The Perricone Prescription Diet

Dr. Nicholas Perricone released his "The Perricone Prescription" book in 2002, detailing an eating regimen that promised to heal the skin from inside out. Dr. Perricone contends that by following his recommended diet, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in sugars, you would experience healthier, younger-looking skin. Although the Perricone Diet is not specifically a weight-loss diet, the recommendations are for a low-fat diet that can encourage weight loss.

Basis

Dr. Perricone's diet recommendations are based around his years of practicing dermatology where he researched the link between inflammation and aging. Dr. Perricone contends that cellular inflammation in the body leads to an early breakdown of cells, especially skin cells. This causes outward signs like wrinkling, pimples and sagging skin. By following his anti-inflammatory diet, Dr. Perricone contends that you can slow the aging process and reverse existing damage. His "prescription" is a three-tiered plan. In addition to the foods eaten, Dr. Perricone also recommends taking "nutriceuticals"--supplements that help to fight inflammation and using anti-aging skincare products that fight inflammation. By doing these three parts, Dr. Perricone contends that you can maintain the best skin health possible.

Foods to Eat

Dr. Perricone outlines a 28-day program that includes meal plans and recipes. The focus is on fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of omega-3 containing fish, like salmon and tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods like fish, walnuts and flaxseed, are powerful inflammation fighters, Dr. Perricone says. He recommends three meals and two snacks per day of foods like egg whites, almonds, berries, salmon, romaine lettuce, cantaloupe, broccoli, spinach and green apples. He also recommends drinking spring water several times throughout the day.

Foods to Avoid

You should avoid a number of foods linked with inflammation. The chief offenders include sugar-containing foods like cakes, cookies, pies and doughnuts. Carbohydrates known to cause blood sugar spikes, like foods made with enriched or white flour and potatoes also are on Perricone's list of foods to avoid. Additionally, foods like pork, veal, lamb and beef are considered ones to avoid because they promote inflammation.

Considerations

The Perricone Prescription plan focuses on many principles associated with good health and relieving inflammation. These include eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding high-sugar diets and starchy carbohydrates. However, Dr. Perricone offers an extensive list of supplements, like vitamin C ester, alpha-lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and berry powder with acai that may be too expensive and too much for most people to take in a day. He does recommend a three-day program in the beginning of his book that you can follow to observe immediate differences in your skin. Before following the whole program, you may wish to try this three-day version to see if the Perricone Prescription Diet could work for you.