Posts Tagged ‘Poor Diet’

What Are the Signs Regarding Cancer?

Comments: 0May 13th, 2011 by admin



A lot of cancers do not have specific or noticeable signs. Therefore, prevention and correct screenings for cancer are of the greatest relevance. A lot of cancer screenings are normally age-specific. A primary care physician must suggest the correct screenings for cancer during yearly check-ups.

There are several risk factors that are known to have an effect on and increase the associated risk of cancer. Healthcare experts advised that individuals take steps to manage their risk by making necessary alterations to life style and behavior that can help decrease their risk of developing many forms of cancer. The National Cancer Institute has reported that some of the most commonly known cancer risk factors include: advancing age (getting older), the use of tobacco, unprotected exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays (UV), ionizing radiation (such as x-rays and radiation treatments), specific recognized chemicals, biological family history of cancer, use of alcohol, poor diet and higher than recommended body weight.

It is crucial that elderly adults discuss health worries and issues concerning cancer with their doctor mainly because the age group with the greatest cancer threat is adults over the age of 65. Just like many other diseases, cancer is most efficiently fought when discovered and addressed early so preventative steps and age-appropriate screenings are important.

Tobacco use is one of the major causes of cancer. Smoking tobacco is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Nearly half a million people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing different kinds of cancer (including cancer of the mouth, lung, larynx, mouth, bladder, kidney, stomach, pancreas, cervix, and esophagus. In addition to reducing your risk of certain cancers, quitting smoking will also reduce your risk of having a heart attack.

Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays has been shown to increase the risk for melanoma (skin cancer). The sun’s UV rays have also been shown to cause skin damage and premature aging. Health experts recommend avoiding exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It is recommended that when participating in outdoor activities individuals wear clothing (ideally long sleeve, long pants) with UV protection. Sunglasses and head coverings are also recommended to protect the eyes and head. UV rays can continue to present a danger even during cloudy days. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing at all times when in the sunlight.

Ionizing radiation (such as x-rays and radiation therapy treatment) is a known risk factor for cancer. Talk about your concerns regarding ionizing radiation with your healthcare provider. Frequently the risks connected with x-rays are low and the benefits of radiation therapy can often outweigh the risks. Patients are motivated to have open discussions with their doctors concerning the dangers related to ionizing radiation.

Individuals who work in industries which regularly use certain chemicals (such as some construction workers, painters, etc) are at a higher risk of developing cancer. Some chemicals such as asbestos, carcinogens, pesticides, formaldehyde, and vinyl chloride have been tested to increase the risk of cancer.

Family history appears to increase the risk of certain types of cancers such as: skin, breast, ovary, prostate, and colon cancer. Some genes that are predisposed to cancer may be passed from parent to child. If you are concerned about your family history, it is important to talk to your doctor about prevention and screenings for early detection.

Excessive use of alcohol over an extended period of time can increase your risk of cancer. Experts recommend women drink no more than 1 alcoholic drink per day and men should not indulge in more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day; Drinking more than these amounts in considered excessive. The combination of alcohol use and tobacco use can increase the risk of cancer.

Diet and physical activity have been linked to cancer risk. Doctors now know that a poor diet high in fatty foods as well as being overweight can increase the risk of certain cancers such as: colon, uterus, and prostate cancer. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber can help reduce the risk of cancer. Lack of exercise and physical activity as well as being overweight may increase the risk of breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and uterus cancer. Experts recommend that children get 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day and adults should participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days each week.

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Cat and Dog Immune Systems – Symptoms and Solutions

Comments: 0February 3rd, 2011 by admin



A cat or dog immune system is the fortress against disease, cancer, and infections. It is the system that identifies what is acceptable and what should or shouldn’t be allowed in the body.

Unfortunately, there are times when a pet’s system might fail in a couple of different ways. First, the immune system may downgrade to the point where it does not recognize a foreign body, like cancer. Second, it might mistake something that is perfectly normal for something abnormal and work to destroy it.

These problems surface in a many ways:

o Auto-immune: Occurs when the body basically attacks itself. Auto-immune hemolytic anemia is a good example. This is where the body fails to recognize normal, healthy red blood cells and begins to destroy them. This causes lethargy, weakness, and depression among other problems for afflicted dogs.

o Neoplasia: Cancer. Cancer occurs when a cat or dog immune system fails to identify a problem. Cancerous cells go undestroyed and are allowed to grow and circulate.

o Immunodeficiency: This occurs when a pet’s body simply does not respond well enough to fight off infections. Immuno-deficient pets are afflicted with illness at a higher rate. Once ill, they have a much harder time restoring the body to good health. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in cats is an excellent example. This is similar to human HIV. The virus is not what kills the cat. Rather it is the suppression of the system that causes death because the cat cannot fight off illness.

o Hypersensitivity, particularly skin related: Allergies stem from the body’s immune system going into overdrive. A dog with severe allergies has a dog immune system that is responding to multiple stimuli, and allergies can often be difficult to decipher.

How a pet develops an immune problem is debatable. There is certainly some level of inheritance. Environmental stress factors like poor diet and poor living conditions could be contributing factors. Many holistic veterinarians feel that too many vaccinations might be the culprit in numerous immune problems, like cancer. And it must be remembered that as any pet ages, its immune system’s ability to protect the body decreases.

Dr. Shawn Messonnier, author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, suggests that the best solution is to provide immunity support throughout the pet’s life. In his article Immune System Support in Pets, Dr. Messonnier offers a few suggestions to help maintain a healthy immune system in one’s pets.

1. Minimize vaccinations and do blood titers to find levels rather than just doing annual vaccinations.
2. Try to use natural methods for flea control and limit the use of chemicals.
3. Feed a high quality, natural diet free of preservatives, or make a researched homemade diet.
4. Use vitamins, minerals, and supplements for support.

The general rule of thumb should be not to wait until a pet is ill or advanced in age to care for its immune system. Instead, take actions throughout its life to ensure the highest level of immunity support possible. A cat or dog immune system can only be as good as the vessel it is in, so it is imperative that the pet’s whole body be taken care of.

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Do You Have Signs of Infertility?

Comments: 0October 15th, 2010 by admin



Signs of Infertility

Infertility can be a difficult obstacle for a couple to overcome, and can pertain to both men and women. If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for 6 months or longer and have been unsuccessful, this could be a sign of infertility. Below we take a closer look at just a few of the signs of infertility.

Menstrual Cycle Irregularity

If your cycle is unpredictable and irregular this could be a sign of infertility. If your cycles are shorter or longer than usual and are less than 24 days or more than 35 days, this should be discussed with your doctor. This could be a red flag that there are ovulation problems. Heavy bleeding during your menstrual cycle can also be a sign of infertility. If your bleeding is very light or extremely heavy, and you have severe menstrual cramping you should notify your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of any significant changes in terms of length, color, and heaviness of bleeding, as these can also be signs of infertility.

Weight

Being too thin or excessively overweight can be signs of infertility. During pregnancy the fetus needs to be properly nursed and if the hip region is too circumscribed this becomes difficult. Being overweight can lead to infertility as obesity makes it difficult to maintain the correct hormonal balance. Poor diet and too much exercise can also be factors the lead to signs of infertility. To check your proper weight, check your BMI.

Previous Pregnancies

The ability to become pregnant is not associated with infertility, but previous pregnancies that were unsuccessful can be a sign of infertility. Recurring miscarriages can lead to infertility, though it is not diagnosed until usually the third miscarriage. Women who have had complications while having an abortion performed can experience signs of infertility, so it is important to disclose your history of both to your physician.

Medical Issues

Diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a history of cancer can lead to infertility. Sexually Transmitted Diseases can also be a sign of infertility. Diseases such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia can block the fallopian tubes. Women who have had tubal litigation reversal may experience signs of infertility. Other signs of infertility include adrenal disease, Kallmann syndrome, and hypopituitarism.

Infertility in men is harder to diagnose than a woman. In most cases, men will be checked for infertility before women. Low sperm count can be a sign of infertility, and a sperm analysis will be performed to determine the actual sperm count. Sexual dysfunction can also lead to infertility. Testicular torsion, undescended testicles, and varicocele are signs of infertility. Other signs of infertility are hypertension, diabetic neuropathy, and vasectomies that have been reversed. Liver disease, sickle cell anemia, kidney disease, and mumps. Cystic fibrosis, Polycystic kidney disease, and Varicocele are medical conditions that can also lead to infertility. Testicular Overheating can occur due to saunas, and lowers sperm count and injures the testicles, so it is recommended to avoid hot tubs while trying to conceive. Other signs of infertility are caused by smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse, which can lower sperm count.

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Anemia Signs and Symptoms

Comments: 0August 20th, 2010 by admin



Human blood consists of red blood cells, which transports oxygen from out our lungs to our tissues; white blood cells, which shield us against bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances, along with blood-clotting factors. In addition, nutrients, hormones, electrolytes, and waste products to and from every cell in the body are also transported by blood. If this carefully regulated system was to breakdown or suffer an imbalance, anything from fatigue, cerebral hemorrhage, and death can occur. Maintaining rich healthy blood is of vital importance to ones survival, and can be achieved by eating whole, pure healthy foods, drinking pure water, and breathing pure air.

The lack of vitamin B12 and a deficiency in the number or the hemoglobin content of the red blood cells are all causes of the most common types of anemia. Other types of anemia, which includes leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and hemophilia, are not represented in this article.

Symptoms of common types of anemia

When one has anemia involving the red blood cells various types of fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, fainting, thirst, irregular heartbeat, feeling cold, sleepiness, bad memory, paleness, backache, depression, loss of appetite, and constipation can be ubiquitous. If extreme blood loss is involved then one may experience shock. However, if one is suffering with pernicious anemia they may experience general weakness, numbness, or tingling of the extremities, soreness in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The most common causes of anemia are a result of a poor diet, which includes a lack of vitamins, minerals, and protein deficiencies. Causes that are more common are acute and chronic bleeding. Anemic conditions can also be caused due to a blood transfusion, congenital or autoimmune disorders, or kidney disease. Unfortunately, if one is eating a proper diet and still experience setbacks with anemia, the body might be unable to absorb the adequate nutrients it requires.

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Hypotension May Be Potentially Harmful

Comments: 0September 14th, 2009 by admin



Hypotension results from decreased arterial pressure subsequent to each beat of the heart. There are two essential aspects to blood pressure; arterial resistance to blood flow through the blood vessels and the force with which the heart ejects and circulates blood. There are also other factors which might alter blood pressure, such as emotional or physical stress, medications, alcohol consumption and whether or not the patient has recently eaten.

While most people are aware of the hazards of high blood pressure it is important to recognize that low blood pressure carries its own risks and consequences. Symptoms of low blood pressure may include light-headedness, blurring of vision, nausea, sleepiness, weakness or loss of consciousness. Sudden onset of symptoms might be an indication of serious health conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, dehydration or anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction.)

Dehydration may ensue following a lengthy attack of diarrhea and/or vomiting due to an illness such as the bacterial food poisoning or influenza. Still other possible causes of excess fluid loss include excess perspiration due to physical exertion or exposure to extreme heat over an extended period of time, and the use of diuretics. Exposure to substances, or ingestion of food to which one is hypersensitive or to which one has an allergy, may precipitate an anaphylactic reaction which may trigger a hypotensive episode. Severe or prolonged hemorrhaging and various viral or bacterial infections are also capable of sending blood pressure into a rapid and perilous downward spiral.

Extreme or prolonged blood loss or poor cause low red blood cell counts. The common term for a low red blood cell count is anemia. Poor diet might also be responsible for insufficient intake of other vital nutrients, resulting in hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is weakness or dizziness that occurs when quickly changing from a reclining to an upright body position. Symptoms which occur after a meal might signal postprandial hypotension. Many pharmaceuticals used for the treatment of anxiety or depression and alcohol may also negatively impact blood pressure.

Asymptomatic hypotension in a generally healthy individual rarely requires treatment. However, it is essential to keep your physician informed of any symptoms you might be experiencing so he or she can investigate their cause and initiate any necessary treatments. If you are currently taking a prescription medication consult your health care provider for possible changes in dose or a different medication. Anemia and hypoglycemia can be detected with a simple laboratory test. Cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure and heart attack are diagnosed with more sophisticated exams and monitoring devices. Your physician may advise you to increase your salt intake. Simple dietary changes, herbal supplements, meditation and deep breathing exercises, and potassium drinks are all effective in normalizing hypotension. Ask your health care provider which ones he or she recommends. Though low blood pressure is not to be taken too lightly it should be some consolation to know that most physicians concur that patients with hypotension have a longer life expectancy than those with hypertension.

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