Have you recovered from the 'food coma' after the Christmas feasting? I hear a 'NO' and now we're onto another episode of festive feasting again! Lunar New Year is just round the corner and with the many reunion dinners and company lunches, I am sure many of you have had a few kilos added to your weight.
There is always a risk of excessive eating and not forgetting alcohol bingeing during festive seasons. We get carried away when we meet our friends and relatives whom most of us only see them once a year due to our busy schedules.
Do you know that festive eating can have a negative effect on your skin besides your body putting on a few kilos? Yes you heard me right. Let's take a look at what many of us will be consuming over this Lunar New Year.
Kueh Lapis, Pineapple tarts, Kueh Bangkit, Kueh Susu, Bak Kwa, Glutinous rice cake (年糕), Yu Sheng, Egg rolls, assortment of nuts, copious amount of cookies, chocolates, Arrowhead crackers, and the list goes on and on. Oh throw in the numerous cans of soft drinks, sugared teas, beers and wine we will have during our visits to friends and relatives' home.
What does all these food tells us? They are all high in Glycemic index (high GI). We will be consuming lots of refined flour, high sugar and fats and alcohol too. These will cause our blood sugar to rise which will induce excessive production of insulin. 'Elevated insulin levels stimulate the secretion of androgens and cause an increased production of sebum, which plays a fundamental role in pathogenesis of acne vulgaris.' (Source). Most often, we will experience breakouts after festive season and in some, exacerbate existing Eczema (Dermatitis) condition. Also due to the insufficient intake of fibre, many may experience constipation too.
Excessive alcohol consumption within a short time or long term duration can lead to dehydration of the skin. 'Alcohol can produce urine flow within 20 minutes of consumption; as a result of urinary fluid losses, the concentration of electrolytes in blood serum increases.' (Source). Try and limit the intake of alcohol and remember to replenish with plenty of water.
So how do we ensure we get to have our share of the New Year goodies and also maintain healthy skin? It is easy to indulge in all the festive goodies but our body will suffer which will eventually affect our skin. Therefore prevention is better than remedy. Let's be honest and we know we cannot avoid eating all the New Year goodies but it is wiser to practice mindful eating.
Meanwhile, I wish everyone a Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year，新年快乐，身体健康，心想事成! Huat ah!
Further reading:
• Guide on Sugars intake for adults and children: http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guidelines/sugars_intake/en/
• The Science of 'Breaking the seal': Urge to urinate comes more often with inhibition of Anti-Diuretic hormones: http://www.medicaldaily.com/science-breaking-seal-urge-urinate-comes-more-often-inhibition-anti-diuretic-hormone-316382
Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
