Age Spots (aka Liver spots)
Age spots are flat brown spots that can appear anywhere on the body as it ages. They are also called liver spots.
Most age spots appear on the face, neck, and hands. These brown spots are harmless, but they can be a sign of more serious underlying problems.
They are a result of a buildup of wastes known as lipofuscin accumulation, a by-product of free radical damage in skin cells.
These spots are actually signs that the cells are full of the type of accumulated wastes that slowly destroy the body’s cells, including brain and liver cells.
In other words, they are a surface sign of free radical intoxication of the body that may affect many internal structures as well, including the heart muscle and the retina.
Factors leading to the formation of age spots include poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, poor liver function, the ingestion of oxidized oils over a period of time, and, above all, excessive sun exposure. Exposure to the sun causes the development of free radicals that may damage the skin.
The formatino of lipofuscin is associated with a deficiency of a number of important nutrients, including vitamin E, selenium, glutathione, chromium, and dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). Consuming alcohol increases lipofuscin formation.
Very important supplements to consider for this condition:
- Zinc – 80mg daily, in divided doses. It is a powerful immune system stimulant. Necessary for T lymphocyte function, which is needed to fight infection. Needed for all skin disorders.
- Ageless Beauty from Biotec Foods – A Free Radical Destroyer
- Vitamin B Complex – Necessary for older adults for proper assimilation of all nutrients.
- Kyolic Formula 105 from Wakunaga – Supplies an array of antioxidants that are potent cell protectors.
- Vitamin C with bioflavonoids repair – 3,000mg to 6,000mg daily. A powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger necessary for tissue.
Source: Prescription for Natural Healing, Fifth Edition, by Phyllis A. Balch, CMC.