DEAR Dr. Fritz,
Please call me Marietta. I don't understand why is it that at the age of 35, I look like I am 50 years old. I felt awkward seeing my friends who were of my same age because I do look like I am their auntie. What could be the reasons why I look older than my age? Could this be related to my diet? If so, what are the foods that could possibly age me?
Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.
Marietta 2021
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Dear Marietta 2021,
There are so many reasons why you look older than your age. Medical conditions, stress, too much sun exposure, dehydration can age you. And yes, certain foods can age you. Here's the list:
Spicy Foods
The problem with these foods is that they can make your blood vessels swell and even break, giving you purple marks on your face. Your body temperature can also rise, so you sweat. And when sweat mixes with the bacteria on your skin, this can give you breakouts and blotches.
Margarine
Most margarines, especially the solid kind, have trans fats, which raise your "bad" cholesterol, cut down your "good" cholesterol, and create inflammation, which is linked to heart disease and stroke. These conditions can age you.
Sodas and Energy Drinks
These drinks can quickly make the cells in your tissues age. Since they give you more calories, they can make you gain weight and you will have higher risk of stroke and dementia.
Frozen Dinners
These dinners have too much salt, which can make you drink more than the normal, which can overload your kidneys, shifting extra water to places in your body that have less salt, like face and hands, which makes you look puffy.
Oops. We're out of space. Let's continue this next time. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She is the co-host of 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 e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don't wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)