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Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The National Cancer Institute estimates that one third of cancer deaths are related to dietary factors.

So, it is very  important for you to make sure you are  eating a well balanced diet. Food can act to suppress, block or to transform agents that can cause cancer.

Here are some foods have been  have been shown to slow the growth of cancer and give and give your immune system a much needed boost:

1. Greentea. Greentea contains high amounts of antioxidant polyphenols (catechins) that have properties to fighting cancer. Some studies show that people who drink a cup or two of green tea every day may cut the risk of cancer.

2. Garlic

Scientists have discovered that garlic can fight cancer. There are several active components in garlic that have been shown to fighting cancer:

Allicin: A powerful plant phytonutrient that appear to protect the body against cancer.  Several studies have shown  that allicin has ability to destroy tumor cells.
Allyl Sulfides – compound in garlic that may help the body to fight off cancer.
3.

Cruciferous vegetables  like  Brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, cabbage  Broccoli, spinach and cauliflower.  They have several components that have been linked to lower cancer risk, including glucosinolates, crambene, indole-3-carbinol and, especially, isothiocyanates (which are derived from glucosinolates).

4. Berries. All berries such as ack raspberries, red raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, noni berries, açai berries and wolfberries. Raspberries and other berries contain  a variety of vitamins, mineral, and phytochemicals called anthocyanins  that have properties to fight cancer.

5.

Grapes. Grapes contain high levels of resveratrol that inhibits the growth of  cancer-cell  and stimulating the immune system. They also contain an antioxidant known as ellagic acid that block enzymes that are required for cancer-cell growth.

6. Mushrooms. The researchers found that mushrooms have properties to fighting Cancer. Certain mushrooms like Coriolus Versicolor (Kawara take, Yun zhi, turkey tail) Shiitake, Reshi, Ganoderma have been researched for medicinal properties. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides that can enhance the body’s immune response to diseases like cancer.

7. Tomatoes. Tomatoes contains a phytochemical called lycopene, a cancer fighting agent. Tomatoes also contain vitamin C, an antioxidant which can  protect against cancer by boosting the immune system.

8. Flaxseeds. Flaxseeds contains high amounts of lignans, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain cancers  such as breast, colon and prostate cancer. Flaxseeds also contain high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3-fatty acid that help reduce inflammation.

9. Soy. Soy products like tofu and soy milk contain phytonutrients known as isoflavones that  may help your body to fight cancer cells such as breast and prostate cancer

10. Dark, leafy green. Dark, leafy green vegetables such as  spinach, kale, swiss chard romaine lettuce, leaf lettuce, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens and chicory are contain beta-carotene as well as the carotenoid cousins called lutein and zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene, and carotenoid are all powerful antioxidants that seem to play a role in blocking early stages in the development of cancer.

Obesity is a new age disease and it does not just end with weight gain but it paves the way of other health complications to sneak in and affect your body quite adversely. The relaxed and laid back lifestyle along with a heavy intake of junk foods is the major reasons for obesity. In earlier times, people had to perform some or other sort of physical work which used to keep them fit but our generation is either too busy or relaxed to perform any work that involves physical strain.

Whatever may be the reason, the truth is that if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is beyond certain limit then you would be termed obese and once you are termed obese then you must take it seriously and fight it. In fact, there are plenty of wonder drugs and exercise programs which proclaim to fight obesity but the question is-are they really effective? Different people have different opinion about them.

So, the million dollar question is how to choose an effective weight loss program? Well, first of all you must ask some people who have undergone such programs as they are the only genuine source of information, everything else is sheer marketing gimmick.

You can also see the details of the program and you can segregate an effective one from the fake ones by using your wit on the first hand.

One most important thing is to judge on your personal level. You might ask questions like will I be able to successfully pursue the program? What are its medical evidences? Are there any side effects? And questions like these will help you to come to a concrete decision. In the meantime while you judge the programs or the magic pills you can carry on with some light exercise using Hip Hop Abs, Chin up bar and push up stands.

You can also surf the internet for relevant information as it is a vast source of gaining knowledge. You might even stumble upon some really helpful program or medical alternatives or treatment. So, if you have gained weight then you must not feel depressed, instead you can start fighting obesity as soon as you get a hint of it.

By Belle McCaleb ND, RN, MSS-C, BSN – An Adelaide Nauturopath, Herbalist & Counsellor specializing in Cancer Support

Immunity is commonly lowered as a side effect of chemotherapy.  This usually occurs due to drug-induced suppression of the bone marrow. Other immune effects can be mediated through the gut where the cells that regulate immune activity (T-regulatory cells) reside.  Many chemotherapeutics impact the gut lining and may compromise systemic immunity via this mechanism. Luckily, there are several nutritional and herbal medicine approaches to maintaining immunity during cancer treatment.

Gut health can be optimized to support immunity – prebiotics and probiotics assist with maintaining white cell counts. Specifically Acidophillus stimulates phagocytic activity and Natural Killer Cell activity (specific white blood cells that kill cancer) and modulates the host immune system (Kaminogawa A et al, Modulation of immune functions by foods, Evidence-based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2004, 1(3)).

Glutamine helps restore the gut lining and increases the number and activity of lymphocytes (a type of immune cell).

Specifically glutamine can decrease tumour growth by enhancing Natural Killer Cell activity and increasing neutrophil activation (Fahr et al, Glutamine enhances immunoregulation of tumor growth, JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1994; 471-476).

Arabinogalactans boost lymphocyte number and activity both locally in the gut and throughout the body.  (Kim LS et al Immunological activity of larch arabinogalactan and echinacea: a preliminary, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Altern Med Rev 2002; 7:138-49)

Nutrients such as zinc, selenium, betacarotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids can enhance antigen-specific antibody production, augment their proliferative response and promote phagocytic activity and NK cell activity (Kaminogawa A et al, Modulation of immune functions by foods, Evidence-based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2004, 1(3)).

Astragalus has been shown to have immunologic benefits by stimulating macrophage and natural killer cell activity and inhibiting T-helper cell type 2 cytokines. (McCulloch M et al Astragalus-Based Chinese Herbs and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 24, No 3 (January 20), 2006: pp. 419-430).

Echinacea has multiple immune stimulating effects including activating macrophages, natural killer cells, stimulate the secretion of cytokines (molecules involved in immune response). Echinacea can increase the number of white blood cells in the circulatory system, enhance phagocytosis and trigger the alternate complementary pathway. (Wang Chien-Wu et al, Genomics and proteomics of immune modulatory effects of a butanol fraction of Echinacea purpurea in human dendritic cells BMC Genomics 2008, 9:479doi:10.1186/1471-2164-9-479).

Ashwagandha has immunomodulatory effects including mobilization of macrophages, phagocytosis, and lysosomal enzymes.  Ashwagandha can reduce cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppression and leukopenia . Ashwagandha also seems to increase bone marrow cell and white blood cell count in radiation-treated animals.  Panax ginseng stimulates Natural-Killer Cell activity and possibly other immune-system activity. Coriolus versicolor increases white cell, natural killer cell, and antibody levels (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database).

For cancer patients undergoing or recovering from treatment, support of the immune system is possible with specific cancer nutritional & herbal medicines. It is advisable to seek professional advice as there may be specific considerations and contraindications in your case.

If you are not familiar with dust mites, these are microscopic bugs living in your home, feeding off the unseen cells of dead skin and pet dander. Though you may not see them, they are present on surfaces throughout the home, and are especially troublesome in an infested mattress.

The bug’s waste material causes many people to develop a dust mite allergy, which includes sneezing, itching, congestion and runny noses. Asthmatics have it even worse, as a reaction to dust mites can exacerbate their condition.

Reducing the Infestation

These tiny bugs are attracted to dust-filled pockets of humidity and warmth; such as where you sleep, but also in the cozy furniture in living rooms. While completely eradicating these pests may not be possible, a thorough and regular cleaning can help reduce the number of mites in the home.

Once a top to bottom cleaning is finished, it is important to seal any potential hideouts for these bugs, starting with the mattress and bed linens. This is the most common area of concentration, so wash bedding weekly in hot water. To discourage dust mites, cover the mattress and pillows in hypo-allergenic, dust-proof covers, and wash these regularly as well. Temperature is important in order to kill the mites in the wash.

The next area to look at is living room furniture and rugs, as well as carpeted areas of your home. If these areas seem to be a problem for you, remove the cushion covers and wrap the inner foam in dust-proof covers, washing all removable pieces in the same manner as the bedding.

For area rugs, consider steam cleaning, or dry cleaning if necessary. If the bedroom area is carpeted, look into replacing it with tile or wood floors to decrease dust mite living space. Since not everyone can simply tear out the carpet, the other option is to hire a professional carpet cleaning company once a month, or rent a steam cleaner and do it yourself.

Common Allergy Symptoms and Prevention

Some people develop an outright allergy to dust mites, making it miserable for them to be in their homes when there is an infestation. This hypersensitivity can cause asthmatic symptoms and even aggravate skin problems like eczema.

Unfortunately, the excretions from these critters can be left everywhere, flying into the air and causing reactions in sensitive people much like pollen. These reactions are made worse by typical pollutants such as cigarette or other tobacco smoke, fireplace or cooking smoke, and fumes from gasoline.

Working to prevent reactions means taking the cleaning precautions above, and sealing every possible surface with a cover designed to repel dust. Eliminate carpeted areas where possible, and air out the house to create an unfriendly environment for the mites.

Once you have spoken to a medical professional and determined the problem to be dust mites, more changes in the home can be made to prevent infestations. These include thoroughly cleaning dusty surfaces with a moist cloth, using washable rugs, and buying furniture with more air flow underneath it.

Eliminate fabric where you can; if you have fabric curtains, consider replacing them with plastic or wooden blinds. Replace bedding and blankets made from synthetics or natural cotton, and always avoid wool, as it creates the perfect place for mites to settle.

By: Bryce Waylon

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Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Are diagnosed each year about 180 000 new cases. According to the American Cancer Society is one of nine women before the age of eighty-five years, attacked by breast cancer.

The breast is a gland that contains lactiferous ducts, lobes, fatty tissue and the lymph network of blood vessels. Cancers can occur in virtually any part of the breast. Is usually diagnosed after a woman in the affected area could feel a lump or bump. Cancerous tumors in the breast are firm, do not escape under the fingers and usually (but not always) are not painful. Many of the lumps in the breast do not originate from cancerous growths (often as a cyst or a fibroid mass), the final verdict must fetch a doctor for professional examinations. Bulge grows, or leaks under the fingers may be caused by proliferation of the cancer, but can be a normal due to fibrocystic changes during the menstrual cycle. To identify the point of origin need to be biopsied. Breast cancer can also occur bloody, clear or yellowish discharge from the nipple.

BREAST CANCER AND ITS TYPES

People think about breast cancer as a single disease sui generis, but there are different types of this disease. Some here are:
Cystic adenoid carcinoma, malignant cytosarkom, medullar carcinoma and tubular carcinoma. These and several other relatively uncommon type of breast cancer appears somewhat less aggressive than others.
Infiltrating ducal carcinoma. This is a cancer that arises in the vicinity of ducts, infiltrating breast tissue closest. Approximately 80 percent of all breast cancer cases attributable to this type.
Inflammatory carcinoma. For this type of cancer tumor development occurs near the ducts, as the tumor grows, it penetrates into the lymph and blood vessels. The skin grows and gets red and the breast becomes extremely soft and it looks like the infection. This type of cancer spreads very rapidly because of the rich blood supply and lymphatic cancer associated with inflammatory reactions.
Intraductal carcinoma. It is a localized type of cancer, where cancerous cells are rampant within the breast ducts. This type of cancer usually thinks of other tissues.

HERE IS THE RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE FOR BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION:

Stand in front of a mirror, raise your arms over your head and is pressed firmly together. Watch the shape of the breast. Put your hands on hips, press down and watch the creation of folds in the skin, any shift in the nipples, breasts or a different appearance redness of the skin or nipples breasts.

Raise one arm above his head. Other hand, carefully palpating the breast. Start on the outside, practice and follow a circular motion toward the nipple. Detailed palpating the area between the nipple and the armpit, armpits, and also search the well. Are located in the armpit lymph nodes, which move freely and are soft to palpation and painless. Look for bumps that are hard and immobile. Cancer tumors are often found near the inner muscle or skin.

Lie on your back and repeat, point No. 2 in this position may be easier to find the hidden bumps.

In addition to regular monthly self-examination is recommended American Cancer Society for women between the twentieth and fortieth year of medical breast examinations at least every three years. After completion of forty years should be testing done annually.

Prostate cancer is one of the major health problems for men who are over 50.  There are almost a quarter of a million new cases diagnosed in the United States every year.  Rarely found in younger men, most experts agree that almost all men who are over the age of 80 have some signs of prostate cancer.  For reasons that aren’t fully understood, prostate cancer is rarely found outside the United States or countries with a western diet.

In almost 80% of the cases, prostate cancer is found in men who are over 65.  Genetics seems to play a big part in who will get prostate cancer as the disease tends to run in families although doctors are uncertain exactly what causes it.  The general consensus among experts is that diet plays a significant role in contributing to the risk.  Men who consume a high fat diet, particularly a diet with a large amount of red meat and other animal fats, statistically run a greater risk of prostate cancer than those who have a diet mainly of fruits, vegetables and rice.

The prostate gland is an organ that is responsible for producing most of the fluid in sperm.  An organ that is approximately the size of a golf ball, it surrounds the beginning of the urethra as it leaves the bladder.  As we age, the prostate gland normally gets bigger and this can restrict the urethra and slow down the flow of urine leading to frequent urination, often at night.  This condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can be uncomfortable and annoying but is not related to prostate cancer and isn’t life threatening.

While disorders like BPH have symptoms that are easy to detect, prostate cancer can often develop without any warning symptoms and can become quite advanced before being diagnosed.  When the cells of the prostate start to reproduce faster than in a normal prostate, this causes a swelling or tumor.  While these tumors are rather slow growing, these cells can eventually break out of the prostate and spread to other parts of the body and cause the growth of other tumors.

 

When it has not moved beyond the prostate gland, prostate cancer is entirely curable and the great majority of men who do have it are fortunate to catch it in the early stages.  If it has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body such as the bones or the lungs prostate cancer is not curable and treatment must be begun at once to slow down its progression.  

So, what can you do to prevent the incidence of prostate cancer?  Although the exact cause of prostate cancer isn’t known there are some things you can do help your chances.  A vegetarian diet or a diet that contains minimal animal fat seems to slow down the growth of prostate tumors.  Some foods like soybeans and tomatoes are also known to inhibit or prevent tumors.  If you are an American male who is over the age of 50 you would be wise to go for a yearly physical examination that includes a prostate exam.  Diagnosing the disease is routine and catching it early is the key to curing it.

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