LaWanda
Texas

Genetics may play a lead or supporting role in geographic tongue—one that looks like a map with areas marked by raised lines or borders. Stress, hormones, or allergies can trigger the bothersome but largely harmless problem. While its underlying cause remains a mystery, doctors say the condition occurs when small bumps called papillae that usually cover the tongue’s surface go missing. As papillae heal, the affected patches may change size, color, or location. Salty, spicy, hot, or acidic foods (especially fresh pineapple), and toothpastes with heavy flavoring or whitening agents can cause a flare-up. Mouth rinses with a numbing ingredient, topical corticosteroids, and zinc supplements may help ease symptoms. Some report relief with extra vitamin B complex. Also called benign migratory glossitis, geographic tongue is not linked to cancer.

Geographic Tongue The Saturday Evening Post

Joan,

Fort Worth, Texas

Psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that occurs when skin cells grow too quickly, affects about 6 million Americans. Its symptoms include red, raised patches of skin that may itch, burn, and crack. Although the cure is not yet known, many cases are controlled with lotions, light therapy, and prescription medicines such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and Soriatane (acitretin) to reduce inflammation and smooth the skin. When psoriasis covers large areas of the body, frequent (sometimes weekly) injections of immune-suppressing drugs, such as Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, or Remicade may be recommended.

Adults suffering from moderate to severe psoriasis might be candidates for Stelara, a new drug that received FDA approval in the fall of 2009. Stelara (ustekinumab), targets specific components of the immune system to block overproduction of skin cells and reduce inflammation.

“It is the first drug therapy that requires just four shots a year,” says Dr. Mark Lebwohl, chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and Stelara study investigator. “The approved treatment schedule is two injections four weeks apart, followed by injections every 12 weeks. Four weeks after the first injection, most patients improve dramatically. Three months later, they are clear or close to clear.”

For more from Dr. Lebwohl about Stelara, visit saturdayeveningpost.com/stelara.

New Psoriasis Solution? The Saturday Evening Post

Not to be confused with osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on aging joints, RA is an autoimmune disease that may also affect the eyes, skin, or lungs. Here, Krieger shares with the Post some foods that may reduce inflammation in the body and help relieve the painful swelling and stiffness that is often associated with RA.

“Inflammation is the main thing. And there are foods I find so interesting, particularly spices like turmeric, which is one of the main ingredients in curry. Try curry on cauliflower or use ginger in an Asian-flavored stir-fry. These spices have been linked with having an anti-inflammatory effect,” says Krieger.

Although mainly developed for patients of RA, Krieger’s campaign recipes are beneficial to anyone trying to eat a healthier diet. “It’s about spicing up your life with wonderful flavors. I have a recipe for a Blueberry Blast Smoothie, which is milk blended with a little honey and some fresh (or frozen) blueberries. You’re getting antioxidants, and you’re getting your Vitamin D in essentially what I think tastes like a milkshake.” Additionally, Krieger shares her Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Cumin Dressing, an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and a good source of iron and vitamin A.

Blueberry Blast Smoothie

Blueberry Blast Smoothie

(Makes 1 smoothie)

• 1/2 cup nonfat milk
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt
• 1 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries
• 1 teaspoon honey

Put all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Information
Per serving:

• Calories: 195
• Total fat: 1 g (sat fat 0 g, mono fat 0 g, poly fat 0 g)
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Sodium: 134 mg

Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Cumin Dressing

Chickpea Spinach Salad with Cumin Dressing. Photo courtesy of Ellie Krieger.

(Makes 4 servings)

• One 15.5-ounce can of chickpeas, preferably low-sodium, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon honey
• 2 ounces baby spinach leaves (about 2 cups lightly packed)
• 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh mint

In medium bowl, combine chickpeas, parsley, and onion. In small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice and zest, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Pour dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to coat evenly. In small bowl, stir together yogurt, orange juice and zest, and honey. Serve chickpea salad over bed of spinach leaves. Top with yogurt sauce and garnish with mint.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1/2 cup chickpea salad, 1/2 cup spinach, and 1 tablespoon yogurt sauce
Per serving:

• Calories 175
• Total fat: 9 g (sat fat 1 g, mono fat 5.5 g, poly fat 1.5 g)
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 147 mg

Ellie Krieger

Krieger recently teamed up with Emmy winner Deborah Norville and a panel of experts to discuss and share information important to people with RA. Proper nutrition, fitness, relationships, career management—it’s all part of an online talk show to educate the public on a disease affecting more than 1.3 million Americans, most of which are women. For more information, visit newwayra.com/newwayra/home.html.

Recipes courtesy of Ellie Krieger.

Foods to Reduce Inflammation The Saturday Evening Post