Perricone Diet: The Fountain of Youth

What is the Perricone Diet?

The Perricone Diet is composed of a sound diet, proper supplementation and topical medications promising increased vitality, longevity and better-looking skin. The diet proposes that some food types can cause inflammation of body organs and retain water in the body. The adverse results can be skin wrinkling, bloated appearance, obesity and other more serious diseases.

People also do not consume enough protein as indicated in the recommended dietary allowance but eat more of the unhealthy stuff like saturated fats and foods with high glycemic index. Other advantages included in the Perricone Diet are increased immunity, stronger bones, fat loss, improved metabolism and uplifted mood.

Where Did the Diet Come From?

Dr. Nichalos Perricone, a dermatologist and professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine developed the Perricone Diet. He states that the diet reverses the aging process, helping people look and feel younger and living longer.

He carefully planned out the contents of his diet as well as developed supplements and skin care products which have anti-wrinkle effects. He calls his products “cosmeceuticals” which are sold in his website and some classy shops in some key areas of the country. He also wrote six books which focus on healthier and clearer skin as well as weight loss.

How Does the Diet Work?

Dr. Perricone said that dieters will immediately see the results of better-looking skin in as early as 3 to 5 days. The diet lasts a total of 28 days wherein foods known to cause inflammation and to increase fat are avoided while protein is taken first before carbohydrates. The meals for the first three days are all similar and taken at similar time intervals. The protein source is also specifically indicated to be wild or organic salmon.

After the third day, variations in food can be done but overall, the contents aim to increase helpful proteins and decrease fat, sugar and high glycemic contents in the body. In total, there are five meals to be consumed, over 25 supplements recommended, a number of skin care products like toners, moisturizers and lotions to be used plus 30 minutes of exercise everyday.

What You Should Avoid

These foods are known to cause inflammation as well as increase the risk of developing certain diseases like cancer and cardiovascular sickness according to Dr. Perricone. Stay away from alcohol, breads like croissants, coffee, breakfast cereals, granola, flour, beef, duck, pizza, pasta, noodles, rice, soda, cheese, sugar, fruit juice, fruits with high glycemic index like mangos, grapes, oranges and pineapples and starchy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, corn and pumpkin.

What You Should Eat

The good foods in the Perricone Diet are those with essential omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and protein. You may eat wild Alaskan salmon, tuna, trout, halibut, turkey, eggs, yogurt, beans, barley, oatmeal, nuts, fruits like berries, cherries, pears and apples, vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, mushrooms and peppers, nuts and green tea. The diet also strongly recommends that you drink spring water at least 8 to 10 glasses everyday. The foods indicated in the diet are all based on the glycemic index.