The Tasty Stew That Helps Dr. Jonathan Rasouli Maintain His Memory

Most of us encounter the word "dementia" somewhere between our 30s and 40s. At first, we worry about our parents and older relatives, and only then do we slowly begin to truly understand how important it is to protect our brain. This is crucial to preserving our memories, our ability to think clearly, and our connection to the world over time. The good news is that recent studies show that what we eat may directly impact the risk of cognitive decline in old age and even delay the development of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia in general. This is where Dr. Jonathan Rasouli comes in—a neurosurgeon who isn’t afraid to step into the kitchen and cook with a medical book in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other. Dr. Rasouli has a dish he prepares for himself every week that might look like just another homemade stew with vegetables and lentils, but there’s a good chance it’s the smartest meal you’ll put in your pot and stomach soon.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s - What Do We Know and What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves? 

 

It’s important to note that while these are two terms we hear more and more about as the years go by, they don’t describe exactly the same thing. "Dementia" is a general term that describes a decline in cognitive function: memory problems, difficulty with orientation, poor judgment, and changes in behavior or language. It’s not a single disease but a medical condition that can stem from various causes. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is the most common cause of dementia because it’s a neurodegenerative disease that progressively and irreversibly damages the brain. All Alzheimer’s is dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s.

 

In other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia (caused by strokes or impaired blood flow to the brain), it’s sometimes possible to prevent further deterioration by carefully managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels. It’s also important not to neglect the mental and social aspects—people who continue to challenge themselves mentally (e.g., through reading, learning, solving crosswords, etc.), maintain social connections, and participate in activities often retain higher cognitive function over time. 

 

In the case of Alzheimer’s, the damage begins in the brain areas responsible for memory and gradually spreads to other functions. The exact causes of the disease are still not fully clear, but there is evidence linking Alzheimer’s to genetic, inflammatory, and environmental factors. To reduce the risk of developing the disease, it’s recommended to maintain a healthy diet (such as the Mediterranean diet or the MIND diet), engage in regular physical activity, protect heart and vascular health, avoid smoking, and ensure adequate sleep. The earlier you start, the better your chances of delaying the process, and now we’ll show you a tasty and simple way to do so.

From the Operating Room to the Kitchen: Dr. Rasouli’s Recipe 

 

Dr. Jonathan Rasouli is not exactly what people imagine when they think of a surgeon. He is indeed a senior spine neurosurgeon at Northwell Health in New York, but the wisdom he applies in the operating room isn’t reserved solely for scientific papers—he cooks with it. In recent years, Dr. Rasouli has been explaining to others how much impact diet has on memory and how delicious and healthy it is to use it to protect the brain. Rasouli believes that diet is not only a therapeutic tool but also a means of prevention—especially when it comes to brain health. According to him, there are plenty of things we can’t control when it comes to dementia or Alzheimer’s, but there are also things we can, and the food we eat is one of them. After years of medical research and plenty of kitchen experiments, he developed a simple recipe that he eats every week. A warm lentil stew with spinach, garlic, and turmeric—easy to prepare, nutritious, delicious, and above all, brain-boosting.

Dr. Rasouli’s Recipe – A Heartwarming, Brain-Boosting Lentil Stew  See the recipe in m recipe blog please

 

Dr. Rasouli didn’t reinvent the wheel. His stew is based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet mentioned earlier. Studies have shown that adhering to a menu tailored to these methods may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 53%. “It’s not magic—it’s simply understanding what your body needs and giving it that regularly,” says the doctor. “I make the following dish at the end of the week, and it lasts almost the entire week,” he shares. “It’s convenient, healthy, and gives me peace of mind—both in body and mind.”

 

 

In Summary 

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Dr. Rasouli, it’s that you don’t need a medical degree to start protecting your brain—just good intentions and one simple pot. This dish won’t permanently or completely protect your brain from dementia or Alzheimer’s, but it reminds us that big changes start with small steps: the right seasoning, smart dietary choices, and care for our health. So, before you head out shopping next time, it might be worth adding some spinach, lentils, and turmeric to your cart and cooking for yourself and your loved ones something that could become a small, nourishing tradition for good memory, in body and soul.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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The truth about cholesterol: 12 things you need to know – from eggs to weight to statins

What is good and bad cholesterol? Should you remove fat from your diet? And what about shellfish? Experts explain it all.

High cholesterol can cause heart problems and strokes – but levels can creep up without showing any symptoms. This is why, if you’re over 40, you should be getting your cholesterol checked every five years. It’s a simple enough concept, but, like alcohol and other things that could be slowly, invisibly damaging our bodies, cholesterol can feel a little abstract, hovering in the background less urgently than everything in the foreground of a busy life.

It doesn’t help when myths are flying about online, such as eggs being unhealthy because they contain cholesterol. Or when some fringe scientists and proponents of low-carb and high-fat diets dramatically downplay cholesterol’s significance in heart disease – arguing that sugar is a bigger risk to our health, despite all the evidence to the contrary. Nor does it help us laypeople that there are so many different ways to present – and therefore interpret – cholesterol levels.

And yet, says Manuel Mayr, a cardiologist and professor at Imperial College London, it’s important to act early to avoid levels creeping up: “Take prevention very seriously, because if your cholesterol is high, if it’s over decades, it builds up in your arteries.”

It might help to think of your circulatory system as a washing machine, he says. “If you have a lot of hard water, there’s a high risk of your washing machine getting a blockage.” When it comes to high levels of bad cholesterol, blockages can cause cardiovascular disease and could result in heart attacks and strokes. “The lifetime exposure is what damages the vessels over time,” Mayr adds.

So what is the truth about cholesterol? And how do you maintain healthy levels?

 

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol, says Emily McGrath, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), “is a fatty substance that is found naturally as part of your circulation”. We need a certain amount, says Tracy Parker, a senior dietitian at the same organisation, “for making things like hormones – like oestrogen and testosterone. And our cells need cholesterol to make them rigid and firm and solid. But when those levels go high, that’s a problem.” Our bodies make cholesterol, but levels are also affected by lifestyle and genetics.

There are two kinds of cholesterol in the blood. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as “bad cholesterol” because too much can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good one. “HDL helps your liver to metabolise and reabsorb LDL into the bloodstream,” says McGrath, meaning HDL helps keep LDL levels in balance.

“What has been shown in numerous studies is that if you lower your bad cholesterol,” says Mayr, “you reduce cardiovascular events.”

When should you get your cholesterol checked?

The NHS advises five-yearly checks for those aged 40-74, with annual health checks for people 75 and over, says McGrath. “But if there are concerns over family history of heart disease, or if you’re suffering with angina-type chest pain, anyone is entitled to ask their GP for a check.”

What do the tests show?

Sometimes after an initial cholesterol test, you may be given a single number for the total LDL and HDL cholesterol in your blood. Ideally, the results would show a full lipid profile, says McGrath, “because that gives you the full breakdown of HDL and LDL and triglycerides, which is another type of fat we find in the blood.” All of these details together help paint a clearer picture.

Healthy HDL levels should be above 1mmol/L for men or 1.2mmol/L for women. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of somebody saying they’ve got too high HDL,” says McGrath. LDL levels are considered healthy if below 3mmol/L. You should also get a cholesterol ratio number, which compares how much good (HDL) cholesterol you have within your total cholesterol levels. It is your total cholesterol divided by your HDL levels, and is considered healthy if below six – the lower the better.

What are triglycerides?

This other type of blood fat is significant because, says McGrath, “some people can have good cholesterol levels but high triglyceride, and it still puts them at risk.” Triglycerides are, essentially, “unused calories, a form of stored energy. Like the LDL, you still need some of it – if you use it for energy it will be taken out of your blood – you just don’t want too much of it.” Just enough is 2.3mmol/L or less, unless you’ve been asked to fast before your blood test, in which case the healthy limit is 1.7mmol/L.

Where do genetics come in?

While a healthy diet and active lifestyle are essential for all-round health, in many of us, says Mayr, “lipid levels are genetic, and if you have very high cholesterol, and you’re unfortunate to have inherited this from your parents, you need medication, because you can’t reach the target level just by making diet changes”.

The most common genetic lipid disorder, says McGrath, is familial hypercholesterolemia, which affects about one in 250 people: “If your father or your brother was under the age of 55 when they had a heart attack, or your mother or your sister were under 65, that’s an indication” that you might have it – and it’s worth getting your cholesterol tested. “Some people, unfortunately, might be the first person,” she adds. “So they don’t have any family history and find out by accident, or if, unfortunately, they have a heart attack.”

What else affects your risk of heart disease?

Cholesterol levels are usually given as part of a “key risk assessment”, which takes a range of factors into account. “Age, weight, family history, smoking status, alcohol intake, whether you have high blood pressure, ethnicity and gender. Men are at slightly increased risk of having high blood pressure, for example,” says McGrath. “If the key risk assessment is above 10%, you will be offered a statin.” Statins inhibit an enzyme the liver needs to make cholesterol, which reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood. They also reduce the risk of plaques breaking off from artery walls and causing blockages.

If you’re offered statins, can you try lifestyle changes instead?

If your high cholesterol isn’t down to genetics, you are entitled to say that you’d like to trial lifestyle changes before medication, says McGrath. “Most GPs will be willing to let that person have a try at reducing it themselves and then seeing how they get on. It’s a conversation for the doctor and you.” A doctor would consider how much your cholesterol level is above five, and your other risk factors.

Exercise works wonders for that all-important cholesterol ratio by decreasing LDL and increasing HDL. And a healthy diet (more of which below) not only affects how much fat is floating around your blood, but it also helps the liver clear more LDL cholesterol. “On the surface of the liver you have LDL receptors, which are responsible for the metabolism of cholesterol,” says McGrath. “And you want a lot of these, so there are more to receive the bad cholesterol.” This boost in LDL receptors also happens when you take statins.

After making positive lifestyle adjustments, McGrath says you could start seeing results after six to eight weeks. “It can be that quick. And then you’ll probably be set a new target.”

Parker says that generally, “when you’re asking people to make changes to their diet, we get them to come back in three months and see what the effect is on their cholesterol levels. It’s hard for a lot of people, but small, simple changes make a big difference. Those healthy swaps. You may not be changing everything, but changing from a full-fat milk to a low-fat milk, or butter to an unsaturated fat spread, or cutting down on processed meat – those little things make a big difference over time. If you do it right most of the time, five out of seven days, you’re probably doing all right.”

How does body weight affect cholesterol levels?

Not everybody who is overweight or obese will have high cholesterol, but, says McGrath, “it’s a contributing factor. Your risk of heart disease increases when you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, you’re overweight or obese, you’re inactive or have a poor diet. But if you’ve got high cholesterol and you are overweight or obese, losing weight will bring your cholesterol levels down.”

What are the best foods for good cholesterol?

All dietary fibre helps to lower cholesterol, says Parker, but the soluble fibre you find in oats, beans and lentils has an added effect. “It’s a particular type of fibre called beta-glucans. It forms a gel in the gut that stops cholesterol being absorbed into the body, and then you excrete it. Around 3g a day can help to maintain or lower cholesterol levels.” A bowl of porridge with about 40g of oats will provide about 1.4g of beta-glucans.

Oatcakes, beans and pulses are high in both general fibre and soluble fibre, “and a great low-fat protein source as well”, Parker adds. “So when you’re replacing meat in the diet with beans and lentils, you get this dual action to help lower your cholesterol.” This is part of the reason why a largely plant-based diet is recommended: “more fibre, more vitamins and minerals”. Most of us are still only consuming three of the five recommended portions of fruit and veg a day. “That includes things like unsalted nuts and seeds as well, because they contain healthy unsaturated fats, as well as fibre and other vitamins and minerals. You might have heard all these foods classed as the ‘portfolio diet’, as a group of foods that work together to help lower your cholesterol.”

Unsaturated “good” fats mean, says Parker, “monounsaturated oils that we find in things like olive oil, rapeseed oil, avocados, olives and nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios. And not forgetting things like oily fish and linseed oils – they’re all the healthy fats we need to be eating more of. So it’s not really about low fat. It is about eating the right type of fats.”

What are the worst foods for cholesterol levels?

“When we talk about lowering cholesterol, it’s about reducing saturated fat in the diet, as we know that that’s linked to raised LDL cholesterol,” says Parker.

Foods high in saturated fat include processed meats and high-fat dairy such as butter and cream. Parker also mentions “the tropical oils, such as coconut (which has about 85% saturated fat) and palm oil (which has about twice the saturated fat of butter). They’re the foods that tend to hike your cholesterol levels up, and we know that when you replace those with unsaturated fat, there’s a reduction in your cardiovascular disease risk.”

Sugary foods should be kept to a minimum. And opting for low-fat foods that have added sugar to make them more palatable should be avoided. “Back in the day, they were removing fat from products and replacing it with sugar because of palatability, and that wasn’t doing us any good.” Ultra-processed foods, too, are rich in saturated fat and should be minimised in your diet.

What about dietary cholesterol in eggs and other foods?

“You often get myths surrounding things like eggs, shellfish and offal, and dietary cholesterol,” says Parker. These foods contain cholesterol, but this, she says, “really has a small impact on our blood cholesterol levels, and it’s more important to reduce your intake of saturated fat, which we know increases cholesterol”. Most people can enjoy these items as part of a healthy diet. “The exclusion is those who have got familial hypercholesterolemia, where the body is making too much cholesterol, and part of their guidelines are to have lower intake of those sorts of foods.”

When do you need something more than statins?

If you have borderline high cholesterol levels, or moderately high cholesterol levels, says Mayr, “it’s very important to stress that statins are a super-safe drug. They are widely used and effective at reducing cholesterol. However, they typically lower cholesterol by around 50%. So, if you have very high cholesterol and a 50% reduction is not sufficient to achieve target levels, patients can now benefit from newer therapies, such as PCSK9 inhibitors.” These target a different protein in the liver to increase the LDL receptors and could be considered if you’ve already had a heart attack.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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All About Inflammatory Bowel Disease And Why It Is Rising In India

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which arises from a combination of genetic factors, gut environment, and immune responses, is seeing a significant rise in India, said health experts on Saturday.

The IBD Day is observed every year on May 19. The theme this year is 'IBD Has No Borders'.

The condition is categorised mainly into Crohn's disease (affecting the small intestine), ulcerative colitis (affecting the large intestine), indeterminate colitis, and microscopic colitis (diagnosed via biopsy).

 

"Genetically predisposed individuals inherit susceptibility from their parents. The gut environment, particularly the balance of bacteria, plays a crucial role; a healthy gut typically contains 60-70 per cent good bacteria and 30-40 per cent bad bacteria," Mahesh Kumar Gupta, Senior Consultant -- Gastroenterology, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.

"Disruption in this balance, often due to poor dietary habits, lack of sleep, or excessive consumption of junk food and preservatives, can trigger inflammation. The immune system's interaction with genetic and bacterial factors further contributes to intestinal ulcerations seen in IBD," he said.

Common symptoms of IBD include bloody diarrhoea, weight loss, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, anaemia, joint pain, and skin problems, among others.

A 2023 study published in the journal Lancet showed that the rising urbanisation which comes with increased intake of ultra-processed foods is leading to a surge in IBD among young adults and even adolescents in India.

The study by AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad showed that about 15 lakh people in India suffer from IBD, but the true picture is not clear due to a lack of proper data.

Anukalp Prakash, Lead Consultant -- Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS that there is also an increase in paediatric cases of IBD.

While the exact cause is not known, genetics may be at play, she said.

"The cause of inflammatory bowel disease is not known but genetics as an immunity. Alteration in immunity plays a very important role in the occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease. People who have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease are vulnerable to developing inflammatory bowel disease because this is a genetic disease and autoimmune disease," Anukalp added.

The Lancet study also blamed C-section deliveries that devoid the child of the essential gut microflora. Further, lack of breastfeeding and excessive use of antibiotics also increase the risk of IBD.

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The health experts called for maintaining a healthy diet rich in fibre, staying hydrated, and avoiding preservatives.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

 

Understanding and Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. This can lead to pain, swelling, and in severe cases, can cause clots to break free and travel to vital organs, such as the lungs, leading to life-threatening complications. Recognizing the factors that increase the risk of DVT and adopting preventive measures is crucial for maintaining vascular health.

Risk Factors for DVT  

Here are the factors that can elevate your risk of developing DVT: 

 

Previous Blood Clot: Individuals who have experienced DVT are at a heightened risk of recurrence. 

 

Family History: A genetic predisposition to DVT is significant. The risk is further amplified if both parents have a history of the condition. 

 

Age: The likelihood of DVT increases with age, particularly for those over 40. 

 

Prolonged Immobility: Extended periods of immobility, such as bed rest due to hospitalization or long-duration flights, can significantly increase the risk of DVT. When muscles are not active, blood flow in the deep veins of the legs slows down, making it easier for clots to form. This is why it's crucial to take breaks, move around, and stretch regularly during prolonged sitting or when confined to a bed or chair for extended periods. 

 

Gender and Age: Men aged between 45 and 60 are slightly more susceptible to DVT. However, women's risk may increase during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. 

 

Genetic Factors: Genetic predispositions play a significant role in the risk of developing DVT. Conditions such as Factor V Leiden mutation increase the blood's tendency to clot. While a single genetic factor may not cause DVT on its own, in combination with other risks, it can significantly increase the likelihood of clot formation. Knowing family history and discussing genetic testing with a healthcare provider can help assess and manage this risk. 

 

Pregnancy and Hormone Therapy: Elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy or from hormone-based medications can increase clotting risk. Apart from pregnancy, other conditions and medications that alter hormone levels can also elevate DVT risk. This includes hormone replacement therapy and certain types of birth control. The increased estrogen can make the blood more prone to clotting. It's essential for individuals undergoing these treatments to consult with their healthcare providers about their specific risk and possible preventive measures. 

 

Clotting Disorders: Inherent blood clotting disorders can lead to abnormally thick blood.

Obesity: Obesity is a significant risk factor for DVT. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can exert additional pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs, impeding blood flow back to the heart. This can lead to blood pooling and clot formation. Furthermore, obesity alters the chemical composition of the blood, increasing its propensity to clot. Managing weight through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of DVT and improve overall health. 

 

Health Conditions: Diseases like heart disease, lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer can elevate DVT risk. 

 

Injury or Surgery: Physical trauma, such as a bone fracture or muscle injury, can damage blood vessels and lead to clot formation. Similarly, surgeries, particularly those involving the abdomen, pelvis, hip, or legs, can increase the risk of DVT due to immobility during recovery and potential damage to blood vessels. Taking preventive measures, such as using compression stockings or medication for blood thinning as recommended by healthcare providers, can help reduce this risk. 

 

Chronic diseases: Certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease, can increase the risk of DVT. These diseases can alter blood flow, contribute to inflammation, and affect the blood's ability to clot. For instance, cancer and its treatments can increase clotting factors in the blood, while heart disease can lead to reduced mobility and blood flow. Managing these conditions with the guidance of healthcare professionals is crucial for minimizing DVT risk. 

 

Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) not only disrupt the digestive tract but also contribute to a systemic inflammatory response. This state of heightened inflammation can increase the risk of blood clot formation. Managing inflammation through appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes is crucial.

Strategies to Lower DVT Risk  

While some risk factors for DVT cannot be modified, several strategies can help mitigate the risk:

 

 Avoid Prolonged Immobility: Stand, stretch, or walk at least every 2 hours. Perform simple leg exercises even while seated. If you work at a desk or engage in activities that require sitting for extended periods, integrate short breaks into your routine. Use a timer as a reminder to stand up or stretch every hour. Even minimal movements, such as ankle circles or foot pumps, can stimulate blood flow in your legs.

Post-Surgery Mobility: After surgery, particularly operations involving the abdomen, pelvis, hip, or legs, it's crucial to start moving as soon as medically advised. Gentle exercises, like ankle pumps, knee bends, and leg lifts, can be performed even in bed. These movements help in maintaining circulation and preventing blood clots. 

 

Medical Consultation: Discuss with a healthcare provider about the potential need for blood thinners or compression stockings if at high risk. 

 

Travel Precautions: During long flights or car rides, make it a point to stand or walk around every couple of hours. Choose seats that offer more legroom when possible, and perform seated exercises like foot lifts or knee bends. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing and staying hydrated are essential, while avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration. 

 

Stay Active: Regular physical activity is beneficial for overall health and plays a key role in preventing DVT. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling improve circulation and vein health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Even those with limited mobility can find suitable exercises to keep blood flowing efficiently. 

 

Health Management: Addressing obesity, quitting smoking, and managing chronic diseases are crucial steps in reducing DVT risk. 

 

Lifestyle Adjustments: For individuals who are overweight, losing weight can significantly reduce the pressure on veins in the legs and improve blood flow. Quitting smoking is also crucial, as smoking affects blood circulation and increases the risk of clotting. Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease through medication, diet, and exercise is vital in reducing the risk of DVT.

 

Proactive Health Checks: For those with a high risk of DVT, regular check-ups and screenings can be lifesaving. This includes monitoring for any signs of clotting disorders, reviewing medication impacts, and assessing the need for preventive measures like compression garments or anticoagulants.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

 

How to Get Rid of Milia Safely

You look in the mirror and there they are: a bunch of tiny, hard white spots on your face, possibly with a faint blue tint. They don’t look or feel like a typical zit or whitehead, so what could they be? Most likely, they're something called milia, or tiny pockets of dead skin.

“Milia are made of keratin,” says Farah Moustafa, MD, dermatologist and director of laser and cosmetics at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. They commonly develop on the cheeks, eyelids and the nose. As your skin naturally exfoliates old cells so that new ones can develop, the cells can get trapped, harden and become cystic — that’s milia. “Think of them as pimples with nowhere to go,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and the director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

These benign cysts — sometimes called “milk spots”— are very common in infants; about 50% of babies have them at birth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But they can show up on anyone at any age. 

What causes milia in adults?

According to Dermatology Advisor, there are different types of milia, including neonatal milia, the type that shows up on infants' skin. The most common type in adults is primary milia; there are two other types that are less common, one that occurs in clusters on your skin and another that's caused by trauma to the skin.

Besides the process of skin cells being trapped during the natural process of exfoliation, milia can also occur because of other factors. “They may be due to sun damage or from heavy skin care products,” Dr. Zeichner says. Oil-based makeup or cleansers can be a culprit, if they clog your pores.

Skin damage from an injury or a rash, or prolonged use of corticosteroids, can also be a possible cause. Additionally, certain medical conditions can cause milia to form. “Milia can be a secondary symptom of a blistering skin condition, like a burn,” explains Dr. Moustafa. “They can also happen because of an autoimmune disease or genetic condition.” You can also get milia if you don’t cleanse your skin regularly, and you may be more prone to develop them if you have rosacea or dandruff.

The first thing you may wonder is whether you should see a doctor if you have milia. Most often, there's no need to. “Milia are completely harmless and are strictly a cosmetic issue,” says Dr. Zeichner.

Often times, they'll simply go away on their own. But if yours are sticking around, and they bug you, don’t try any of the “milia removers” you see online – they’re completely ineffective, experts say. 

How to get rid of — and prevent — milia:

Don't try to remove them yourself.

It's never a good idea to try a pop milia like a pimple (you also shouldn't be popping your pimples!). "Never poke or prod milia,” advises Dr. Moustafa. “And avoid scrubbing milia with any kind of gritty exfoliant.”

Focus on gentle cleansing.

Here's the best daily remedy to try: “Gentle skin care,” says Dr. Moustafa. “Look for one with mild exfoliating properties, like glycolic or lactic acid.” Wash your face the right way, following advice from the American Academy of Dermatology: Using a gentle cleanser and your fingertips, wash with lukewarm water, avoiding scrubbing and rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Also, make sure your skin has a chance to breathe and be free of makeup every once in a while.

Try topical retinoid cream.

If you have a predisposition to milia, your dermatologist may recommend you try a topical retinoid if you have a recurrence. “This can help by removing cells in the outer skin layer, encouraging eventual release of the milia from your skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Retinols are among the best ingredients to help turn over skin cells, and keep milia at bay,” explains Dr. Moustafa. “Retinols are often prescription-based, but you can try a non-Rx product with adapalene gel, a type of retinoid, at bedtime.”

Always wear sunscreen.

This is a golden rule even if you don't have milia, but sun damage can be a common contributor. Be sure to properly apply at least an SPF 30 sunscreen to your skin 30 minutes before heading outside. Birnur K. Aral, Ph.D., the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab executive director, suggests applying a nickel-size dollop to your face. For sprays, she suggests spraying the sunscreen all over skin, then rubbing it in. “I recommend using a sunblock that’s non-greasy and has the word ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label,” says Dr. Moustafa. The term “non-comedogenic” is used by cosmetic companies to describe a product that promises not to clog your pores. These products are less likely to cause skin issues like milia because they aren’t thick, creamy or oily. Choose a liquid or gel formula for best results.

Visit a dermatologist for professional removal.

To actually remove milia, you need to have them extracted from your skin. “This means when a dermatologist physically creates an opening with a needle or a scalpel blade,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Never do this yourself. Trying to remove milia the wrong way can lead to infections or scars.” And he adds, “Milia around the eyes are particularly difficult to address, because of their proximity to your eyeball.”

The actual process of removing milia is called de-roofing. A dermatologist uses a needle to remove the flap that’s trapping the keratin in your skin and pluck out the keratin itself. The procedure isn’t covered by insurance, though, and can be a bit pricey, ranging from $200-$500 on average. 

Products to Consider Adding to Your Skincare Routine to Prevent Milia

 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com     is my latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.