By STEPHANIE WEST

Holistic Hypnotherapist

Top six foods to avoid for vibrant skin

1. Refined sugars
These can raise your blood sugar levels causing a spike in insulin triggering an immune response. This response is pro-inflammatory. Increasing your intake of refined sugars can lead to chronic inflammation and premature aging. Sugar breaks down the collagen and elastin in the skin at a rapid rate contributing to wrinkles and dull, sagging skin. Avoid refined sugars by cutting out unnecessary consumption such as sodas, candy, processed foods and fill up on water, fruit and fresh vegetables. This will leave you looking and feeling great.

2. Red meat/ processed meats
Red meat contains a molecule called Neu5Gc that after ingesting causes an immune response that can lead to chronic inflammation if consumed on a regular basis. Processed meat including ham, hot dogs, and salami have been stated as a convincing cause of cancers such as colon and rectum cancers in a 2007 report by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research. Try and limit the amount of red meat in your diet and make sure the red meat you do consume is lean and from grass-fed animals.

3. Trans fat
Found in deep-fried foods, fast foods, commercially baked goods, margarine and vegetable shortening, trans fatty acids cause an inflammatory response in the body and promote obesity.
Avoiding these foods is not enough as items listed as 0g trans fat on labels may still contain trace amounts. The U.S. government allows items containing less than 0.5g of trans fat to be labeled as trans-fat free. Be sure to read your ingredient lists and avoid foods containing partially hydrogenated oil or vegetable shortening.

4. Dairy
One of the most highly debated foods to avoid, everyone seems to have an opinion on dairy.
Over half of the world’s population is unable to process milk. It’s a common allergen that triggers such responses as diarrhea, rashes, acne, mucus, constipation and hives in those affected by lactose intolerance. Many researchers believe consuming milk beyond infancy is abnormal, yet milk products are a staple in the diets of most Americans.
Dairy is known to cause an immune response in the body from not being able to properly digest the protein (casein) and sugar (lactose) found in it. Replacing your milk products with soy or nut milks will help you to avoid these symptoms.

5. Refined grains
These are flours that have been stripped of most of their nutrients. Be wary of products labeled “with added nutrients” since these are usually made with grains bleached of anything nutritious.

6. Peanuts
One of the most common food allergies is peanuts. Even if you do not have an anaphylactic response to peanuts, there are naturally occurring molds found on them the body may recognize as foreign invaders and cause an inflammatory response as a result. There are so many nut varieties that are a healthier option to peanuts. Almond butter is a terrific substitute for peanut butter and walnuts are an omega-3 rich alternative.