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October 2015

Woman scratching her skin
 by Mayank

Do You Have Rosacea and Not Realize?

You may have not heard the term rosacea, but you may have the condition. Rosacea frequently goes undiagnosed because it has symptoms that are so similar to other conditions, such as acne. Here, we present you with important information about rosacea and how to identify the most commonly experienced symptoms of rosacea. If you suspect you may have rosacea, seek attention from a doctor or dermatologist.

What is Rosacea?
According to the National Rosacea Society, Rosacea is a chronic disorder that usually occurs on the facial skin, often characterized by remissions and flare-ups. Many people have observed that the occurrence of rosacea any time after age 30 as a redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead or chin that might come and go. In some cases, rosacea might also occur on the chest, neck, ears or scalp.

Presently experts are still unsure of what exactly causes rosacea, but they know that it is a progressive condition. Over time, this redness tends to become more persistent. If left untreated, pimples and bumps tend to develop, and in severe cases the nose may become bumpy and swollen from excess tissue.

Who Gets Rosacea?
While rosacea can affect anyone, experts believe that those with fair skin that blushes or flushes easily are at the greatest risk for developing rosacea. Additionally, the disease is most most commonly diagnosed in women but the most severe cases tend to be in men. There is not a particular cause for men having more severe cases than women, but researchers believe it is simply because women seek medical attention for symptoms of rosacea far more quickly than men do.

Currently it is estimated that 16 million Americans suffer from rosacea and 95% of those 16 million were entirely unaware of the condition and the signs and symptoms prior to actually being diagnosed. Often people with rosacea will attribute the symptoms of a red face and bumps or pimples to an acne problem.

Symptoms of Rosacea
So much of what causes rosacea is unknown, which can make it difficult to correctly identify the condition. The symptoms of rosacea vary greatly between cases, but there are some frequent symptoms to look for:

  • Blushing or flushing
  • Constant redness
  • Bumps and pimples
  • Small but visible blood vessels

Other symptoms may include:

  • Eye irritation
  • Burning, stinging, itching or feeling that the skin is tight
  • Facial edema (swelling)
  • Raised red patches (known as plaques)
  • Thickened skin
  • Skin that appears dry near the center of the face

What to Do if Symptoms are Present
If you experience the above symptoms, there is a possibility that you are suffering from rosacea. There is no cure for rosacea but with a correct diagnosis and medical intervention, it is possible to treat and manage the condition. The first thing to do if you suspect you may have rosacea is to make an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist. This is an important step in the process because every case is vastly different meaning that treatment must be tailored to your specific problems.

Often, oral and topical medications are prescribed to get rosacea symptoms under control. Your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe both a topical medication and a short-term oral medication. This combination speeds the process of controlling rosacea symptoms. Typically once the rosacea is under control, use of the oral prescription ceases and topical medication is used long-term. In addition to medications for rosacea, lifestyle changes are also important. Sometimes rosacea can be triggered by irritants or environmental factors. Avoid rosacea triggers when possible. Additionally, proper skin care is important in the management of rosacea. Check with your doctor or dermatologist to be sure you are using gentle, yet effective products in your skin-care routine.

It is not uncommon for those with rosacea to be unaware that they have it. If you suspect that you may have rosacea, it is important that you seek medical attention. Rosacea is a progressive disease and left untreated it can significantly worsen and be permanently damaging. With proper diagnosis and treatment, rosacea can be well managed and treated.

in Look Well 0 comments
Woman testing for diabetes
 by Mayank

How Resveratrol May Help Fight Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most frequently experienced form of diabetes, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that 29 million Americans suffer from this condition. What’s worse is that one in four Americans with type 2 diabetes aren’t aware that they have it. Around 86 million Americans (one in three Americans) are in a prediabetic state where blood glucose levels are elevated, but not enough to be classified as diabetes. Diabetes treatments include careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, diet and exercise and medication when necessary. A new study suggests that resveratrol may also be able to help fight diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association states, “[i]n type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, the pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time your pancreas isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal. Type 2 is treated with lifestyle changes, oral medication (pills) and insulin.”

Even if you don’t currently have type 2 diabetes, there is a good chance that you may be prediabetic. Lifestyle changes are one important way to help treat diabetes, or to lower your prediabetic levels. A diet that features foods low on the glycemic index is the first line of defense against diabetes type 2. Beans, whole grains, citrus fruits, berries and dark, leafy greens are all excellent choices when it comes to healthy eating. Exercise is also recommended for those who are prediabetic or who have type 2 diabetes. Sometimes, monitoring your blood glucose levels and making great lifestyle changes aren’t enough to treat diabetes.

Treatment
Traditionally, treatments for diabetes can include insulin or other injectables, oral medications in the form of pills, or even an aspirin regimen. However, a new study indicates that there may be another force that battles diabetes: resveratrol.

Resveratrol, found in foods such as red grapes, red wine, peanuts and blueberries, among others, may be an excellent dietary supplement for those with type 2 diabetes. Research and review of major reports and clinical trials indicates that resveratrol works against diabetes in several ways. Studies suggest that resveratrol helped with systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin AC1 and creatine. Because resveratrol is safe to use as a supplement, these findings are encouraging. Although resveratrol may be beneficial as a supplement to type 2 diabetes, it is important to note that resveratrol would not be effective as the sole treatment of diabetes. Resveratrol has no effect on fasting glucose levels, insulin and LDL/HDL. Additional research is necessary in order to conclude that resveratrol supplementation should be added to treatment plans for people with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a prevalent condition that has major impacts on the lives of those it affects. To reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, start increasing your intake of fruits, non-starchy vegetables and whole grains. Coupled with an active lifestyle, dietary changes can make a huge impact on your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

in Resveratrol 0 comments
Smoothie
 by Mayank

Sip Your Way to Better Health with Resveratrol Smoothies

Our focus this week has been on resveratrol, and the clinical trials and studies underway that make this powerful antioxidant such a great investment in your health. Resveratrol is still being studied, but the research and studies seem to suggest that resveratrol may be beneficial for a number of health conditions. With these exciting results, you’re probably wondering how you can incorporate more resveratrol into your diet. Of course, you know that red wine is an excellent source of resveratrol due to the skin of red grapes, but what you may not know is that you can still sip your way to health. Try any one of these supercharged smoothies for a boost of resveratrol and other healthy ingredients.

Peanut Butter Smoothie.

Peanut Butter Smoothie
Resveratrol is also found in some nuts, including peanuts. If you love peanut butter, grab some and indulge in this smoothie. To avoid using ice, freeze your banana beforehand. When freezing bananas, always remember to remove the peel before your pop it in the freezer.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 banana (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup milk or milk substitute
  • 2 tablespoons all natural peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave

Directions

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth.
  • If you decide to use frozen bananas rather than ice, use a whole banana.

Dark Chocolate Green Smoothie
If you love all things chocolate, this smoothie is perfect for you.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk or milk substitute
  • 1 cup frozen berries (blueberries or strawberries are awesome)
  • 3 cups baby spinach (or other dark leafy green)
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cacao nibs)
  • 1 mango peeled and cubed

Directions

  • Add the milk and mango to your blender and blend until smooth. Then add the frozen berries, cacao powder and mango.
  • Blend until thoroughly mixed.
  • Add your baby spinach and give it all another good blend.

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Mixed Berry Smoothie
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are also sources of resveratrol. You can use one of these types of berries, or a mix of all three, when you make this smoothie.

Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • ½ cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 cup vanilla (or plain) yogurt

If you plan to use fresh berries rather than frozen, add ½ cup of ice to your ingredient list

Directions

  • Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Smoothies are an excellent way to receive not only the benefits of resveratrol, but also other essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your body requires. They are also a great way to start your morning or energize your afternoon. Perhaps the best part of smoothies is how customizable they are; you can tweak these smoothie recipes to your tastes. Add cacao powder to your peanut butter smoothie or substitute a peach in place of banana in your berry smoothie. Enjoy experimenting with different fruit and flavor combinations while also receiving the vitamins and minerals, and resveratrol, that smoothies provide.

in Eat Well 0 comments

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