Pledge

Thirty years and looking ahead as a professional. It has been untiring, thrilling, gratifying. 55 years of being a son, a brother, a friend, and a father. It took along all and every bit. Making few more desires to fulfill, few more mountains to climb. So far, so great. Rating on the scale of satisfaction, giving away has always edged far ahead than taking from. Loving, caring, ignoring, forgiving, helping, healing and to be kind brought most comfort than opposite of all.

Beginning 2014, to remain at peace with myself and with people around, to remain positive on all matters of life, to be still selfless and devoted to my kids, to be kind and caring for someone in need, and to be a strong believer in One Might.

Kidney Cancer

Introduction

When ever cells of any organ or parts of your body regenerate or start multiplying faster than normal rate, they develop into abnormal mass called cancer. Your kidneys are two in number, located on both sides of spine in mid abdominal region.They have same potential to develop cancer if there are certain causative factors present. It is also known as renal cancer or malignancy because it has tendency to spread to different parts of your body. Most of kidney cancers begin inside the renal tubular cells, main body of kidney, and is know as renal cell carcinoma. They may also arise in renal pelvis, which is the collecting channel of urine. The encouraging aspect of kidney cancer, of which renal cell cancer is commonest variety, is that, it is detected early during some routine non-invasive laboratory examination. Which makes its treatment and prognosis (course and prediction) successful. This positive factor also helps preventing its spread beyond the kidney structure. Most commonly, one of your kidneys may develop cancer, but it is not unusual for both kidneys to be effected with it.

Ÿ  Incidence of your primary kidney cancer has been estimated to be 2%-3% of all cancerous growth in body. The age of occurrence of your renal cancer becomes more common after 45 years and reaches to maximum when you reach to the age of 65-70 years. The kidney cancer also effects children under 4-5 years, commonest being know as Wilm’s tumor. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 85% of kidney cancers worldwide.

Ÿ  Gender wise male are more detected to be suffering from kidney cancer than females. The ratio is 1.5/1.

Ÿ  The survival for five years from your kidney cancer is about 70%, Which is due to early detection. In males, kidney cancer is the tenth most common cause of death. 100,000 people die each year due to renal cancer all over the world (kidney health Australia).

symptoms and signs of your renal cancer included are, blood in urine (hematuria), pain in flanks, abdominal mass on examination, fever of long standing not associated with any flu like illness, loss of your apatite, loss of weight for unknown reasons, anemia due chronic blood loss in urine, swelling in ankles and feet due to fluid retention, feeling extreme tiredness. When you kidney carcinoma spread to distant organs it may cause bone pain, breathing difficulty, and hemoptysis ( coughing of mucus with blood).

Risk factors

Ÿ  Age is easily the most common risk for any slow progressing disease. It has same predilections for development of your  renal cancer. The age risk begins after 40 years and peaks at 60 years. Some kidney cancer (Wilm’s tumor) is found in kids also.

Ÿ  If you are black colored race, you run greater risk for kidney cancer than white colored individuals. The reason for such predilection is not clear.

Ÿ  Obesity is a well proven risk for your kidney cancer. It is concluded from studies that about one fourth (25%) of total renal carcinomas are encountered in obese or overweight for height individuals (UK cancer research study published 2011). Obesity is generally considered if your BMI ( body mass index, the weight for height measure) is found 30 or greater. This is particularly more commonly observed in women, and is attributed to some hormonal changes with obesity. This might put further susceptibility for kidney cancers in females.

Smoking cigar or cigarettes, increases your chances for developing kidney cancers by twice more than non-smokers. There should be no surprise to note that smoking 20 or more cigarettes a day will double your risk for renal cell carcinoma (most common kidney cancer) than non-smokers.

Lifestyle factors, Support and Prevention

As long you are alive and getting treated for some intractable disease or defect, means  not to give up hopes. You have to try all possible means to make your life as comfortable as possible. This may require adopting big changes and habits that you were following before you were diagnosed as suffering from kidney cancer. There are certain factors other than therapeutics, that may help you live more relaxed, less stressed and depressed daily life. Your kidney cancer may be needing a long term treatment, hence your adoptability to all the side effects of chemo, surgery or radiotherapy is desired. 

Ÿ  Alternative treatment so far has no well established authentic curative or preventive value. They do have great supportive element in managing your kidney cancer before, during and after treatment has begun. Some of you may still decide to have chosen alternate treatments to get some comfort from pain and stress associated with your cancer. It is done almost always in conjunction with chemo, radiotherapy or surgical palliation of kidney cancer.

Ÿ  Acupuncture is one very old modality used to ease pain and stress of severe protracting illnesses, like your kidney cancer. It is achieved by inserting needles in your body at specific pressure points on skin(National Institute of Health). It will help you combat pain, depression, headaches during your renal cancer therapy and afterwards.

Ÿ  Massage therapy has not been linked to treat your kidney cancer. It will be definitely a way to reduce your distress of cancer diagnosis, side effects of treatment and overall feeling of well being. It also helps you get better sleep, lift your spirit from low ebb to greater levels. It involves pressing , softly squeezing and rubbing your soft body parts, which bring sense of aura and comfort.

Ÿ  Meditation helps to improve your life quality. It is a way of body and mind control. Its has been found to be very beneficial in all kinds of chronic pain, particularly so in your kidney  cancer condition (National Institute of Health). Your meditation guide can be your doctor, psychiatrist or an expert in meditation field. It is usually done in place/room where you are free of any external sounds or noise. It is shown to enhance your mood, immune system and increase your mental ability and alertness, a positive change in your kidney cancer condition.

Ÿ   Exercise regularly according to your state of health and stamina. This should be done with your health care provider’s advise. There is no doubt that exercise will counteract the feeling of fatigue you get from your renal cancer and its therapies you have gone through.

Coping and Support

Having the knowledge of one of kidney cancer patient is quite distressing on its own. You will have to come to terms with the situation by yourself. You will need equal support from your dear and loved ones around. Your doctor/oncologist will always be there, in case you need advise regarding any change in remedy or health complaints. You will be more stable mentally if you make free communication with your family members and friends. Share with them each and everything about your kidney cancer status, the progress and all the distresses of your condition.

Ÿ  Obtain information regarding your kidney cancer from your oncologist/healthcare provider. Internet is also a good source for gaining minute details about kidney cancer, treatment and associated side effects with each modality. This will make you more assure of what you will have to do to face these.

Ÿ  There are local cancer groups where you can join and share their experience, grievances. You will also be able to get some new information regarding you kidney cancer.

Prevention

There are well known risk factors for developing any cancer. Same is true for kidney cancer. Avoiding those risk will prevent occurrence of kidney cancer.

Ÿ  Quitting smoking will play a major role in preventing kidney cancer, as it is a well known and big risk for cancer development. It has some more benefits on your health, like positive effect on cardiac status and preventing lung cancer. In addition to your own will to quit you can take some slow nicotine release substances to quit smoking gradually. Your doctor will be guiding you how to use these.

Ÿ  If you are involved with occupation which exposes you to cancer causing toxins. These are steel manufacturing units, asbestos production work, benzene exposure in batteries making occupation. You need to take all standard safety measure to prevent long term accumulation of toxins which may cause kidney cancer. Wearing mask along with other measure will be very effective.

Ÿ  Alcohol in moderation should be the ideal prevention for avoiding this risk factor for cancer.

Ÿ  Well balanced diet which is rich in vitamins and minerals is healthy choice. Fresh fruits and vegetable, fish . Avoid meat, butter, cheese, cakes and fat rich biscuits. Having fish rich in omega-3 fatty acid concentration is shown to prevent kidney cancer.

Ÿ  Blood pressure control is well advised. This is risk for kidney cancer. Take your medicine for high blood pressure as advised by the doctor. Reduce your salt intake ,specially using table salt, exercise regularly to keep strong and stable cardiovascular status.

Ÿ  Reduce weight, if you have more weight for height. This is achieved effectively with taking good high fiber diet and avoiding calories. Exercise on daily basis for 20 minutes at stretch. Exercise techniques can brisk walk, swimming, cycling and walking uphill.

Natural Treatment

Black Cumin

Nature’s cure for just about any disease, black cumin is used as an anticancer, immunoprotectant agent. Also known as nigella sativa, it lessens oxidative stress during cancer and works towards the apoptosis of kidney cancer cells (Corder C, Benghuzzi H, Tucci M, Cason Z., University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA). Black cumin contains all the essential fatty acids required by the human body. It also contains iron and manganese.

Curcumin

Curcumin is a substance from the Indian spice Turmeric. It is known to induce apoptosis in the most malign kidney cancers (Nutr Cancer. 1996;26(1):111-20). It also inhibits tumor growth and reduces inflammation caused by kidney cancer. Further research has acknowledged that it protects the kidneys from developing cancer and sensitizes the cancer to chemotherapeutic and radiotherapy agents (Nutr Cancer. 2010;62(7):919-30).

EGCG

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a green tea catechin, or better known as an antioxidant. It has been proved to promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancer cells. It is more effective when used with quercetin, which is also a green tea compound (Food & Function Issue 6, 2012). Research also proves that EGCG inhibits proliferation in renal cell carcinoma (Oncol Rep. 2009 Mar;21(3):635-40).

Genistein

 Found in a number of plants like soy beans, lupin, fava beans and kudzu, Genistein hails from a family of isoflavones that occur naturally in these plants. Genistein has been found to have anti-oxidant properties and has also been shown to exhibit anthelmintic reaction. The major role of Genistein is as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It inhibits the on/off function of enzyme tyrosine kinase, thus reducing the risk for the development of cancer. Also recognized as an angiogenesis inhibitor, Genistein reduces the cell's capacity to multiply and divide, and having an overall effect on its survivability.

Melatonin

 Produced by the pineal gland, Melatonin is a naturally produced hormone. Melatonin is produced for maintaining the body's circadian cycle (Sleep-wake cycle). Studies have also shown its powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with anti-cancer drugs, melatonin has be shown to produce effective results in suppressing cancer cell growth in your renal malignancy, due to its anti-oxidant properties. Melatonin is naturally produced when the body is asleep at night, and this has been linked to higher cancer rates for individuals who work at night (Rosner B, 2009). Melatonin produced naturally usually satisfies the body's need for the chemical, but there are other sources for it such as almonds, peanuts, milk and other foods. Supplement form of Melatonin can also be taken under prescription of your doctor.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are mainly obtained from marine and plant oils. Omega 3 fatty acid is considered very essential for the human body as it takes part in various bodily processes. Omega 3 fatty acids are are a part of three members consisting of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids have been known to suppress the cell growth of cancerous cells. They are also linked to preserve the functioning of kidneys if taken in specific doses regularly.

Silibinin

 Occurring commonly in certain herbs, Silibinin is a flavonoligan and is a major component of silymarin. It is a potent anti-oxidant and has been found in various studies to have anti-cancer effects. A study reported on the Journal of National Cancer Institute in 2006, found Silibinins effectiveness in combating tumor growth by reducing the number of blood vessels that allow the tumor to grow. In-vitro Silibinin has also been shown to have wide anti-cancer effects against breast carcinoma cells, human lung carcinoma cells and other types of cancer (Zhao J, 1999).

Your kidney cancer needs different modalities of therapies at single given period after diagnosis. This can be hard on you. You need good diet to cope with side effects associated with each method of treatment you are going through. Diet rich in vitamins and minerals will surly provide the necessary strength. You can use supplements after taking your doctors advise. These will provide all in one combination form to make up for any dietary deficiency as they have proved good support in chronic ailments like kidney cancer.

Esophageal cancer

Introduction

Esophagus is the narrow muscular tube that runs from your mouth to stomach, forming passage to food you eat. It can be the site one of the lethal cancer of your body, called esophageal carcinoma or cancer of esophagus. It commonly begins to develop in the inner lining of your esophagus, but may involve other outer layers. It is malignant and have tendency to spread beyond esophagus to distant parts and organs of your body. Esophageal has very slow progress with minimal early symptoms. This one factor makes survival rate after treatment very low. By that time it is commonly diagnosed it has already spread to other parts of your body or to adjacent structure with serious and lethal effects.

Most common location of your esophageal cancer is lower third of the tube like structure.

The common factors which predict development of esophageal cancer are heavy alcohol and smoking. They act as chronic irritant in your cancerous esophagus.

Ÿ  Incidence of esophageal cancer ; The esophageal cancer has been encountered more commonly between age of 65 years-75 years. Men are effected more than women at ratio 4:1 worldwide. Being tenth most common cause of death due to cancer all over globe. It is very rarely seen in children.

Risk factors

Ÿ  Smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes are very strong provoking agents for your esophageal cancer. Among the leading risk factor smoking has been found to be greater risk in squamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma. The mechanism involves the release of carcinogens from tobacco smoke such as nitrosamines. These may initiate esophageal cancer growth in squamous cells layer of your esophagus. Duration of your smoking habit plays significant factor to increase your risk for esophageal malignancy.

Ÿ  Alcohol in excess has been risk factor for several cancers, likewise it plays its role in making you more susceptible for esophageal cancer. If you drink alcohol in larger volume even for short duration your risk for esophageal cancer increases greatly. The same will not be true if you drink alcohol in moderation for longer periods. Heavy drinking called binge together with cigarette smoking enhances your risk for squamous cells carcinoma of esophagus.

Ÿ  GERD syndrome is acquired condition in which acid from stomach reflexes back into esophagus causing chronic erosion at lower part of your esophagus. This constant irritation damages the squamous cells of esophagus converting them into cancer developing cells in long term. Adenocarcinoma is the type of esophageal cancer which grows due to this abnormality. Hyperacidity in lower esophagus thus can create risk for you esophageal cancer.

Ÿ   Barret’s esophagus is precancerous condition developing as result of acid reflux into esophagus from your stomach. During long standing exposure of the cells of lower esophagus to stomach content, changes into glandular columnar type. This cellular change or dysphasia  has great risk for esophagus cancer of adenocarcinoma type.

Ÿ  Obesity is risk for your developing esophageal cancer. This is attributed to gastro esophageal reflux. The heavier the weight you carry will put more intra-abdominal pressure on gastro-esophageal junction. This factor increases GERD symptoms and adeno-carcinoma risk.

Ÿ  Taking meals hot and drinking hot liquids like tea, coffee increases your esophageal cancer risk. Consumption of drinks with very high temperature has been shown as almost four fold increase in risk of esophageal cancer (study done in high risk areas of southern America, Argentine, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay).

Ÿ  Race of African origin is almost 3% more at risk of esophageal cancer than whites.

Ÿ  Age factor predisposes greatly on any chronic illness like cancer. Esophageal cancer will appear more commonly after your 45^th birth day. Risk becomes greater at 65 years and more.

Ÿ  Esophageal cancer is more common if you are living in developing country. This risk is based on nutritional deficiencies because of scarcity of fresh fruits and vegetable in your diet. There is more consumption of chewable tobacco, which is well known strong risk for esophageal cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is more prevalent in dietary deficiency than adenocarcinoma variety.

Ÿ  Plummer Vinson syndrome, a triad of iron deficiency anemia, inflammation of tongue and dysphagia is linked with squamous cell cancer. It is an inherited condition( passed on from one generation to another).

Ÿ  Radiotherapy to your chest for some other cancer will put you in greater risk of esophageal cancer in later years of life. Risk of esophageal cancer in women who were treated for breast cancer by radiotherapy have shown two fold rise( study done in southeast of England). Similar studies done in north America have revealed that individual who underwent radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma develop esophageal cancer in 15-20 years time.

Ÿ  Males are more at risk of developing esophageal cancer than women. It has occupational hazards, smoking and alcohol playing co-factors. Exposure to trichloethylene and soot dust(black dust particle fumes from coal, wood and oil burning) increases the risk in men.

Life style Support and Prevention

Life style and home remedies

Esophageal cancer carries grave prognostic outcome. you will be detailed about the seriousness of your esophageal carcinoma, the treatment and their side effects.You  should make yourself strong and understanding about prevailing condition on you. Your own composure and will to live and withstand all ill effects of your esophageal cancer can make your survival better and less distressing and depressing. This situation may create a change in your thought process how to cope. Making all positive changes that were missing or getting rid of negative and harmful habits will improve your health emotionally and physically, even with esophageal cancer.

Ÿ  The most common factor which may have caused your esophageal cancer is acid reflex disease. The best way to ease the difficulty is to avoid food which may increase your stomach acidity. Eat food which are not spicy. Small frequent meals will also combat the discomfort of GERD with your cancer. Sleeping with your headend raised will greatly help prevent gastroesophageal reflux.

Ÿ  Swallowing difficulty is most predominant complaint. Eat food item which are cooked to texture suited for your extent of ease to swallow. Take liquids which will not only be easy to swallow but also nutritious. Fresh fruit juices and milk shakes can be your best choices.

Ÿ  Seek advise from diet expert about how to cope with lack of deficiency of important vitamins which may result because of your slow and difficult food intake. If your oncologist/healthcare provider recommends take vitamin supplements to gain strength.

Ÿ  With consultation from your doctor keep active before and during treatment. This will keep your blood circulation to optimum best.

Ÿ  The surgical correction may cause dumping syndrome. This is combination of symptoms of sweating, flushing and diarrhea after taking food. Eating balanced diet and keeping lean weight will help you combat such distresses on long term management.

Ÿ  Take ample rest and avoid undue fatigue. Although the intense chemo, radiotherapy or surgical remedies must have wear you out significantly, but studies have shown that adopting some degree of physical exercise according to your suit will have dual effects of physical as well as mental well being.

Ÿ  Quit smoking forthwith. This will help you in your treatment outcome much better. It will also enhance your longevity after esophageal cancer treatment.

Ÿ  Post treatment consultation with your oncologist/healthcare provider should be maintained. Follow up physical examination and investigation such as scanning or endoscopy will indicate progress of effects of treatment, whether surgical or otherwise.

Alternative medicine

The alternative and complementary medicine has still not been proved to assist in curing your cancer. It surly does help to comfort you from pain, stress and physical and emotional fatigue from your esophageal cancer. They may also counteract the side effects of your treatment. Some time and tested alternative remedies in your esophageal cancer are ;

Ÿ  Acupuncture technique comprises of piercing needles into specific pressure points in your skin. This relieves symptoms of nausea, vomiting and pain accompanying your esophageal cancer and its conventional therapies.

Ÿ  Massage will help your tense muscle and nerves to relax. It involves gentle kneading, rubbing and pressure massage of various parts of your body. It helps minimize anxiety, fatigue and other emotional distresses of your esophageal cancer.

Ÿ  Meditation is done with help of some expert guidance. Breathing exercises, practicing to imagine peaceful surroundings happy events and images will bring back your spiritual well being.

Ÿ  Yoga and tai chi involves stretching and deep breathing exercise. It will keep you active during your esophageal cancer treatment. It will also allay your stress and assist in good sleep.

Ÿ  Aroma therapy is based on the logic of soothing effects of scents on your mind. It uses scents from plant extract, which will make you feel relaxed, control your nausea and stress.

Coping and Support

Ÿ  Stay connected to your friends and close relatives besides your own family. Share and care role will lift your own spirit. During recovery this will help you feel wanted and involved in life. Seek help from them if you want.

Ÿ  Keep yourself abreast with your esophageal cancer status. Asking your doctor in detail about your esophageal cancer prognosis will give you sense of anticipation and readiness of things to come and how to deal with them. Read magazine on esophageal cancer. Search internet for latest information on your esophageal carcinoma.

Ÿ  Join group specific for cancer or individuals with esophageal cancer. Listen to their feelings and be open to express your own. It will generate new energy and vitality of your thought process. Some of those discussions may bring new revelation about coping and modality towards improvement in your daily life.

Ÿ  Acquire some leisure habit. Having some fun will help enjoy life and stay calm. Chose reading good material as hobby. It will keep you stay focused in present.

Ÿ  Volunteer work at charity or helping out other cancer patient will make you feel happier and useful to community even with your own esophageal cancer handicap.

Prevention

The latest approach in medical practice is based on preventive aspect of any disease or disability. Same is true for your esophageal cancer.

Ÿ  Quitting smoking will remove one risk factor which will reduce risk from all kinds of cancers, including esophageal cancer. It will also keep you protected from some other health hazards of smoking. Sometimes giving up smoking is not that easy. There are alternate or replacement substances available that will help  you get rid or smoking in a way that would be less demanding on you. Nicotine  gums, skin patches and spray have proven record in your efforts to give up smoking.

Ÿ  Binge drinking is risk for esophageal cancer. Drinking in moderation and making it a strong habit will minimize your risk for esophageal cancer.

Ÿ  Reduce weight if your carry weight greater for your height. A BMI below 25 of standard should be the aim. Avoid calories, exercise regularly daily for 15-20 minutes, five days a week can easily help you achieve your goal. This one factor will counter your GERD very effectively.

Ÿ  Diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables will go long way in helping weight management and acid reflux disease. Though seems difficult to you to have at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables but its worth a price for preventing esophageal cancer.

Ÿ  Having constant complains of heartburn and stomach pain is risk for GERD. Get it treated in proper way by your family doctor/healthcare provider. This is one of major rsik for esophageal cancer and Barret’s esophagus.

Natural treatment

Black Cumin

Being used since the earliest of times, Black cumin seeds (Nigella Sativa) have shown to be a remarkable cure for many diseases. More than several studies have shown the specific benefit of black cumin seeds in countering Esophageal cancer. The oil of the black cumin seeds enhances the production of immune cells, anti-bodies and bone marrow. For cancer therapies it has been shown to suppress tumor growth by 50%. Increased immune response leads of better cancer targeting. Black cumin seeds can also effectively help reduce the aggressiveness of cancer cells that lean on angiogenesis.

Curcumin

The essential curcuminoid of the spice turmeric, curcumin has been known for ages for its use in treating a variety of illnesses. Its greatest benefit is its anti-carcinogenic effects. Its effectiveness in treating esophageal and other cancers lies in its property of causing apoptosis in cancerous cells without harming healthy cells. A study conduction in 2009 on the effects of curcumin states that, " curcumin modulates growth of tumor cells through regulation of multiple cell signaling pathways including cell proliferation pathway (cyclin D1), cell survival pathway (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cFLIP, XIAP, c-IAP1), caspase activation pathway (caspase-8, 3, 9), tumor suppressor pathway (p53, p21) death receptor pathway (DR4, DR5), mitochondrial pathways, and protein kinase pathway (JNK, Akt, and AMPK)"(Ravindran J., 2009).

Quercetin

Also known as Meletin and Sophretin, Quercetin is a flavaniod, found in most plants, where onions, apples and tea are some of its sources. Preliminary studies have shown the effectiveness of Quercetin against cancer and other diseases, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.  Quercetin can either be found in the skins of plants, or can be taken in supplement form. Supplements range in doses of 50-500mg, although appropriate dosage of Quercetin is unknown. Studies conducted in-vitro against the effectiveness of Quercetin has shown positive results. It has been shown to foster apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous cells. Knowledge of the benefits of Quercetin has been limited though, due to the lack of conclusive research.

Resveratrol

 Resveratrol, a natural phenol, is a chemical that is produced naturally by plants when they are attacked by pathogens like fungi and bacteria. The effectiveness of Resveratrol is a widely discussed topic in human and animal studies. Initial research has shown the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of this natural chemical. Sources for Resveratrol are the skins of red grapes and other fruits. Preliminary studies on rats treated with a carcinogen have shown that Resveratrol (1mg/kg orally) has reduced the size and number of esophageal tumors to a substantial degree (Hong T., 2002). It has also been shown to cause apoptosis in smooth muscle and platelets (Huang Y., 2002).

Although esophageal cancer has very poor prognosis. This is due to its early spread as well as slow progress and late diagnosis. Even then as long as healthcare is being given, you should keep your spirits high and take good care of yourself. A good nutrition will play a major role in maintaining your energy level high. With your doctors advise use supplements to boost any deficiency anticipated. They have proven efficacy to help you overcome the stress and side effects of your esophageal cancer and its treatment.

Another of my daughter's poetry

Shall I Write Another Verse

By Tazeen Razi

Shall I write another verse?

Shall I dare to say...

You look at me like a flower bent

O’er the water-bed,

Where lilies float and swans recline,

Where everything is blue

Like a sparkling drop from the heavens sent

Just for you.

Shall I speak like a poet speaks

To his beloved, divine?

Shall I dare to take that pretty hand,

Right into mine?

Of all the things that you say to me,

Of all the love that you give,

I have but one thing to give back to you

Your own eternal Bliss.

Cataract ,Life style factors, Support and Prevention.

Cloudy or milky appearance of your eye lens is termed cataract. It is one of the commonest eye defect and cause of blindness worldwide. You need a crystal clear lens which would send a sharp image to the back of lens called retina. With cataract in your eye/eyes your vision becomes hazy or diminished. Although quite common with aging, in most cases it does not require treatment. When it is causing visual disturbances it does have to be surgically taken care of and removed through one of the simple procedures available. With all pre-surgical condition ideal, cataract effected lens removal has high success rate with restoration of your normal vision.

You may be effected by cataract in one or both lenses of your eyes. And your eyes may be effected by opacity of your lens at different time. It is slowly developing abnormality which is usually not associated with any pain or eye redness. Aging is constant cause of your cataract but there are several other factor playing their role in causing clouding(cataract) of your lens.

Ÿ  Incidence of cataract ranges from 55% to 60% over the age of sixty years. Both male and female are effected by cataract equally. In US, and UK almost 50% population is effected by cataract in their old age. In very rare instances baby may be born with cataract or they may develop this anomaly as younger child.

Ÿ  Symptoms of cataract are attributed to failure of  light or image to pass through the opaque lens. Initially the opacity may be smaller ,but when not taken care it becomes wider in dimensions. This may cause you following symptoms;

-           blurred vision

-           diminished vision at night

-           colors appear faded

-           double vision in one eye

-           difficulty in seeing in glare or sun light

-           heightened nearsightedness

Life style factors, Support and Prevention

It is a well known fact that aging will bring you closer to developing cataract. If you want to minimize your risk, the foremost lifestyle modification that keeps your lens in healthier state will be dietary changes. It  has been studied that individuals who eat more of animal protein have greater risk of cataract. Reducing meat and adding more fresh vegetables and fruits in your platter will keep your vision in good standards longer (researchers at University of Oxford 2011, report published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). Other home remedies that will help you improve your vision and relieve some of your cataract complication till you go for definitive surgery are mentioned here;

Ÿ  Wearing sun glasses during outdoor work will help your vision greatly. It will help avoid UVA and UVB, reduce the bright sun ray effect and glare. These are not well tolerated by your cataract effected eye/eyes.

Ÿ  Wearing a hat has same effect of protection from strong sunlight and fluorescent light. Sun rays are most intense between 10am to 3am, so you should be well aware of this fact to minimize further damage to your lens. Use non-fluorescent bulbs or special bulbs to illuminate your indoor lighting of home.

Ÿ  Wear magnifying glasses for reading purpose. This may help you busy in your office task till you have surgical correction done.

Ÿ  Communicate with your doctor/healthcare provider regularly. Keep him up dated with any changes in your visual complaints. When deem necessary make visit and have eye sight and any worsening of your cataract checked.

Ÿ  Reduce salt and saturated fats in your diet. Butter, lard and coconut oil should be avoided to minimize your cataract risk as they contain high concentration of saturated fats.

Ÿ  Eat more of fish and chicken breast to get healthy proteins, which is essential for your general health and integrity of your lens.

Prevention

The precise cause of your cataract is not known. But minimizing risk factors is the best prevention, to keep your eye sight normal and unaffected by cataract. Your cataract is incurable and neither can it be reversed with any medicine. You can adopt certain measure to prevent its occurrence in some cases or delay its progress.

Ÿ  Quit smoking with help from your healthcare personnel. He may prescribe nicotine replacement treatment methods. This includes nicotine patches, gums, inhalers. They release slow nicotine which is much lower in concentration. This will allow gradual withdrawal from your smoking without causing any symptoms.

Ÿ     Alcohol should be avoided if you want to prevent cataract in aging. You can also minimize risk by drinking in moderation.

Ÿ  Diabetes should be controlled with diet and medication, as your cataract risk runs parallel with poor diabetic state. You should be communicative and compliant with your doctor. He will guide you how to manage your diabetes and avoid related complication, specially effecting your eyes.

Ÿ  Supplement which have vitamins beneficial for your eye’s health, particularly of lens can be added. That may include beta carotene, vitamin C and E. These anti-oxidants keep glutathione levels high, which help in protection against effects of oxidants on your lens.

Ÿ  Regular eye check stands on top of all preventive measures. Your opthalmologist will maintain your eye health status. He will keep you up date about all the details about your lens and deeper structures of your eye after each visit you make. His advise should be followed. That alone in an excellent and most effective way to prevent cataract development.

Ÿ  If there is family history of cataract genetic counseling is advised .

6.0     Natural Treatment

Beta Carotene

An inactive form of vitamin A, beta carotene can be found in foods with orange, yellow, green and red pigments such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, bell peppers and spinach (Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A and Carotenoids). Also known as pro-vitamin A, beta carotene is known to reduce the risk of age related cataract by one-fourth (Arch Ophthalmol. 2003 Mar;121(3):372-8). It is known to protect the cornea and is a cure for every eye-related illness you may be effected. Being a potent anti-oxidant, b carotene protects smokers from developing cataract (Age related eye study ,America, 2003). Other carotenoids like , xanthophylls, inhibit development of aging in your eye and protect lens from cataract. It is present in abundance in green leafy vegetables, broccoli and eggs.

Curcumin

One of nature’s finest miracle ingredients, curcumin reduces the oxidation of the eye and protects from its damaging effect. It is an antioxidant that safeguards the eye from the onset of cataract (Curr Eye Res. 2010 Feb;35(2):122-9). This substance, which is also known as curcuma longa, is an ingredient of turmeric and is famed to be anti-cataractogenic (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005 Jun;46(6):2092-9). Curcumin is also famed to delay diabetes-induced cataract (Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science Journal, Dr. Palla Suryanarayana et al.,  2005). The mechanism by which curcumin influences its anti-oxidant effect, is by removing free radicals from your body. These free radical are there to cause damage to your lens and cause cataract. 

Grape seed extract

Obtained from red grapes, the intake of grape seed extract (GSE) reduces the risk of cataracts (J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Aug 14;50(17):4983-8). Being an antioxidant, grape seed extract suppresses the formation of cataracts (J Cataract Refract Surg. 2006 Jun;32(6):1041-5). Grape seed extract is rich in flavonoids that have anti-oxidant properties greater than Vitamin C. It has been shown to improve circulation in eyes micro-vessels which appear to be narrowed by certain diseases. This delays the progress of cataract in your eyes. Grape seed extract is also beneficial in computer screen related eye stress. It eases such stress and improves contrast perception in 60 days of treatment with supplement containing 300mg.

Selenium

Selenium, which helps increase the absorption of antioxidants, is necessary to fight cataract off along with the aforementioned natural ingredients. Glutathione peroxide is an antioxidant enzyme that prevents the eye from cataracts. Selenium is found in nuts, seeds, seafood, meat, poultry, onions, mushrooms and grains. It has been studied that selenium in higher than normal concentration is harmful to lens. Similarly , a low selenium level can effect integrity of your lens (2006 study. So it is clear from these facts that even smaller amount of selenium , by acting as anti-oxidant, can prevent cell damage by free radical and removing them from your body. This specially effective in chronic conditions like cataract.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E as an anti-oxidant has been studied and shown to prevent and slow down the development of cataract and other eye defects. In one study lens clarity was detected to be better with high vitamin intake group compared to non-vitamin E group. In another group study long term Vitamin E supplement has shown to slow the progression of age related cataract formation. The foods that have good concentration of vitamin E are nuts and sun flower seeds.

There are few other natural ingredients that have positive effect on preventing your cataract. One of them is omega-3 fatty acid (American Journal of Epidemiology). Easily available source, all these natural ingredients benefit so many human ailment when taken in proper way and dosage. If ever you choose to supplement these vitamins and natural elements, you should always consult your health care provider for dosage, need and frequency/ day.