A Hyaluronic Diet For Healthier Skin
Maybe you’ve heard the story of the people of Yuzurihara, a remote village in the mountains of Japan where more than 10% of the population 85 or older. The village is a model of good health and wrinkle-free skin. Their secret? According to experts, a diet rich in foods that stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that promotes healthy skin, joints and eyesight. It has a symbiotic relationship with collagen that is at the heart of youthful skin. Collagen provides the structure and hyaluronic acid nourishes and hydrates collagen to keep the structure sound and supple.
The body produces hyaluronic acid in nearly every cell, especially the skin, both in the deeper dermal layers and at the epidermal surface layers. Young skin produces HA like a Keebler cookie factory, but (big surprise) with age, the factory downsizes and production of HA decreases. Skin has more trouble retaining water. Collagen breaks down. Wrinkles and sagging begin to appear.
One of the ways to get that factory back into production is by eating the right foods. Here’s what to bulk up on:
Starchy Root Vegetables
Starchy root vegetables and tubers like potatoes, taro, and our personal favorite, turmeric, are loaded with magnesium, which stimulates the body to produce HA, plus they provide a variety of other nutritional heroes like potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin A and vitamin C. And they are a staple of the Yuzurihara diet. Load up on those sweet potatoes this Thanksgiving.
Soy
Soybeans are high in phytoestrogens, which studies show, may enhance the production of hyaluronic acid in the body, increase collagen levels, and protect against damaging oxidative stress. Good sources include: tofu, soymilk, soy cheese, tempeh, and edamame.
Bone Broth
Chicken combs and cartilage are the source of hyaluronic acid used in many supplements. Not a pleasant meal. If you want to get a similar boost In your diet, bone broth is one of the top recommendations.
Fruits
Because vitamin C is a huge contributor to the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, expanding your fruit intake can help plump your skin. Additionally, citrus fruits contain a bioactive element called naringenin, which acts as an inhibitor to the hyaluronidase enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are high in magnesium, which is an essential catalyst for HA production. Avocado, nuts, fruits, seeds, beans, and soy are other good sources of HA-boosting magnesium. Bonus: These foods are also rich in nutrient content, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Our Top Picks For A Topical Hyaluronic Acid Boost
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Vitamin C is an essential co-factor in the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin E promotes healthy cell-function and repair. Firm, brighten, hydrate, and protect against the environmental stressors that breakdown collagen with this supercharged HA-enhancing, antioxidant serum.
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Comments
Re Joyce:
There is no specifically identified amount. It is just recommended to get more in your diet because of their high content of magnesium and other components that encourage our bodies to produce HA. As a vegetarian, you may already be doing it, which would explain why you have great skin.
I found your info helpful. My question: how much per serving & how many servings of starch root vegetables per week are necessary to stimulate hyaluronic production? How long does it take before seeing results? I’m guessing a few months? I’m a very strict vegetarian & do not use any topical products other than coconut oil. No one believes i’m 70! I’ve been blessed w/great health!!!