Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do With Greek Yogurt

You might be surprised by some of the creative ways to use Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt, a variety made by straining off some of the liquid whey that gives regular yogurt its thinner texture, has become incredibly popular over the past few years. This is due, in part, to its high protein content; a six-ounce cup of Greek yogurt can have as much as 20 grams of protein, the same as about half a chicken breast (conventional yogurt has more like 9 grams).Aside from its nutritional edge over traditional varieties, Greek yogurt is appreciated for its unique texture; it’s much thicker and creamier than other varieties of yogurt, a characteristic that makes it useful for a number of other purposes both in and out of the kitchen.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing Greek yogurt is what’s in the ingredient list; not all Greek yogurts are made the same way or using the same ingredients. Some are thickened with modified corn starches or gelatin and the majority of flavored Greek yogurts have tons of added sugar. But, if you choose a plain, organic Greek yogurt made with milk and live and active cultures as the first ingredients, you can reap the many health benefits this creamy yogurt has to offer.

True Greek yogurt (strained, thickened milk with live and active cultures) has powerful probiotic properties. We often hear about the benefits of probiotics for digestive health (the live and active cultures in yogurt help balance out the good and bad bacteria in our guts) but new research is examining their health benefits of probiotics when applied topically. Though more research is needed, preliminary studies have shown that applying certain strains of “good bacteria” directly to […]

Probiotics: The Newest Trend to Hit Your Beauty Products

From yogurts to ingestible supplements, you might have heard of probiotics to encourage good digestive health. But now the beneficial bacteria is being highlighted for it’s potential skin benefits as well. Thanks to early research that indicates a link between probiotic use and skin treatments for those suffering from acne and rosacea, probiotics are popping up on beauty counters more frequently.

Just as probiotics offer a healthy dose of good bacteria to your gut via substances like yogurt, topical probiotics can also help to reduce inflammation, decrease skin sensitivity and reduce redness, according to some studies from the American Academy of Dermatology. In studies done by Whitney P. Bowe, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York, topical probiotics have been praised for forming a protective shield or “bacterial interference,” which means they protect skin and prevent skin cells from “seeing” bad bacteria or parasites that can cause an immune reaction, aka acne or rosacea.
Topical probiotics are also being praised for their antimicrobial properties, which means they are able to create holes in bad bacteria and attack them. Finally, probiotics are said to have a calming effect. Via the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Bowe says they can calm the areas of skin cells that trigger reactions when in contact with bad bacteria that causes inflammation. All in all, probiotics seem to have a promising future in the beauty world. Check out some of the products we spotted on the market that contain the powerful ingredient.TULA Probiotic Skincare Discovery Collection, $49, at qvc.com
(Source: QVC)

Created by Dr. Roshini Raj, whom you might recognize from the Today Show and The Dr. Oz Show, TULA […]

Help! I Feel Bloated – Yahoo! Beauty

The worst part about being bloated is that half the time, you don’t know why. It doesn’t take a particularly huge meal or the saltiest snack to make you feel extra puffy.
So what gives? We asked gastroenterologist Dr. Roshini Raj to explain the surprising culprits behind belly bloat—and how to prevent it down the line.
“Bloating is typically caused by having too much gas in your system due to foods and drinks,” says Dr. Raj. While most of us are aware that eating broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, and beans can cause gas, you’re probably not on the lookout for sorbital. It’s an ingredient in sugar-free candies, gum, and other treats that almost definitely causes bloating.

Photo: Trunk Archive
Need another reason to kick that soda habit? It’ll blow your stomach right up (so will beer, or anything else carbonated). “People think seltzer or ginger ale will help, but the carbonation can actually make you feel worse,” says Raj. Alcohol irritates the lining of your stomach, so drinking it any form can potentially cause bloating. Another unexpected culprit: things that make you swallow extra air, like chewing gum, eating too quickly, drinking with a straw, sucking on hard candies, and smoking.
Aside from your diet and habits, Raj says bacterial and viral infections and certain medical conditions can slow down the movement of air, gas, or food through the intestines, which creates a bloated feeling. If you have an allergy to gluten or lactose—which can suddenly appear at any age—you may experience symptoms of bloating, as can sufferers of Irritable Bowl Syndrome. (If you have ongoing issues, be sure to see a doctor to make sure you don’t have a serious condition.)
Unfortunately this is one case when flushing […]

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    If Acne Is Still One Of Your 99 Problems, These May Be The Surprising Reasons Why

If Acne Is Still One Of Your 99 Problems, These May Be The Surprising Reasons Why

In the slim chance you haven’t already heard, acne isn’t only a teenager’s problem. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reported adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, even 50s can develop the common skin condition, which is to say they grow up to continually struggle with pimples, deep lumps like cysts, black- and whiteheads.

Acne isn’t limited to a person’s face either. According to the AAD, nearly 85 percent of people will experience acne on their face, chest, and back at some point in their life. And if a person’s preferred treatment is still to pop or squeeze a pimple, they’ll increase the likelihood of acne-related scarring.

The age-old advice when it comes to reducing acne is to pay special mind to oily, bacteria-ridden skin — growth of the bacteria P. acnes is a leading cause of the condition — as well as saying no to stress and eating healthier foods. Think less dairy, more vitamin E and antioxidants.

There are other commonly-touted natural solutions for acne, such as tea tree oil, increased daily water intake, and cooking more with the spice turmeric. And of course, there are medications your dermatologist can prescribe.

However, the Food and Drug Administration recently announced that so many of the popular acne treatment medications can cause rare, potentially fatal allergic reactions. So if following all this advice (pre-meds) doesn’t do much for your skin, here are the more surprising sources of acne.
Pillow Cases
Pillow cases get zero afterthought. You put one on, flip it over when it’s not cool, rinse, repeat. Yet they actually double as a sponge for your skin products, sweat, drool, and hair products, Allison Tray, owner of the Tres Belle Spa in Brookly, N.Y., told Medical Daily in an […]

Could Contrave Be New Weapon in Obesity Battle?

Dr. Roshini Raj joins TODAY to discuss an FDA-approved weight-loss drug called Contrave that takes a different approach to one of our country’s biggest health problems.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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    Surprising Skin Insights From a Shrink, a GYN and a Gastroenterologist

Surprising Skin Insights From a Shrink, a GYN and a Gastroenterologist

Doctors in fields other than dermatology shed light on the sneaky things that can affect your complexion.
By Grace Gold

By now, you’re probably pretty familiar with classic dermatologist advice: Wear sunscreen daily, cleanse and moisturize your skin, and don’t pick that zit! But increasingly, specialists from other areas of medicine are bringing their unique, science-informed perspectives to the world of skincare. From gastroenterology to gynecology, here’s what other experts can teach you about your skin.
What a gastroenterologist knows:
Your digestive tract protects skin. Probiotics are rich in the proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that stabilize the skin’s immune system and help protect against environmental aggressors, says New York gastroenterologist Roshini Raj, who co-founded the TULA skincare line that uses probiotic technology. “Topical use of probiotics has been shown to stimulate skin’s protective mechanism, balance ‘good’ bacteria in skin, guard against UV damage and improve elasticity and collagen production,” she explains. To get your probiotics internally too, eat fermented foods like kefir, kimchi and miso, or try the dairy-free, vegan and kosher GoodBelly probiotic, Dr. Raj recommends.
What a gynecologist knows:
Hormones age skin. Estrogen peaks in our 20s and then slowly declines over the next few decades, causing every woman to age hormonally with texture and clarity changes. “Declining estrogen results in loss of collagen in our skin and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” explains gynecologist Rebecca Booth, a co-founder of VENeffect skincare that implements natural plant-phytoestrogens to improve elasticity in skin. Ingredients are inspired from the reproductive vitality of plants. By stabilizing levels, Dr. Booth says the healthy glow of skin at peak hormonal balance can be restored and preserved.
What a psychiatrist knows:
Stress makes skin more sensitive. Feeling unnerved by your morning commute or that argument […]

Embarrassing Digestive Troubles with Dr. Roshini Raj

Gastroenterologist at NYU Medical Center and author of “What the YUCK” Dr. Roshini Raj joined us live to talk about some of the most embarrassing digestive troubles. People living with common gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, who experience diarrhea, gas, bloating, stomach pain or frequent bowel movements, may attribute this to stress or an improper diet. These people may even sweep their symptoms under the rug and not speak with their doctor for fear of embarrassment but what they don’t know is that they could be living with a medical condition that can be treated.

10 Beauty Uses For Vinegar

You may be stocking your fridge with apple cider and white vinegar for silly things like salad dressing, but you are missing the whole point. Yes, you can use vinegar in cooking but it also has a treasure trove of awesome beauty uses – so you may want to start buying the supersize bottles.

Clear up acne

Vinegar can help to clear skin issues and stop acne. The vinegar’s acidity will dry out pimples, allowing healthy and fresh skin to come in, says Lynda Torrey, Director of Education at Woodhouse Day Spa. Some additional benefits of vinegar to the skin include regulating pH levels, promoting blood circulation in capillaries that irritate the skin, and reducing scaly or peeling skin.

Cold sore remedy

If you have a painful canker sore that is giving you grief, dab it with vinegar a few times a day. It’ll help to reduce the swelling and the pain, and also help to keep the area clean and non-infected!

Longer lasting manicures

Sometimes, it’s the base that creates the manicure. Before you even start, soak your fingers in a bowl of vinegar for a few minutes. This will help to remove any residual surface oils from your nails, creating a longer lasting manicure!

Mouthwash

Though gargling with vinegar doesn’t sound super appetizing, it is a great way to get rid of stinky garlic breath in a pinch. Mix a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and swish. You may not feel minty fresh, but you won’t stink!

For dull, lackluster hair

Harsh shampoos often strip hair of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling dry all over. The acidity of apple cider vinegar counteracts that process and helps revitalize your hair, leaving it soft […]

Friendly Flora: The New Skincare Revolution?

Adding good bacteria to your daily diet is proven to work health and digestive wonders, all while fostering better skin from within. Now, skincare companies are adding the tiny microbes to beauty creams with the promise of a gorgeous glow. But what can you really expect from one of the latest innovations in skincare?

There’s little doubting the benefits of adding good bacteria to our daily diets, with friendly strains, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, promoting healthy digestion and overall better health, while effectively treating skin ailments, diarrhoea, vaginal infections, irritable bowel syndrome and even tooth decay.

Often found in commercial supplements, good bacteria are also abundant in fermented foods such as tempeh, miso and yoghurt. Since 2007, they’ve also been found in an increasing number of beauty elixirs, from anti-ageing creams to all-over moisturisers, with manufacturers promising what’s good for your insides is also great for your outsides, aiding acne prevention and promoting cellular renewal.

Nutritionist and herbologist Elaine Linker says probiotic treatments work by “crowding out” organisms that depress the immune system, bolstering our tolerance to illness and disease. A similar principle applies when applied topically, she adds.

“With all of the exfoliation and cleansing we do, we often strip the skin of its protective mantle,” she says. “A complex of the right probiotics helps the skin support the external matrix as well as the moisture matrix of the skin.”

Just as antibiotics disrupt the natural functioning of the immune system by stripping the body of good and bad bacteria, chemical-based skin cleansers and treatments such as peels and lasers also rid the skin of its natural acid mantle, making way for colonisation of harmful bacteria, which can result in skin conditions such as acne, as well […]

Is This the Secret to Health and Happiness?

Your digestive system is so much more than a winding tract that transports food from point A to point B. Thanks to your gut, foods you eat are broken down so you can absorb the nutrients that benefit your body from head to toe. Bacteria are crucial players in that process. And a slew of new research is finding just how big of a role the bugs that colonize your colon may have on your overall health including improved immunity, decreased risk of obesity, a happier mood, and more.

A study published this month in the journal BioEssays finds that your gut microbes may influence your cravings based on the nutrients they need to thrive (crazy, right?). Another study suggests bacteria in your bowel could influence your personality traits and mood, which may help explain why up to 80 percent of people with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from depression and anxiety. How, exactly, the microbes have such a profound effect on our health is still to be determined. One theory is the byproducts they produce travel through our bloodstream and impact our organs.
The good news? You can influence the balance of good-for-you bacteria to reap the healthy rewards. Here, a few simple strategies.
Fill Up on Fiber
“Probiotics are good bacteria that are important for your digestive health and prebiotics are anything that helps probiotics grow,” says Roshini Raj, M.D., a gastroenterologist at NYU Medical Center/Tisch Hospital and founder of probiotic skincare line TULA. “Probiotics thrive on fiber.” That’s because fiber travels through your small intestine without being broken down and reaches your colon where bacteria go to town. The problem: Less than three percent of Americans meet the daily recommendations for fiber, so be sure to add more fiber-rich foods, especially […]