Your Body On Stress

Who isn’t stressed these days? Seriously, from two-year-olds applying to top notch pre-schools in NYC to retired grandparentsliving longer than expected, we’ve all got a lot on our plates. And as if the actual feeling of stress isn’t enough, its accompanied by a string of both annoying and painful physical effects, including pimples, hair loss, headaches, and stomach issues—the latter of which is by exacerbated by the sugar cravings brought on by said stress.

You know that exercise and a healthy diet will help, as will a solid 8 hours of sleep. But what else can you do to prevent all the terrible stuff that comes along with stress? A psychologist, a dermatologist, and a gastroenterologist weigh in on how and why your body freaks out under pressure and what you can do to remain cool, calm, and collected.

Body
“A stress response starts with the increased release of corticotrophin-releasing hormones,” says Dr. David Sack, psychiatrist and CEO of Promises Treatment Center in California. “There are positive and negative consequences in this increased release of cortisol. In short, it makes you resilient: your blood sugar stays up and you can tolerate stress, but chronic stress affects every organ in the body.” Norepinephrine released in the brain, heart, and blood vessels increases your blood pressure and makes your heart work harder, while an acute increase in epinephrine (essentially adrenalin) makes your heart rate go up.
There are two kinds of stress: acute stress, like the loss of a family member or a job, can be challenging, but your body responds and does recover. But chronic stress, checking emails at all hours and non-stop deadlines that force us to be continuously focused and attentive—actually does the most damage. (It even affects […]

HEALTHY HOLLYWOOD: CAMERON DIAZ’S GUT INSTINCT

No question, Cameron Diaz is one the most naturally stunning woman on the planet. She’s not overly made-up, dresses chic yet casual and seems like she could be every girl’s best friend and every guy’s gal next door fantasy.

At 42, she’s a self-confessed wellness junkie. The actress is diligent about exercise and her nutrition. She even wrote a book on health, entitled “The Body Book.”

One of her go-to tricks is getting a healthy dose of probiotics.

“When I take my probiotics regularly, I feel good, and I feel like I’m helping my body help itself,” Cameron writes in the book.

Probiotics is a big buzzword in the health & wellness industry. Probiotics provide an army of good bacteria that help fight off the bad bacteria in our gut. This, in turn, can lead to a better immune system, less digestive issues and even weight loss.

“They can also aid in digestion, provide nutrients and improve metabolism – they decrease gut inflammation, produce vitamins and help their absorption, and maintain the lining of the intestine,” explains celebrity health expert Dr. Roshini Raj, who is also a paid spokesperson for the probiotic beverage line, GoodBelly.

So, where can you find probiotics? They can be found in unpasteurized fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi or some yogurts.

“Just like the cells of our skin shed constantly, so do the cells of the intestinal lining, which is where the probiotics do their business,” adds Todd Beckham, co-founder of GoodBelly.

Folks interested in adding probiotics into their diet can also look into supplements and drinks enhanced with probiotics.

Another perk: probiotics do a body good on the inside and out.

“In terms of skin health, probiotics secrete anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory substances that help with conditions like acne, […]

Carbs – Their Role in Health & Weight Loss

This week’s post is from Roshini Raj, MD, a board certified gastroenterologist and internist, and one of Lose It!’s advisory board members!

What are carbs exactly?

Carbohydrates consist of starches, sugars, and fibers, and are found in grainy and starchy foods, like bread, pasta, potatoes, and fruit. Carbohydrates are either digestible (sugars, starches), or indigestible (fiber). Sugars and starches provide your body with energy in the form of calories and the fiber has four main roles; it:

Keeps your digestive system healthy: a diet rich in insoluble-fiber can prevent constipation, keep the important bacteria in your gut happy, and reduce risk for colon cancer
Improve Blood Sugar Control: fiber slows down the rate at which glucose (sugar) from food enters your blood stream. This means that your blood sugar doesn’t spike, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to manage a large dose of sugar, and you’re satiated for longer.
Keep you full for longer — foods high in fiber fill us up without too many calories!

How are carbs digested?

Step 1: The Mouth

Unlike protein and fat, carbohydrate digestion actually begins right in the mouth! Your saliva includes a starch-digesting enzyme called “Amylase.” Have you ever noticed that when you chew starchy foods for a long time, they start to taste even sweeter? That’s because this amylase in your saliva is breaking the starches in the food down into simple sugars! From your mouth, the food & amylase go down your esophagus and on to the next step of digestion.

Step 2: The Stomach

Not too much happens to carbohydrates in the stomach. The amylase enzyme from your saliva is deactivated by the stomach acid, and the carbohydrates just sort of hang out there – no digestion occurs here.

Step 3: The Small […]

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 […]

Dr. Raj: Ebola Should Not Stop Travel to Texas

Dr. Roshini Raj joined TODAY’s Erica Hill to answer viewers’ questions about Ebola in the U.S., saying that people should not worry about traveling to Texas after one Dallas man was diagnosed with the virus.

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

Are Probiotics the New Beauty Trick?

By now you know the benefits of probiotics. (“Regular” ain’t just a coffee cup size, friends.) But did you know that probiotics can actually be beneficial for your skin too?!

OK, now before you go slathering Greek yogurt on your face, let us give you the scoop. The TULA skin care line is based on a strong link between inner health and external beauty (in fact, “tula” is the Sanskrit word for “balance”). The line uses a very unusual probiotic complex, featuring rice proteins, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as white tea and blueberry extracts.

In fact, call them the Ariana Grande of the skin care world, because probiotics have actually been touted by the American Academy of Dermatology as a “new beauty breakthrough.” The technology used in TULA products has been shown to help create clearer skin, calm inflammation, decrease skin sensitivity and redness, and boost skin barrier function and hydration. Not only that, but each product helps deliver antioxidants to fight free radical attacks, while helping promote a youthful glow.

From a Hydrating Day and Night Cream (which is practically a multi-vitamin for your skin), to the Illuminating Face Serum (delivering a daily dose of radiance), TULA’s skin care collection is on the precipice of what is sure to be the next big thing in skin solutions. If you want to try out each product, we’re in love with the TULA Probiotic Skincare Discovery Collection, an all-in-one sample kit. The Discovery Collection, along with each full-sized product can be found exclusively on QVC.com. Check em out, and get in on the next big beauty breakthrough.

xx, The FabFitFun Team

Originally published on FabFitFun

Posh Beauty Blog’s Favorite Beauty Products – September

Posh Beauty Blog’s Favorite Beauty Products – September

Posh Beauty Blog’s favorite beauty products for September 2014
By Carla Snuggs
What a wonderful month! This September, Posh Beauty Blog, was able to discover some very incredible beauty products! Here is the latest monthly roundup of the some of the BEST products tried by myself (or contributors) throughout the month in the categories of beauty, health and lifestyle (that were not otherwise featured this month). Here are some favorites for September 2014:

MAKEUP AND NAILS
Spa Ritual Nail Lacquer

It’s fall, so it’s time to switch up your nail color to reflect the season! When, I look for nail lacquer, I try to find a brand that is 5-free. These fun nail colors from Spa Ritual are some of my favorites for the season. Spa Ritual’s nail laxquers are vegan and free of DBP, toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin.  Shown here: Tapestry, Idyllic and Hope & Inspiration ($12, Sparitual.com).
Beverly Hills MD Lash Enhancing Serum

I’m so excited to introduce you to Beverly Hills MD products.  I tried Beverly Hills MD Lash Enhancing Serum, a non-prescription treatment that helps lashes look longer, fuller, darker, and denser for a more dramatic look. The Beverly Hills MD Lash Enhancing Serum is great for those who have lost lashes due to aging, hormone changes, or by damage caused by continuous use of mascara, eyelashes curlers, or eyelash extensions. So if you’re looking for a dramatic overall look without false lashes or extensions, give this a try. I have tried eyelash serums in the past that have irritated my eyes so bad, I had to stop using them. This eyelash serum feels great with no irritation and so far has reduced lash fallout significantly, plus my lashes look lush ($85, Beverlyhills-md.com).
HAIR
Nourage

I […]

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 […]

You Can Do It! Health Excuses – Woman’s Day

Dr. Raj was asked by Woman’s Day Magazine to provide explanation on why certain health excuses are hurting you more than you think.

You Don’t Want to Catch the Flu, Do You?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that hospitalizes an estimated 200,000 people a year. Don’t be one of them! Arm yourself with Dr. Raj’s flu facts and advice so you protect yourself this flu season…

Common Symptoms:

Fever and/or chills (it’s important to note that not EVERYONE with the flu will have a fever)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Antibiotics will not work to cure your flu. However, antiviral medications could ease your symptoms if you’re feeling very sick.

How It Spreads:

Flu viruses spread mainly via droplets released into the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you even know you are sick. You could be contagious up to one full day before symptoms develop and 5-7 days after becoming sick. Flu virus germs can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours. That’s a LONG time – so be sure you wash your hands often. If someone with the flu coughs or sneezes near you, their germs can fly between 6 to 10 feet through the air.

If you’ve been exposed to someone with the flu and do not experience flu-like symptoms after 4 days, you’re most likely in the clear!

Flu In The USA:

Flu costs the USA more than $87 billion annually – including an estimated $10.4 billion a year in direct medical expenses and an additional $16.3 billion in lost earnings annually. That’s a LOT of moolah! Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February, but can begin as early as October.

The 411 On The Flu Vaccine:

The flu shot is your best defense! Nearly everyone over 6 months of age (even pregnant women throughout all […]