating of its own, through a process called glycation. During glycation the sugar molecules absorbed into your blood stream during the digestion process coat protein molecules throughout your body, according to the respected New York and Miami dermatologist Dr. Frederic Brandt.

The newly sweetened protein molecules have been given the name "Advanced Glycation End Products" which morphs very neatly into the anagram AGEs, and could not be better named. Why?

Some of the most important protein molecules in your body are those which make up your collagen and elastin. These two substances are found in the lower layers of your skin, and are what give your skin�s surface its firmness and resiliency.

The greater the amount of sugar you consume, the more AGEs your body will produce. And by the time you reach thirty-five or so, your skin will begin to show the effects in the form of a duller complexion and wrinkling. You will look prematurely old, and the glycation process will only speed up going forward.

Are you destined to be a victim of AGEs?

Not if you�re willing to take the steps necessary to reverse the glycation process. The steps themselves are quite simple, but finding the will power to implement them may take some effort!

Step 1

You probably know what Step 1 is: start replacing the processed sugars in your diet with the natural ones found in vegetables and fruits, which have a much less drastic effect on your blood sugar levels. If you simply can�t live without your refined sugar, limit your consumption of it to no more than 10% of your daily caloric intake.

For someone consuming 1600 calories per day, this means no more than ten teaspoons of refined sugar, including the sugars found in processed foods. But limiting your sugar intake in this manner will not only benefit your skin; it will help you lose weight and reduce your risk of diabetes as well.

You can easily determine how many teaspoons of sugar a single serving of processed food contains by learning to read the nutritional labels on the packages. Just divide the total grams of carbohydrate by 4, and you�ll have your answer.

You may be amazed to learn just how many forms of refined sugars are being added to processed foods. The most common is high fructose corn syrup, but maltose, dextrose, molasses, and maple syrup, are all used as sweeteners and are all guilty of glycation.

Step 2

In addition to limiting your refined sugar intake, you should be sure to supplement your diet with 1 mg each of Vitamins B1 and B6 every day. A New Your dermatologist, Dr. David Goldberg, cites a number of studies which indicate that these two vitamins are very effective in reducing the effects of glycation.

You will get some of them in your food, but the best way to ensure you have them in adequate amounts is to take them as supplemental vitamins. Your body will metabolize only what it needs, and eliminate the remainder, so you are in no danger of developing toxin levels of either of them.

Step 3

You can also fight the production of AGEs from the outside, by limiting your exposure to sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when UV rays are at their strongest. The British Journal of Dermatology has published a study showing that the collagen in skin left unprotected from the sun will develop a higher level of AGEs than protected skin.

Using a moisturizer rated SPF 30 and wearing a hat with a brim wide enough o shade your entire face and neck are two methods you can employ if you must be out in the sun during peak daylight hours.

Step 4

Fight glycation with the help of dietary and topical antioxidants. All the vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids are all powerful antioxidants and nutrients you can get them by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in as many colors as you can find.

Cold water fish like salmon and sardines have the omega 3 fatty acids, and adding nuts to your salads or sipping green tea through out the day will also help you fight glycation. But if you know you aren�t getting enough antioxidants in your diet, you can once again turn to supplements.

So now you know not only about glycation and AGEs, but also about what you can do to reverse the glycation process and restore your skin to a more youthful appearance.

Step 5

Start using antioxidant enriched anti aging wrinkle creams, which will feed your skin directly. A combination of good diet, sun protection, and a quality wrinkle cream is a powerful AGE fighter indeed!

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