Archive for January, 2009

Herbal Medicines For Arthritis and Rheumatism

Saturday, January 31st, 2009



There are many different types of arthritis, each of which involves some disorder or inflammation of one or more joints. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting the middle-aged. It is a degenerative joint disease and is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling in spinal joints, hips, knees, and joints of the hand, with progressive loss of function. The cartilage that lines the bones degenerates, becoming inflamed, rough, and hardened, and eventually wears away. Tendons, ligaments, and muscles that are holding the joint together become weaker, causing deformity, pain, and reduced movement.

Osteoarthritis is the result of natural wear arid tear, but other causes can include

repeated strain to joints, ligaments, and muscles

joint deformation from birth or previous injury

rheumatoid arthritis

gout

nutritional and hormonal influences.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition Correct body weight should be maintained to prevent strain from causing osteoarthritis. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, and simple carbohydrates, such as white flour and refined sugar, should be eaten in moderation. Avoid coffee, red meat, artificial additives, and processed foods. Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, wheat germ, and oily fish. A nutritionist might suggest daily supplementation with vitamins A (10,000iu), C (2g), E (600iu), and B6 (50mg).

Massage Joints can be massaged effectively with tiger balm, lavender and camomile oils, and with Ruta grav. cream.

Yoga This will help to encourage joint mobility and improved posture.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupuncture With or without using moxibustion, this will act to balance energies and reduce both inflammation and pain.

The hand is a complex arrangement of bones, joints, and tendons, which make it vulnerable to wear and tear

Ayurveda Treatment is aimed at balancing the elements of air, fire, water, and mindbody connections.

Herbal Medicine Some herbalists might recommend celery seed, yucca leava bogbean, and devil’s clal taken daily. Infusions alfalfa and nettle may be suggested as nutrition supplements. Wild yam root and glucose amine (1500mg per day) are also useful.

Homeopathy Rhus tox.6c is suitable when the condition is worse with rest anij dampness, and Ruta grav. is appropriate when symptoms are relieved by warmth.

Osteopathy and Chiropractic These are useful for maintenance of efficient body mechanics and pain relief.

Rolfing Treatment will address postural integration.

Discover Cancer Fighting Foods

Saturday, January 31st, 2009



Interest in cancer fighting foods continues to grow. Indeed, in recent years, numerous books have been written about anti cancer foods and the role of good nutrition.

Thousands of scientific studies have now been conducted on the subject. Researchers have investigated the average diets of populations that exhibit low incidence of different types of cancer. Most recently, the American Cancer Society has concluded that 14-20% of all cancer deaths in the United States are related to obesity or excess weight. About 30% of all Americans are obese and most are overweight.

Experts agree that anti cancer foods are foods that are rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is believed to lead to many types of cancer, as well as heart disease, and recent studies have shown that body fat produces chemicals that cause inflammation.

This research supports the importance of a healthy diet that includes cancer fighting foods, most of which are fruits and vegetables, and limits dietary fats. Additionally, there is no substitute for a regular exercise program for weight management.

Making drastic changes in your diet can be difficult and frustrating. You may find more success by making little changes over an extended period of time. If the cancer fighting foods mentioned here are not those that you are accustomed to eating, try adding one or two different ones to your diet each month.

Remember to keep in mind any known allergies. When trying a food or spice that you have never eaten before, watch for reactions, such as itching, hives or swelling of the lips and mouth. Severe allergic reactions to foods can cause anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening, and those people who have other allergies or asthma are more at risk and should use care when trying new foods.

It can also be helpful to buy foods that are grown locally. These are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Limiting new foods to one a day will help you identify food sensitivities or allergies.

Berries are among the most powerful anti cancer foods. Blueberries have been shown in animals studies to inibit the production of an enzyme responsible for tumor growth. Bilberry has been shown to inhibit the growth of leukemia and cancer cells in the laboratory. Pomegranates (a member of the berry family) are considered cancer fighting foods because of their effect on breast, prostrate and skin cancer in lab studies. Additionally, pomegranate seeds are natural anti-inflammatories.

The goal for an anti-cancer diet is to eat mostly plant foods. It appears that diets that are two-thirds fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains are most effective. Recommended anti cancer foods are high in B-complex (shown to provide protection from cell mutation and reduce risk of pancreatic cancer) and D vitamins (curbs growth of cancer cells, reduces risk of breast and lung cancer).

A group of vegetables known as cruciferous are high in both B-complex and D vitamins. Examples of cruciferous vegetables include cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, turnip greens, kale and cabbage. In laboratory studies, these vegetables have been shown to shrink prostrate and colon cancer tumors and eating them is believed to reduce the development of colon polyps (a precursor to colon cancer), even in those people who are genetically predisposed to them.

The Cancer Cure Foundation, a non-profit providing information on alternative and complementary therapies since 1976, adds the following anti cancer foods: avocadoes, figs, flax seed, grapefruit, red grapes, green and yellow leafy vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, oranges, lemons, papayas, seaweed, soy, sweet potatoes, tapioca, tomatoes, watermelon and red peppers. You may have noticed that the majority of the cancer fighting foods are particularly colorful.

Those same phytochemicals that give these fruits and vegetables there bright colors are cancer fighting agents. Thus, the reason behind the recommendation to eat a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables, every day.

Just because you are increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet does not mean that it must be bland. Several spices have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties.

Curcurmin, the main ingredient in curry and used for flavoring in many Indian dishes, is a known anti-inflammatory, boosts immune system strength and is believed to have a negative affect on all forms of cancer. Ginger kills cancer cells in laboratory tests. Garlic, chili peppers, rosemary and jalapenos are all included in the Cancer Cure Foundation’s recommendations for anti cancer foods.

And then there is the mangosteen. Not related to the more common mango and only available in the form of a health supplement puree in many parts of the world, this fruit from southeast Asia may be the most effective of the cancer fighting foods. The rind of the mangosteen was a staple in traditional Thai medicine and, since 2002 has been the subject of numerous laboratory studies, both in the United States and in Asia.

The anti-oxidants in the mangosteen are so powerful that they are referred to as xanthones. Initially identified as a natural anti-inflammatory in 2002, it was discovered in 2004 that components of the rind could inhibit COX-2 activity, without inhibiting COX-1 production. COX-2 enzymes cause inflammation. COX-1 enzymes protect the lining of the digestive tract. Anti-inflammatories like aspirin and ibruprofren upset the stomach and can cause ulcers because they inhibit both COX-1 and 2 production. In studies of nine different potential anti-cancer foods, the Department of Microbiology at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand showed that the mangosteen was the most potent in preventing proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Other lab tests have shown that it can induce the death of colon, leukemia, liver, gastric and lung cancer cells. All of these studies concluded that components of the mangosteen have potential for use in the treatment and prevention of cancer. If you have reason to be concerned about food allergies, the mangosteen has been shown to be an anti-allergen.

If you are really interested in optimal nutrition and warding off diseases, you might want to add a mangosteen supplement to your diet of cancer fighting foods, get regular exercise and reduce your waistline.

Gouty Arthritis Can Be Helped With a Gout Treatment Diet

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009



Gouty arthritis is very painful and cures for it are often sought after. The pain can be so bad at night that even the weight of a sheet on the area can be too much to tolerate. The pain can often be overwhelming. I am currently battling this problem myself.

In searching for gout cures I would like to inform you of what I have found. You may have gout and have dismissed it as something else. Do you have painful or swollen joints or skin that may be red or warm to the touch?Is the area itchy and does the skin sometime slough off in that area?

These could be symptoms of gouty arthritis. It can reoccur over and over if you don’t change your lifestyle. It can come back worse each time. Many people will try to do something about it when the pain comes back then go back to the same lifestyle after the pain subsides.

You can treat gouty arthritis this way. You need a cure that will continue to work for you and that is why you need a gout treatment diet. Most people will go see their doctor when they start having pain. Most doctors will prescribe you with an anti-inflammatory drug and this will help in the short term for the pain and swelling. However if you continue to live the way you have been you can expect to see your doctor again for the same problem.

You need to change your lifestyle. The only thing that you can do to cure your gouty arthritis for good is stay on a gout treatment diet. High purine foods are the first thing that you should eliminate from your diet. There is strong evidence that high purine foods are the main cause for gout.

This is how it works. Certain foods that you eat will produce purine in your body. You need it for the body to change it into energy. A byproduct of purine is uric acid. When your body is unable to flush this uric acid from the body it will crystallize and settle in your joints. This will cause gout and the pain that you feel.

Mostly males in the mid 40′s and beyond will have symptoms of gout. You can increase your risk of gout by being obese and living a sedentary lifestyle. Women also become candidates for this disease after menopause.

With a gout treatment diet you can prevent or alleviate gout symptoms. By using this information and changing the way you live now you can avoid this disease. By increasing your intake of water you can help to flush the uric acid from your body. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and more if possible.

Do you drink a lot of sodas or coffee? These drinks dehydrate your body and it’s harder to flush out the toxins and uric acid. By changing just a few things in your diet you can help your overall health and avoid this disease. You have to keep it up and not quit when you start seeing improvement though. That is an important part of the gout treatment diet.

Red meat and some seafood have high purine levels. Other high protein foods do as well. You can limit those animal protein sources in your diet and replace them with beans and other vegetables. Vegetarians get all of the protein that their body needs from plant sources.

It can be hard to make a permanent change in your diet when you have been used to eating a certain way for so long. It is in your best interest to change your eating habits and stick with it if you want to lessen or get rid of the symptoms of gouty arthritis permanently.

Dachshunds: The Weiner Dog

Monday, January 26th, 2009



The Dachshund is a dog breed within the hound family and is known for its short legs and elongated body. The German name “Dachshund” literally translates as “badger dog”. Dachshunds were first used to hunt and chase badgers. In the United States, they are sometimes called “wiener dogs” or “hot dogs” due to their shape.

Dachshunds weigh from 16 to 32 pounds, though Miniature Dachshunds usually weigh less than 11 pounds. “Tweenie” refers to the group that falls between 10 and 15 pounds. Dachshunds are only 9 inches tall, though they are longer than they are tall. Dachshunds are known for their loose skin, crooked legs and outward chest. Dachshunds were designed like this so they would be able to go through tight spaces while hunting. They also have a long tail, which is used by hunters to pull Dachshunds out of the hole once the prey is caught. There are three different types of coats that Dachshunds have: longhaired, wirehaired and smooth. Dachshunds also vary a lot in color. Most are red or black & tan. However, they can vary from cream to blue to fawn.

Dachshunds are playful dogs that are very loyal. They are known to chase birds and smaller animals with determination. Dachshunds can be difficult to train, as many are stubborn. Dachshunds are clever and are usually not shy at all. Dachshunds seem to not know or care about their own small size. They are also recognized for their complex facial expressions and deep eyes.

Unfortunately, they are prone to spinal problems because of their unique shape. Obesity in Dachshunds only makes it worse, but many believe spinal problems in Dachshunds is mainly genetic. To prevent spinal problems, they should not walk up or down stairs quickly or jump. Carrying Dachshunds in the proper manner is also a way to prevent spinal issues. Treatments do exist though, as there is physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, arthritis medication and more.

Although some believe Dachshunds may have originated in Ancient Egypt, modern Dachshunds have come from European breeders who have mixed English, French and German terriers and hounds. Dachshunds were popular pets for royalty in Europe, although the original Dachshunds were larger and weighed around 35 pounds. They were used not only for hunting badgers, but for large game such as wolverines as well.

Dachshunds have been considered a symbol of Germany. Unfortunately, in United States and England in World War I, some Dachshunds were killed on the streets because of what they symbolized. Dachshunds were used in political cartoons to ridicule Germany, but fortunately this association has ended.

Dachshunds make great watchdogs, as they are attentive and bark when they need to. They get along well enough with other animals and should be groomed regularly as their ears must be cleaned and their nails trimmed.

Dachshunds are now quite popular pets in the United States, as they have been about the 5th most popular dog breed in the last ten years. Dachshunds are especially popular for owners who live in apartments. Famous Dachshunds include Lump, Pablo Picasso’s dog, Little Dog in 2 Stupid Dogs, Buster in Toy Story 2 and Odie in Garfield the Movie.

Some Pertinent Facts About Arthritis of the Hip Joint

Monday, January 26th, 2009



When a person is diagnosed with arthritis of the hip joint, then there are chances of that person to suffer from osteoarthritis also, which is also a common form of arthritis of the hip joint. Osteoarthritis is also occasionally known as degenerative joint illness and wear-and-tear arthritis. This type of arthritis of the hip joint is distinguished by slow cartilage damage to the joints of the person. When such cartilage that acts as the protector of the joints gets damaged because these types of arthritis, the bones in the joints of the individual get uncovered and this would result in great amount of pain.

Arthritis – A Disease Affecting the Elderly

Although anyone is bound to suffer from arthritis of the hip joint, normally such debilitating disease is associated with individuals who have reached or are above the age of 50 years. In addition, the arthritis of the hip joint is more common in patients who are obese. When such obese people tend to lose weight, their condition improves steadily and also the symptoms of arthritis of the hip joint begin to disappear.

Doctors are of the belief that arthritis of the hip joint is a hereditary disease. In case, if a person belonging to a family in which someone has this specific type of arthritis, then that person possesses a huge threat of contracting the same variant of the disease.

Numerous factors are responsible which can make a person suffer from arthritis of the hip joint. These include hip trauma incidents and also due to the bone fractures situated close to the joints. Certain symptoms can be observed when a person suffers from hip arthritis. These symptoms however begin to worsen with the further worsening of the condition.

Irregular Relieves:

However, it might also not be the case that the symptoms associated with arthritis would become worse with time. In addition, it may be possible that the patient might be experiencing some good months and some bad months as far as the sufferers condition is concerned. Not only this, the symptoms also get affected due to the transformations in weather conditions. This clearly indicates that the symptoms of arthritis of the hip joint seen in a particular day might fade away on other days and they would not provide a precise depiction of the manner in which the condition is moving ahead.

The common symptoms associated with arthritis of the hip joint include the movement limitations, the pain during performance of activities, stiffening of hips and limp while walking. The proper recommendation in such cases would be the technique of quick treatment as soon as the symptoms surface. While, on some occasions, the treatments turn out to be basic in nature, there are some instances where surgery is inevitable. In any of such cases, a person would require the guidance of a doctor for knowing the finest treatments options for the specific instances of arthritis of the hip joints.

What Are the Symptoms of Midfoot Arthritis?

Monday, January 26th, 2009



Pain around the top and middle part of the foot is normally the first complaint when an individual develops midfoot arthritis. This pain may be described as sharp or burning and is typically worse when standing or walking. Patients often describe the worst pain as being first thing in the morning, or the first steps after sitting or lying for some time.

Physical examination may reveal swelling and there may be general tenderness in the midfoot area. Over time, it is common for a bony prominence called a tarsal boss to develop, which can cause irritation with shoe wear and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. Without treatment, midfoot arthritis can lead to flattening of the foot arches and cause the midfoot to turn outwards.

The term arthritis is used to describe the loss of the cartilage which lines and cushions the surface of the joint. Normal, healthy cartilage allows the joints to move smoothly. If the cartilage becomes damaged, its surface becomes rough, causing pain and stiffness within the joint. It can affect any joints within the body and is commonly found in those that receive the most usage, including hands and wrists as well as knees and ankles.

Midfoot arthritis can develop following a major injury, such as a foot or ankle fracture, causing the cartilage to wear out with greater speed than it might do in normal conditions. More commonly, the condition develops due to daily wear and tear that our bodies undergo during a lifetime. This sort of problem is called osteoarthritis and may be linked to different factors such as heavy manual work, sport, being overweight and family history. However, for many people, the cause will not be known. Like all forms of osteoarthritis, or ‘wear and tear’, the condition becomes more common in the middle-aged and elderly.

The cause of midfoot arthritis can also be a different type of arthritis, called Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the lining of your joints, causing them to become inflamed and painful. The joints of the hands and the feet are the first to be affected.

Midfoot arthritis is sometimes overlooked by doctors who are not specialists in the foot and ankle because there are so many small joints in the midfoot. A careful clinical assessment needs to be combined with special x-ray views of the joints. Scans may be required as well to identify exactly which joints are involved. By being thorough in these initial stages arthritis is easier to diagnose and treatment can commence quicker; this of course will ensure that you don’t suffer any more pain or discomfort than is strictly necessary.

Treatment options include supportive orthotic devices, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medicines and selective X-ray guided joint injections. If these treatments are unsuccessful, surgical fusion of midfoot joints can provide good, long-term pain relief. Midfoot fusion results in a relatively small degree of mobility loss, however the majority of patients report much improved pain relief and overall foot function.

The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Diagnosis And Treatment Of Arthritis

Saturday, January 24th, 2009



Acupuncture for diagnosis and treatment of arthritis is now becoming more prevalent but having your skin savagely poked with a series of long needles doesn’t exactly sound like ideal comfort, especially when you are already living with arthritis, a rheumatoid disease characterized by it’s trademark stiffness and pain. The ancient Chinese would beg to differ, along with the estimated fifteen million Americans who have tried the ancient Chinese needle therapy known as acupuncture. Around the Asian continent, acupuncture has been used for generations to alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain sufferers, like arthritis patients, for instance. Prospective “acupokees” should be aware that acupuncture therapy is used for treating arthritis, not diagnosing it. Although patients should garner a arthritis diagnosis before signing up for acupuncture therapy.

Studies in Arthritis and Acupuncture

More than twenty million Americans live with osteoarthritis (there are various forms of the condition, however). In fact, osteoarthritis is amongst the most frequent causes for physical disability in adults. Despite a history spanning more than two thousand years, it was 2001 before acupuncture was found to aid arthritis in the knee via a study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The study included 570 osteoarthritis patients over the age of fifty who had never before received acupuncture, surgery, or steroid injections. A control group was selected and these individuals received regular sessions of acupuncture. By the end of the first week, the acupuncture group experienced a surge in mobility and by the end of the study the group reported a forty percent decrease in pain and a forty percent increase in knee function.

Using Acupuncture For Treating Arthritis

Bigwigs of Western medicine aren’t exactly sure just how acupuncture works to fight arthritis and similar diseases, but the skilled acupuncture who administer the therapy have an idea or two. According to therapeutic philosophy, pain is the result of a blockage of one of life’s essential energies, qui. Stimulating certain points will put the flow of qui back in balance again, thus alleviating chronic pain in the process – Volia! A 1999 study even found evidence that acupuncture improves sleep.

During acupuncture therapy, very thin needles are inserted into precise point in the skin, these points are known as acupoints. It is these acupoints that may have the biggest influence on the connection between treating arthritis with the use of the acupuncture therapy. In addition to being poked and prodded, acupoints also react to magnets, currents of electricity, acupressure (hand pressure), lasers and even bee stings. Acupuncture practitioners have also been known to administer herbs along with wielding out some advice on making lifestyle changes at the conclusion of a session.

Studies demonstrate that some of designated acupoints are actually connected to sensitive bio-trigger points rich in nerve endings. And further studies show that tinkering around with those triggers can cause a mirage of biological responses, one of the many responses being the chemical release of endorphins. The release of endorphins is pivotal to acupuncture’s influence on arthritis because the chemical serves as the body’s own answer to Advil, Tylenol and Motrin, as a natural painkiller.

Acupuncture Checks and Balances

Acupuncture costs vary across the United States. But as a rule of thumb, first visits usually fall between $75 and $150, with cheaper follow-up treatments costing between $35 and $75. Health insurance accommodations of acupuncture vary, but advocates of using the therapy for the treatment of diagnosed arthritis cite the long-term benefits of it’s hefty price tag, which include fewer doctor visits over time and saving a few bucks on prescriptions.

Arthritis Relief and Your Diet

Friday, January 23rd, 2009



Arthritis affects more than 40 million Americans and is referred to as the

most common chronic disease in people over 40.
Doctors believe there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, all sharing

one main characteristic: they all cause joint inflammation.
What can you do to relieve the symptoms of arthritis? A lot.
There is a great deal of debate in the medical world about the effects of overall

diet on arthritis and using diet toward alleviating the condition.
Doctors have known for a long time that diet affects gout, a specific type

of arthritic condition, however the jury remained out for a long time on other

common types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
What is known however, is that overall dietary health is important and does

come into play. Weight and nutrition are two factors that play a role in arthritic

pain.
Being overweight can affect certain arthritic conditions, forcing some joints

to carry more of a load. This added weight stresses the joints, causing overuse

or more wear to components, and pain, especially in the knees.
If you suffer from arthritis make sure you eat good foods and get help from

healthcare providers to create and follow a well-balanced dietary plan.
To begin with, here are some vitamins, minerals, foods, supplements and herbal

applications to consider.
Vitamins that have shown to reduce tissue swelling or provide relief include

Vitamins B5, B6, B12, the antioxidant vitamins C and E, and vitamin K, which

improves bone health.
Several independent studies have found that rheumatoid arthritis patients given

increased doses of zinc showed marginal improvement.
Other minerals to consider include Boron, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese (not

to be taken with calcium), Copper, Germanium and Sulfur.
The National Institutes of Health is studying the food supplements, glucosamine

and chondroitin, for use in relieving symptoms of pain and stiffness for some

persons with osteoarthritis.
Patients with osteoarthritis taking blood-thinners should be careful taking

chondroitin as it can increase the blood-thinning and cause excessive bleeding.

Fish oil supplements have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Increasing dietary fish intake or fish oil capsules (omega 3 capsules) can relieve

inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
For more information, see Omega

3 Fats
Glutathione is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and can be

safely boosted by consuming its precursors available in the supplements, N-Acetyl-Cysteine

(NAC) or undenatured whey protein.
For more information, see Glutathione.
Quercetin is also known to help reduce inflammation, while Type II Collagen

plays a role in growth and repair of joints, articular cartilage and connective

tissue.
Because of the risk in overdosing, one should be discouraged from taking doses

of vitamins that are higher than recommended without a physician’s direction.

Some vitamins and minerals can actually worsen certain conditions, and the

concentration that can be attained through vitamins can be dangerous. It is

always better to increase in vitamin or mineral intake through your normal diet.

Foods To Avoid
There are many factors to consider with regards to arthritic diets and nutritional

healing, and each factor may not apply to each individual.
For example, certain people are allergic to specific foods, and these allergies

can indeed worsen arthritic conditions. The best way to approach the situation

is to examine each arthritic condition and tailor one’s approach based upon

the specifics.
Ingesting foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine can inflame rheumatoid

arthritis, while ingesting foods containing a substance called hydrazine can

contribute to an arthritic condition connected to lupus.
Black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people a rare type of arthritis called

Behcet’s Disease.
With osteoarthritis, deterioration of cartilage is a concern. Since there is

some evidence that Vitamin A, contributes to cartilage deterioration, those

with osteoarthritis should avoid large doses of it.
Although clinical proof is not available, anecdotal evidence suggests that

in the case of fibromyalgia, eliminating wheat, dairy, citrus, sugar, aspartame

(Nutrasweet), alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco can provide relief.
Many nutritionists and naturopaths suggest that those suffering with rheumatoid

arthritis avoid dairy products all together, as they seem to exacerbate rheumatoid

arthritis flare-ups.
The report “I

Cured My Arthritis You Can Too” suggests that white flour aggravates

arthritis symptoms.
Disclaimer: The information here is not provided by medical professionals and

is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician

before beginning any course of treatment.

Resveratrol in Cancer Treatment – Understanding the Process

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009



Cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in an organism. In human body, the shape that is taken is provided by the various organs such as the bones and skin. These organs are in turn determined by the formation of the cells. This pattern is usually predetermined through the DNA. The production of specialized cell is coded and this message determines the arrangement of amino acids and the protein structure. Any disorientation of this coded language, which is called mutation, would lead to abnormal growth of cells and the organs.

Because the body cells are usually balanced, any disorientation of some of the cells would lead to illness. In some cases, the communication between the cells is affected leading to autolysis of the cells. This is where the cells fail to recognize self destroy each other instead of targeting the foreign bodies as in the case of leukemia cancer.

There are various types of cancer ranging from the blood cancer or leukemia, to breast, cervical, prostate, lung and others. The naming of the cancer is dependent on the organ that is affected.

Empirical studies conducted in California in 2008 by Chao and other provided some evidence that those who took red wine were of less risk to developing lung cancer compared to those who took white wine or beer. Red wine is made from grape fruit and is known to contain large portions of resveratrol. This brought to focus the potential in using this plant product in managing cancer. The product is often produced by the higher plants in response to the fungal and bacterial attacks.

Cancer inhibition will only be effective if the mutagens are countered. Where the abnormal cell growth has started, the anti-cancer agent must be able to arrest the growth of the rogue cells. It is in this context that we shall explore how resveratrol works.

One method by which the resveratrol works is by reducing the activity of free radicals. These are products of metabolism in the form of unbounded hydrogen molecules. They cause injurious effects by punching the cells membrane. They also trigger unwanted cellular activities leading cancerous growth. The large polyphenol structure of the chemical will provide additional binding sites from the free hydrogen bonds.

Another way by which it reduces cancer cell growth is by encouraging the death of the malignant cells. This process is known metastasis. In addition, it leads to improved mitochondrial action would lead to increased energy levels that is necessary for the recuperation from the use of the toxic cancer drugs. Genes such as SIRT1 which promote the growth of good cells are also triggered by the plant chemical.

Cancer Fighting Foods

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009



It is no secret that what we choose to eat impacts our health on a daily basis. Some foods are rich in anti oxidants, and some foods are known to contain healthy amounts of beneficial bacteria. Could some foods fight abnormal cell growth that occurs when one is diagnosed with cancer? Consider these foods and the effect that they can have on the effects of cancer, as well as prevention.

Avocados have chemicals in them that are rich in antioxidants and attack free radicals within the body. Free radicals are one of the known cancer causing cells, and avocados assist in the attack of these cells. Avocados are not only good for liver cancer, but are good for fighting liver damage and contain more potassium than bananas. They block the intestinal absorption of certain fats into the body.

Nitrosamines are cancer causing substances and can lead to specific types of stomach cancer. Chili peppers and jalapenos as well other hot peppers contain the chemical capsaicin which can neutralize these cancer causing substances. Peppers have been known to have healing powers for centuries, so next time there is pasta being made put in some extra fresh peppers.

It is a common saying to eat vegetables that are rich in color, many say the greener the vegetable and richer the color the more beneficial that the vegetable is for you. Broccoli has been known to prevent colon and prostate cancer for decades and is looked upon as one of the most heart healthy vegetables due to its rich green color.

Flax is another food that has antioxidants and when the seeds are crushed beneficial oils are released. It can easily be added to a variety of foods and available at most health food stores. It is one of the highest foods that can fight cancer and protect against heart disease. Flax seeds and flax oil are some of the most common health supplements.

Garlic is good for the immune system and can increase the activity within our bodies to promote a healthy immune system and therefore is important in indirectly preventing cancerous activity within the body. Garlic has been discovered to block carcinogens and slow the development and growth of tumors. Studies have shown that those who consume garlic are at half the risk of developing many types of stomach cancer than those who do not consume the helpful root. There are certain bacteria within the stomach that have been known to cause stomach cancer and garlic protects against h. pylori – one of these cancer promoting bacterium.

Grapefruits, grapes and oranges as well as other citrus fruits can sweep carcinogens from the body – literally! Because of the high instances of vitamin c, folic acid and beta carotene eating these citrus foods can inhibit the growth of many cancer cells, including breast cancer. Grapes contain an important cancer fighting ingredient, resveratol which inhibits the enzymes and these enzymes can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. Citrus foods also seem to slow the growth of tumors within the body.

We are what we eat, and many times we can prevent certain illnesses, including cancer – it gives us more incentive to eat healthily.