DEAR Dr. Fritz,
I am just 30 years old, but people say I am about 40 or more. I feel awful. I don’t understand why I look older than I actually am. The truth is, I am not exposed to the sun – as I am in an office and I am using sunblock every day. What is it about me? Is it about my diet? I have to be honest. I eat veggies, but I am into fried and grilled foods. I don’t like soups. I like coffee and soft drinks. So, do these matter?
Thanks and hope to hear to hear from you soon.
Marlow of BDCT
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Dear Marlow of BDCT,
Alright, let’s discuss the foods that you like.
Let’s start with softdrinks. The problem is, the more of them you consume, the quicker your cells age. Moreover, they have more calories and sugar and if it combines with bacteria in your mouth, an acid will form that breaks down your tooth enamel causing decay. Of course, you will have weight gain and a higher risk of stroke and dementia.
Your coffee is next. Caffeinated drinks are diuretic. So, you will keep on urinating and will cause you to be dehydrated – which can make you more prone to dry skin, psoriasis and wrinkles.
Then, we get to your fried foods. The boiling oil promotes free radicals or unstable molecules, which can damage other molecules in your cells and can add years to your skin.
And now, to your grilled foods. Frying or grilling meat at high temperatures can create advanced glycation end products or AGEs. Low levels of AGEs are fine because our own body produces them. The problem is, if we have high amounts of AGEs from charred meats, they can lead to inflammation that damages our body and triggers heart disease and diabetes.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She is the co-host of the digital page of Superbalita. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15-year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” For your questions, you may email them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we can not answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)