KJ: Dr. Perricone, thank you for taking my questions. I run a blogsite focused on how a healthy diet affects the body. Recently, I read your book the Seven Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity (Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation).

KJ: Cellular Rejuvenation is the theme of your latest book – Seven Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity. In plain terms, would you define Cellular Rejuvenation.

Dr. P.: A young cell is characterized by optimal energy production. Slow down that production, and you begin the aging process. Exciting new scientific developments are showing us that we can actually rebuild our bodies on a cellular level. Brain, bone, muscle, skin can all benefit in a process known as cellular rejuvenation. This is of critical importance when we consider that a ging itself is a potent carcinogen.

Studies have shown that up to 70 percent of human cancer is preventable and 40 percent of this can be attributed to diet. Certain foods and nutritional supplements are the key to cellular rejuvenation and disease prevention—esp. cancer prevention.

KJ: You state that we can rejuvenate ourselves. Is it ever too late to “rebuild” our bodies?

Dr. P.: No—it really is never too late—our first step is to start the anti-inflammatory diet—you will start to look and feel different in as little as 3 days.

KJ: Inflammation – is it the root of most disease? How does it begin?

Dr. P.: The Inflammation/Aging Connection is the single greatest precipitator of aging and age-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, certain forms of cancer, and wrinkled, sagging skin.

This inflammation is sub-clinical (invisible to the eye) and takes place on a cellular level. It does its damage by triggering free radicals, which accelerate aging by damaging cells. This inflammation may be caused by:

a. Eating a pro-inflammatory diet (i.e., high glycemic carbohydrates)

b. Environmental stressors

c. Weakened immune system

d. Excess exposure to ultraviolet light

e. Hormonal changes

f. Stress

KJ: You are one of the first doctors I’ve read from who recommends kefir. You state that the lactoferrin in these fermented foods stimulates iron-building and osteoblasts (cells that build bone), and it inhibits arthritis. Many health enthusiasts believe that kefir is the superior product, citing higher good bacteria levels. What do you say?

Dr. P.: Yes, In addition to delivering live, beneficial probiotic cultures, commercial kefir often contains added inulin or fructoligosaccharides: types of long-chain carbohydrate upon which beneficial bacteria thrive. Kefir also contains special carbohydrates (polysaccharides) called kefiran, whose physiological effects explain some of its bountiful health benefits.

Modern research indicates that kefir can stimulate the immune system, enhance lactose (milk sugar) digestion, and inhibit tumors, fungi, and pathogens, including the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that cause most ulcers.

KJ: Chapter 4 “The Skin We’re In” states that inflammation is caused by eating high-glycemic carbs, which results in puffiness in the face and eyes. What are the high-glycemic carbs? Does this lead to wrinkles?

Dr. P.: Yes, foods that rapidly convert to sugar in the blood stream, such as baked goods, pasta, potatoes, snack foods, breads, cookies, sweets, sodas and so forth. These foods promote the formation of toxic advanced glycation end-products, which degrades the collagen in our skin resulting in deep wrinkles, and which are implicated in the complications of diabetes, and in the development of atherosclerosis.

KJ: You discuss the benefits of Tetronic Acid as a quick lightener for melasma. ( 30 minutes from application) Is this treatment widely available throughout the US now?

Dr. P.: Not yet

KJ: More Sex = More Life We’ve been hearing a good deal about “pheromones,”

especially the teenage boys. What are they?

Dr. P.: Pheromones are chemical messengers communicated between individuals of the same species, eliciting behavioral or neuroendocrine responses.

KJ: Weight training builds muscle mass and bones. How much a week is necessary when complemented with daily aerobic activity?

Dr. P.: Three times a week—20 to 30 minutes per session

KJ: It seems to me that stress is one of the top factors in poor health. Everyone has it. But how much is too much, and what are the best ways to relieve stress?

Dr. P.: In my previous books I have written extensively about the hormones insulin and cortisol, also known as the death hormones. Both of these hormones are necessary for our health, but when they are elevated they cause serious damage, including diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Elevated levels of these hormones act as inflammatory agents. Many of us suffer an excess of both of these hormones, the first from too many sugars and other carbohydrates in our diets, the second from too much stress and caffeine. Fortunately we can modify our behavior to eliminate their negative effects. Giving up sugars and starchy foods will help keep our insulin levels normal. Eliminating coffee will help control our cortisol. A study conducted at Duke University found that the effects of morning coffee consumption can exaggerate the body's stress responses and increase stress hormone levels all day long and into the evening. Also, regular exercise helps reduce stress as does yoga, prayer and meditation—having a loving pet is also one of the greatest stress relievers.

KJ: Please name the top foods to eat.

Dr. P.:

• high-quality protein, like that found in fish, shellfish, poultry and tofu;
• low-glycemic (will not provoke a glycemic response when consumed in moderation) carbohydrates including colorful fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains such as old-fashioned oatmeal, legumes such as beans and lentils;
• healthy fats, such as those found in cold water fish (especially wild Alaskan salmon, halibut, sardines, herring, anchovies, etc.), nuts, seeds, and olive oil
• 8 -10 glasses of pure spring water per day.
• Anti-oxidant rich beverages such as green tea

KJ: What foods should be avoided?

Dr. P.: All junk food, processed foods, foods with coloring, additives and preservatives, sweets other than an occasional piece of extra dark 70 – 85% chocolate, baked goods, pasta, sodas, bagels, cakes, cookies, potato and corn chips, pretzels.

The best rule of thumb—choose foods in their natural state, fresh, when possible organic and don’t forget the fiber

KJ: Why should nonstick cookware be avoided?

Dr. P.:

Non-stick plastic pan coatings: Controversy rages over the safety of non-stick surfaces, which are applied to pans made of aluminum and steel. According to the Cookware Manufacturers Association, some 90 percent of all aluminum cookware sold in the United States in 2001 was coated with non-stick synthetic surfaces.

Non-stick synthetic surfaces are easily damaged, causing the plastic to flake and get in food. And when heated, cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces emits fumes proven to kill pet birds. Like their brethren, these unfortunate avian victims raised the alarm by acting as canaries in the kitchen, rather than the coalmine.

According to a study by the 3M Company, a chemical used in the manufacture of Teflon—called perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA—can be found in the blood of 90 percent of Americans. Of the 600 children tested, 96 percent had PFOA in their blood. And because PFOA does not break down, it persists in the environment indefinitely.

While it is not clear how much of this PFOA comes from non-stick pans—it is also used to coat microwave popcorn bags and paper plates, among other food-related applications—cookware is likely to be a major source. And as toxicologist Tim Kropp of the Environmental Working Group told The New York Times in 2005, "Any amount of PFOA you are ingesting may be a problem because we don't know what levels are safe."

KJ: Please describe what your day’s meals/snacks look like (a descriptive visual aid).

Dr. Perricone:

Breakfast
3 egg omelet and/or 4-6 oz. grilled salmon used 3 large omega 3 eggs and 4 oz wild salmon, raw measure
½ cup cooked oatmeal
1/3 cup fresh berries used 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
8-12 oz. spring water

Lunch
4 – 6 oz. grilled salmon used 4 ounces wild salmon, raw measure

2 cups green salad
Dressing: extra virgin olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon to taste; used 1 teaspoon each
1 kiwi fruit used 1 medium w/o peel
8 – 12 oz. spring water
Snack
1 apple used 1 medium fresh apple
2 oz. slice of turkey breast
Small handful of hazelnuts used 2 tablespoons hazelnuts

Dinner
4 - 6 oz. fresh grilled salmon; used 4 ounces wild, raw measure
Green salad (as described above) 2 cups w/ 1 teaspoon each fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil
½ cup steamed veggies used asparagus

Cantaloupe used 1 cup diced
8 –12 oz. spring water

Before Bedtime Snack
1 pear used 1 med fresh Bartlett pear
6 oz. plain yogurt lowfat
2 tablespoons almonds

KJ: Dr. Perricone, What else would you like readers to know?

Dr. P.:

In addition to creating vibrant skin and optimum health through diet and supplements, topical anti-oxidants can work synergistically to enhance the natural health and beauty of your skin. My research has shown that many food-based nutrients provide anti-inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant activity when applied topically. Optimum results are achieved when they are used as part of the three-tiered program (diet, supplements, topicals).

KJ:  Dr. Perricone, thank you again for your time.          MORE ON THIS AUTHOR

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