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This is information I've found for myself and I felt can help others, along w/resources

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Heart-Healthy Benefits of Grapes

I don't know anyone who loves this fruit as much as I do. Check out the benefits it has for the improvement of your health.
By Jo Cavallo
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

If you want lower blood pressure and better heart function, try eating grapes and drinking grape juice, especially dark red and purple grapes and grape juice. New studies are showing a link between grapes and reduced heart risks-and it's believed to be the result of phytochemicals, naturally occurring antioxidants found in plants. The studies suggest that the phytochemicals in grapes and grape juice, especially the antioxidant reseveratrol and flavonoids, may turn on a protective process in the genes that allow better blood flow through the blood vessels. This may help prevent blood clots, while improving cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

In a University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study, laboratory rats given a variety of grapes along with either a high- or low-salt diet, had lower blood pressure, better heart function and fewer signs of heart muscle damage than the rats given the same salty diet, plus a common high blood pressure drug but not the grapes.

It's believed that antioxidant-rich grapes may turn on glutathione, a protein made in every cell in the body, including heart cells, which protects cells from damaging oxidative stress. High blood pressure causes oxidative stress in the heart, reducing the amount of glutathione. The University of Michigan study suggests that eating grapes may boost levels of glutathione.

Earlier grape studies also showed a similar heart-healthy benefit to that of drinking moderate amounts of red wine by lowering the risk of atherosclerosis caused by clogged arteries. And while eating a handful of whole grapes may not provide you with much of a buzz, it will give you the benefit of additional fiber in your diet.

Updated: October 28, 2009
Copyright © 2010 QualityHealth.com. All rights reserved.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Do's and Don'ts of Washing Your Face

If you have problems like I do, I thought you could use this information, too.

By Shama Davis
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Your cleansing regimen can help keep you looking young--or add years to your appearance. Fortunately, there are ways to achieve optimal cleanliness without stripping your skin of essential oils.

Face Washing 101

The biggest mistake most of us make is in washing too often. Unless your face is covered in dirt, you should avoid washing it more than once or twice a day. Cleanse it well each night then follow up with a rich moisturizer to help it rehydrate and repair while you sleep. In the mornings, splashing water on your face or a gentle wash is all you need.

The 6-Step Face Wash

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Splash lukewarm water on your face to moisten it.
  3. Squeeze a teaspoon of cleanser into your palm and gently work it into your skin, avoiding the eye area.
  4. Rinse your face with clean lukewarm water.
  5. Pat (don't rub!) it dry with a towel.
  6. Moisturize. (Apply sunscreen or moisturizer containing SPF in the morning.)

Facial Skin Tips

  • Use a gentle cleanser or hydrating soap.
  • Use lukewarm water so it doesn't irritate your skin.
  • Don't spend too long washing your face. Extra scrubbing can irritate and wear out skin.
  • Skip the alcohol-based toner. If you like the way toners feel, try a non-alcohol based one to remove makeup and oil at the end of the day. Be sure to apply a night moisturizer afterwards.
  • Exfoliate your skin at least once a week. Use a gentle scrub and apply with your fingers or a very soft cloth. Most sponges are too rough for facial skin.
  • Apply moisturizer twice a day, even to oily skin (Unless your dermatologist has instructed you differently).
  • Wear sunscreen during the day, every day, no matter what the weather.
  • Apply a night cream or heavier moisturizer without sunscreen before going to bed.
  • When unsure how much moisturizer to use, tune into what your skin tells you. If it feels tight, add lotion until it feels balanced.

Tips for Acne Sufferers
  • Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic cleansers. People with inflammatory acne should steer clear of scrubbing agents.
  • If you're on medication for your acne, choose a cleanser formulated for normal skin so that you don't end up unwittingly using conflicting medications that can irritate your skin.
  • Use your hands to wash your face and pat -- don't rub -- it dry.
  • Don't spend more than 10 seconds washing your face.

Sources

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-care/SN00003

http://www.acne.org/wash-face.html

Updated: January 12, 2010
Copyright © 2010 QualityHealth.com. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

What Causes Stomachaches?

By Jo Cavallo
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

"Stomachache" is a generic term used to describe a variety of common ailments in the abdominal area that can develop suddenly or be chronic in nature. They can include everything from a knotty feeling to sharp, stabbing pains or worse.

The causes of stomachaches are just as varied, ranging from viral infections to urinary tract infections or food poisoning caused. Other causes of abdominal ailments can be long lasting, including a number of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Some additional causes of stomachaches include:

  • Gynecological conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea (severe uterine pain during menstruation), ovarian cysts, fibroids, tumors and ovarian cancer.
  • A variety of cancers, including colon, liver, bladder, stomach and pancreatic, which can cause severe pain that doesn't subside.
  • Emotional distress such as depression, anxiety and stress can cause mild stomach problems.
  • Obesity and dieting can both take their toll on the body. Obesity can cause abdominal pain because fat deposits around the stomach put pressure on the abdominal walls and dieting and hunger can cause stomach muscle contractions, causing pain in the pit of the stomach.
  • Almost every medication has the potential to cause an upset stomach. Unless your doctor has specifically said you should take your medications on an empty stomach, you should always take them with food.
  • Finding Relief

    Usually, stomachaches go away on their own, but if they persist and aren't relieved by over-the-counter treatments (OTC) or if the OTC treatment you're using provides only temporary relief, you should seek advice from your doctor. See your doctor right away if your stomach pain is severe or accompanied by fevers or blood in the stool.

    For temporary, mild stomach problems, try these tips:

    • Chew on an antacid l to neutralize stomach acids. For heartburn problems, try an acid suppressor like a H2 blocker.
    • Keep a food diary to determine which foods might be causing you digestive problems and eliminate them from your diet.
    • Eat small, frequent meals until your stomach is feeling better and stick to easy-to-digest foods like cooked rice, dry saltines or dry toast.
    • Take sips of decaffeinated liquids such as chamomile herb tea, flat ginger ale or chicken broth. Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, regular tea or colas, which can irritate the stomach and the digestive tract.
    Copyright © 2010 QualityHealth.com. All rights reserved.