Sun Newspapers Physician & Medical Spring & Summer Guide 2021

in general). For instance, carbohydrates are the most recent "punching bag" for nutritionists and health gurus. Don't confuse the message however. Excess calories in the form of carbohydrates or any other form are deleterious. !ere are good carbohydrates and bad carbohydrates. !e good carbohydrates include complex sugars found in such food as betties, whole grains, "bers, beans, legumes and most fruits and vegetables. Simple sugars like sugar from the beet or sugar cane, fructose (corn syrup), honey, and other simple sugars present in the white starches such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes are good in small quantities. However, they must be carefully monitored and limited to control weight gain, insulin dysregulation and fat deposition. !ese simple sugars drive up the body's insulin levels, growth hormones and cortisone which in turn cause elevation of unhealthy fats (triglycerides), unhealthy cholesterols, and fat deposition thus promoting an unhealthy, in#ammatory state. Chronic high insulin levels (carbohydrate dysregulation) cause abnormal fat deposits; a thickened, tense skin easily felt on the back; skin tags; velvety discolorations of skin on the neck, under the arms and in the groin area; and predisposition to pimples, fungal and yeast infections. !ese "ndings are commonly seen with Syndrome X, a metabolic disorder caused by insulin overload resulting in high, unhealthy cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and ultimately diabetes. In the USA and other countries where populations can a$ord to eat in excess, there is an epidemic of Syndrome X which leads to increased risks of heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, etc. As described, the skin is an easy "give away" for these unhealthy conditions whereby every organ system is a$ected. Some of the laboratory "ndings that help to reveal these serious imbalances include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high LDLs, Low HDLs, high insulin and glucose levels, elevated C-reactive proteins, homocysteine, "brinogen, etc. Another current food controversy centers around fats. Fats make up a very important part of the diet. If someone calls you a fat head, they are right. Most of our brain tissue is made of fatty substances called phospholipids and cholesterol. Energy is stored in the form of fat. Every cell in the body is protected by a fatty covering of membrane. Everyone needs to eat healthy fats to survive and thrive. Most people know that good fat sources include "sh, "sh oil, olive oil, canola oil, and oils found in nuts and seeds, i.e. almonds, walnuts, macadamias, etc. Avocados and legumes are also good food choices. !e bad fats include trans fats and polyunsaturated fats. !ey are found in many baked goods including cookies, cakes, doughnuts, processed foods, even some cereals, granola bars, power bars, etc. !ese are to be assiduously avoided (read the labels carefully)! Avoid animal fats and deep-fried foods; these are usually cooked in polyunsaturated, partially hydrogenated oil. To be healthy, you must pick the right fats and, of course, don't over-indulge in them. Exercise helps us to eliminate and burn excess fat. Proteins represent the building blocks of all our organs. Healthy proteins such as those found in whey, soy, vegetable proteins, beans, "sh and lean meat, eggs – all in moderation – are requirements for healthy skin and body. !ere are many myths and misconceptions about proteins. For instance, contrary to what many people believe, eggs are very healthy for you (in moderation). Try organic eggs or at least eggs from free-range chickens. Fish is excellent, but certain "sh like tuna must be eaten in moderation to avoid heavy mercury ingestion. While salmon is an incredibly healthy food choice, farm raised salmon have fewer nutrients and may even contain toxins. Smaller "sh such as sardines are ideal protein and healthy fat sources. Lean chicken, pork, and steak in moderation are not only acceptable, but are needed for the building blocks of healthy protein. Organically raised meat has been shown to contain fewer toxins. Whey protein and soy protein are excellent protein choices. Personally, I drink a smoothie every day that contains these two proteins. Mankind has evolved optimally on a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and protein-rich legumes, nuts and seeds with an occasional meat treat (when the hunting was good) Modern day humans are still hunter-gathers genetically. Good food choices in moderation are one of the many health facets necessary to obtain healthy skin. In addition, vitamin and nutritional supplementation is a modern-day health gi% and a necessity for optimum skin health. It is very important to understand that our skin health is re#ective of the rest of our body's health because all our organs are interconnected. A healthy skin and a healthy body is an orchestration. Exercise, good food choices, vitamin supplementation, stress management and protection for the external environment must all be addressed at the same time to capture or recapture one's skin health and general health. !e Dermatology & Skin Center is at 3280 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 20 in Port Charlotte. For more information, call 941.625.2878 2021 Spring & Summer PHYSICIAN & MEDICAL GUIDE 59

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