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Crohn's Disease

Introduction

Crohn’s disease(named after Dr.Crohn who described the disease in 1930) is chronic or long standing disease of your gastrointestinal tract. It may effect any segment of your bowel, but ileum ,the most terminal part of small is most commonly effected. Along with ulcerative colitis, it is one of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) effecting your intestinal tract. The disease is characterized by development of deep ulcers of your effected bowel segment. Crohn’s disease causes swelling, ulceration, scaring and obstruction in your intestine. Ulceration effects all the layers of bowel and at times penetrates the lumen to involve surrounding tissues and organs.  

Life Style, Support and Prevention

Diet

Inadvertently, what you eat affects your biological system regardless of whether there is proof or not. Crohn’s disease directly affects the ileum (small bowel) but it is most likely disturb the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) too. In that case, it is better that precautions be taken when it comes to diet.

Ÿ   For starters, if you’re suffering from Crohn’s disease, you will invariably be anemic (suffering from an iron, folic acid and/or vitamin B12 deficiency). For this, you need to add beef liver, fish and shellfish, yoghurt, spinach and asparagus into your diet.

Ÿ   Although beans and cereal are also rich in these three natural ingredients, specialists recommend that the former be avoided because they produce gas and the latter, because it adds residue to the stool - both of which could worsen the situation.

Ÿ   A high-protein, high-calorie diet should be taken in order to get all the necessary nutrients. Just because a certain type of food triggers your condition doesn’t mean you avoid it. For instance, lactose-intolerant people can take dairy products after taking their respective medication. If a certain vegetable doesn’t suit you in raw form, you can steam or boil it before eating it.

Ÿ   As much as a person with Crohn’s disease needs to stock up on the essential nutrients, it is better if a large number of small meals be taken throughout the day than two or three big meals.

Ÿ   Where you are advised to completely cut carbonated and alcoholic drinks from your diet, you are advised to drink plenty of liquids which you can take in the form of fresh fruit juices, milkshakes and water. Liquids are much recommended because your intestines cannot absorb whole foods if you have Crohn’s disease.

Ÿ   Vitamin and mineral supplements can be taken with your physician’s advise.

Smoking

 Smoking was never and will never be a habit that is actually good for your health but when it comes to Crohn’s disease, it is said that quitting smoking automatically slashes a person’s risk of developing the disease or having it flare up.

 If you go on smoking anyway while you have Crohn’s, you will, most likely, be needing surgery.

Ÿ   Getting over smoking may sound difficult but you can quickly get over it by first replacing cigarettes with nicotine patches and then get rid of those too, altogether. These patches transfer nicotine into the body via the skin.

Stress

Ÿ   People normally tend to stress themselves out but a person with Crohn’s disease will relatively be worse due to his or her ill health and physical condition. There are many ways of combating stress. The ones below have proven to be very useful.

Ÿ   Practice breathing exercises. Take a deep breath in, expand your lungs as much as you can and let it out slowly through pursed lips.

Ÿ   Take up yoga classes or an extramural activity that will keep you busy.

 Whenever you have doubts about your condition such as, “Am I worsening?” or “Will I ever be okay?”, do not hesitate to consult your family physician. Talking to an educated medical professional and gaining better understanding of your disease is far better than staying in the dark and mulling over your state incessantly.

Ÿ   Focus more on your routine than on your condition. This may sound easier said than done but once you make up your mind, you can feel better just by concentrating less on your ill health.

Anemia, Lifestyle factors, Support and Prevention

 Introduction

The condition in which there is decreased number of red cells in your blood, is called anemia. It is also defined as reduced capacity of red cells to carry oxygen needed for vital functions of body. In second situation there is deficiency of hemoglobin, the pigment in red cells to which oxygen gets attached for transfer to cells of your body. The situation of such deficiency occurs either due to lack of sufficient production or increased rate of destruction of red cells. It may also arise when the all important red ,oxygen carrying pigment is not normal in structure or concentration.

Anemia is the most common health problem encountered worldwide. In majority of cases of anemia nutrition plays a major role in causing your anemia and bringing improvement. Once you come to know about your situation and the factors responsible, you will easily manage to regain your normal red cells volume. This ultimately brings back your life to normal status. Although there may be many different condition which manifest anemia as one of major concern,  some common life style changes are going to prove positive in all situations. Changes in your diet will stand most important factor in improving your anemic condition to normal.

Ÿ  Iron deficiency anemia needs improvement in your diet constituents. Adding more animal proteins can just help you improve your depleted iron and also prevent its occurrence. Richest sources of iron are fish, organ meat, beef and poultry products. Other good sources are eggs, dairy products, dried beans, peas, fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, pasta, dry fruits, nuts and seeds.

Ÿ  Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can be improved with adding dairy products, liver, fortified cereals and fish. These will also provide for folic acid needed for red

Ÿ  Your exercise routine must be reviewed. It always healthy to be active but your anemia may aggravate if you indulge in heavy workouts. Your health care provider will guide you about the degree of physical training you may be allowed until you get better.

Ÿ  Young age women, growing children have to be cared for most if they have anemia. Similarly aging individuals will be needing utmost care for food they eat. Females loosing blood in amounts in excess to normal during menses should be taking high animal protein diet and supplements if advised by health care provider. Parents must be cautious of their toddler’s eating habits. Junk food which don’t have any nutritional value have to be curtailed or stopped altogether.

Ÿ  Pregnancy anemia can impose threat to life of both you and your baby to be born, if you are woman in your reproductive age. Regular ante-natal checks on your red cell and hemoglobin is very important during second and third trimester. Any deficiency detected can easily be corrected before delivery. This will also avoid any growth problem in your developing fetus.

Ÿ  Taking vitamin C in supplement or fruits rich in its source will help in absorption of iron. Citrus fruits, cabbages, broccoli, melons, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C.

Ÿ  Bad habits should be curtailed or given up. Alcohol drinking, smoking, or any narcotic substance taken for recreational purpose is making your anemia more severe. You will feel change in your physical and mental well being once you keep away from health damaging habits.

Ÿ  Your anemia has reduced your mental and physical strength. In situation like this you are advised to take as much rest as possible till you show more improvement in your self. In addition your red cells and hemoglobin will show improvement too.

Prevention

Ÿ  Breast feeding your infant and giving your iron fortified milk will prevent iron deficiency in infants and younger children. In older children risk of anemia is avoided by giving diet rich in iron, vitamin B and C.

Ÿ  Maintaining standard hygiene will avoid parasitic infection, which have proven to be cause of chronic blood loss and iron deficiency anemia. Washing hands regularly before meals and after outside work should be a good habit. This is more to be stressed for women and children as they are more exposed.

Ÿ  Having gap of few years or limiting family two to three children will have long lasting effects on health of women. And it will also be of less burden on household expenditure. These factors may assist in preventing nutritional deficiencies in children and adult members. It will be more effective is parts where socioeconomic restrains are more significant factors. This will also help in risk factor of pregnancy related anemia.

Ÿ  Exposure to lead should be avoided, as this has proved to cause anemia. All safety measure should be taken if you are working at occupation like manufacturing batteries.

Ÿ  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause gastritis and aggravate gastric ulcer. They should be avoided if you have other risk factors for anemia.

Ÿ  Genetically inherited anemia can be prevented by counseling about risk to your coming generation if you had inherited anemia like sickle cell anemia.

Ÿ  If you are residing in malaria endemic country taking regular anti-malarial drugs as prevention, using mosquito repellant, mosquito nets will prevent from bite of infection carrying anopheles mosquito. 

6.0     Natural Treatment For Anemia

Folic acid

Found abundantly in leafy and green vegetables, beans and lentils, citrus fruits, seeds, nuts and carrots, folic acid is essential for overcoming anemia. Important for many cell-related functions and pregnancy, anemia due to the deficiency of folic acid makes a person susceptible to illnesses (J Health Popul Nutr. 2010 Aug;28(4):359-68). This life-altering water-soluble substance cannot be stored in the body for a long period of time, which is why it is necessary to introduce foods rich with it in the daily diet. It is also known as folate. Tiredness, lethargy and the paleness of the skin are common symptoms of folic acid deficiency.

Iron

Abundant in egg yolks, dried fruits, dark leafy green vegetables, mollusks, beans and giblets, iron is vital for safeguarding the body against anemia. Since the most common type of anemia happens to occur due to iron deficiency, it is advisable to keep a check on your blood iron level. It is, however, better to balance your body’s iron level through foods containing iron rather than taking supplements because the body isn’t really good at excreting iron and excessive iron (in the form of supplementation) could lead to poisoning (Better Health Channel, approved by Australian Centre for Blood Diseases). Iron helps in the formation hemoglobin, which takes oxygen from the lungs and distributes it to all the tissues of the body (The MRC Human Nutrition Research).

Selenium

Known to shelter cells from peroxidation of their membrane lipids, selenium is found in meats, seafood, dairy products and Brazil nuts. It’s deficiency is acknowledged to be one of the top factors of anemia (Life Support Syst. 1985;3 Suppl 1:36-40). Selenium is an important enzyme glutathione peroxidase. The enzyme protects oxidative damage to your cell membrane. Hence  it can be concluded that your red cells are also protected from damage if you take supplements containing selenium.

Vitamin B12

The most complex vitamin out there, vitamin B12 is found in seafood, meat, liver, cheese, fortified cereals and eggs. It’s deficiency (pernicious anemia) leads the body’s immune system to attack the healthy cells. Vitamin B12 is required to make red blood cells (RBCs) so they can carry oxygen throughout the body (medical reference from Healthwise).

Vitamin C

This water-soluble vitamin known as ascorbic acid is not created in the body and it’s deficiency leads invariably to anemia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Iron and Iron Deficiency). Found in fruits such as berries, oranges, bell peppers, strawberries and cantaloupes, vitamin C plays a vital role in the absorption of iron in the body (Englard S, Seifter S. The biological functions of ascorbic acid. Ann Rev Nutr 1986;6:365-406. 1986)

Zinc

Obtained from meat. seafood, beans, yoghurt, lentils and cashew nuts, zinc is essential for the functioning of a hundred enzymes in the body. Many maintenance hemodialysis patience suffer from zinc-deficiency anemia thus the supplementation of zinc helps improve their condition (Ther Apher Dial. 2009 Jun;13(3):213-9). However, zinc should be taken in moderation because even though its deficiency causes anemia, its efficiency may also cause the same (Oktay Ozadam, Setting the Records Straight for Zinc and Anemia). Again, zinc is one of those natural ingredients that the body cannot store thus its daily intake is required.

Although being the most common health problem faced by general population, it is still an easily manageable red cells deficiency. Only and the most valuable measure is taking a diet rich in needed vitamins and minerals for red cells production. In situation where only dietary changes are not enough to bring improvement in your anemia, taking supplement, in consultation with your doctor will bring much quicker effects.

Bronchitis, Life style factors, Support and Prevention

 Introduction

Bronchitis  can be define as,  inflammation of your respiratory passages/tubes, called bronchi and their branches. Bronchitis is a leading condition for which treatment is taken all year round. It occurs as result of infection or allergy with swelling of its walls and increased in mucous secretion into lumen. If it is of short duration, it may last with characteristic symptom of cough. This is termed acute bronchitis. And if same bronchial inflammation and infection is untreated, it may continue for several weeks to months. This is called chronic bronchitis.

Whereas acute bronchitis is usually trivial and self limited, chronic bronchitis may cause serious respiratory damage unless treated aggressively with proper medications. Cold weather conditions, smoke or smoking viral or bacterial infection play role in causing bronchitis

The distress of bronchitis and its long term effects and complication will be explained to you by your doctor. You will have to make your symptoms of bronchitis improve by adopting some basic changes in your daily life style and habits. Chronic bronchitis needs to be taken care of, as acute bronchitis is usually controlled in short time.

Ÿ  You should immediately stop smoking and avoid second hand (passive) smoke if you are non-smoker. This alone will  initiate your recovery even before any medical treatment makes its effect. The earlier you quit, the quicker will be your lung functions stabilization. More delay will cause COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) to take root, and quitting smoking at this stage may not result in regaining lost lung functions. Using nicotine replacement means and techniques will help you if you face difficulty in stopping smoking. Nicotine patch, nicotine gum, nasal spray have their well established efficacy in such situation.

Ÿ  Avoid exposure to dry air. You will notice that breathing outside in cold dry weather is very hard. Wear mask to have warm air in your lungs. When indoors keep bronchitis and its associated cough to minimum by humidifying your living area. Your bedroom should at least be 30-50% humid.

Ÿ  Working place safety is essential. If your work exposes you to irritants use of safety mask at your industrial unit will greatly reduce your risk as well as symptoms of bronchitis. Even keep covered your nose and mouth if there is more pollution around your traveling and residential locality.

Ÿ  Be active physically by indulging in exercise. A regular routine of six days a week of running or jogging will help you regain you breathing strength. Your exercise session should be 15-20 minutes each, taking care of not exhausting yourself.

Ÿ  Maintain a healthy lean weight as being overweight will further compromise your bronchitis related lung incapacity. It will be a positive step for your over all general health too.

Ÿ  Breathing with pursed lips. This way you breath through nose while you push your abdomen outwards letting more air filling inside your lungs. Exhale with your lips pursed. It helps pressure in lung which doesn’t allow collapse of small airways.

Ÿ  Take ample rest, as you know your bronchitis when it gets chronic, is one of COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) needing more than normal effort for efficient breathing. The best way to achieve this,is to be active and to rest when you need. This way your energy level always be up to required strength to overcome your handicap due to bronchitis.

Prevention

Ÿ  Vaccination is mainstay of prevention from getting your bronchitis go into more serious chronic stage. Getting your yearly flu shot and pneumonia vaccine on your doctor’s advise will avoid aggravating infecting organism. The ideal time for getting vaccinated is six weeks before the beginning of flu season (University of Maryland Medical Center).

Ÿ  Your hygiene should be immaculate. Washing your hands before moving out and having your meal is to be followed. Use of anti-bacterial soap has its advantages too. It has been studied that cleaning hands with common dish washing liquid is very potent in killing respiratory syncytial virus(RSV). This virus is commonly involved in causing your bronchitis.

Ÿ  Take foods rich in vitamin C, D, E. Fresh fruits and vegetables will give you such supply or you can use supplements. Not only they prevent bronchitis but also its complication if you are suffering from chronic bronchitis.

Ÿ  Keep proper cross ventilation at your home and working place by leaving windows open at home and installing exhaust fans. This minimizes fumes exposure and keep protection from bronchitis.

 

6.0     Natural Treatment For Bronchitis

Boswellia

Extracts of a shrubby tree called boswellia serrata. Boswellia is a milky white substance that is known to treat over 60 diseases. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to especially reduce the symptoms of bronchitis (The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook; James A. Duke; 2000). Carvone, farnesol, limonene, borneol and boswellic acids present in this “herb” have been used for centuries by ayurvedic practitioners. Boswellia also holds anti-bacterial properties, which are beneficial because bronchitis is likely to cause bacterial infections.

Curcumin

A constituent of turmeric, curcumin having anti-inflammatory properties, is known to be therapeutic for patients with both acute and chronic bronchitis. It suppresses inflammation through “multiple pathways” (Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009; 41(1): 40–59). It helps with congestion and stuffiness and works as a healthy alternative for the antibiotics your doctor may have prescribed (Brain Research Institute UCLA: Out Of The Spice Box, Into The Lad).

Garlic

Rich in vitamins A, C, the B, copper, iron, potassium, tin, selenium, calcium, germanium, aluminum and sulphur fresh garlic contains nearly every beneficial natural substance out there. After cutting fresh garlic an enzyme alliinase that forms allicin is released, leading to the creation of the organosulphur compounds. These compounds have antibiotic properties essential for treating bronchitis (Linus Pauling Institute: Garlic and Organosulfur Compounds).

Lactoferrin

An iron-binding compound found in milk, lactoferrin is used as an antioxidant and antibacterial and to treat viruses. In the human body, it is involved in the regular bone marrow function. It may modify airway inflammation during bronchitis (J Lab Clin Med. 1990 Feb;115(2):148-58).

Selenium

A trace mineral, selenium is found in water and foods such as nuts, poultry, seafood, meat, onions and mushrooms. Since it has a role in immune function, selenium supplementation in acute bronchitis proves to be helpful (Healthline). There is evidence that selenium fastens recovery from pneumonia by respiratory syncytial virus, most common cause of your bronchitis. The mode by which it is effective in bronchitis is through its anti-oxidant property.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a very strong anti-bronchitis agent/substance. In addition to effect as anti-inflammatory, it strengthens you body cells, enhances your body’s immune response to any invading organism or allergen, inhibits histamine production. It also blocks viral enzymatic  path to replicate. All these influences help you fight bronchitis very effectively. Vitamin C is found in abundance in citrus fruits like oranges, watermelons, in green pepper, tomatoes. If you will be supplement, the ideal would be sodium ascorbate powder, which is well tolerated by your stomach. This is non-acidic buffer supplement formulation. If you take vitamin C in your diet in natural or supplement form, you have lesser chances of having asthma or bronchitis (Nutrition Almanac by John D. Kirschmann). Vitamin C has been shown to particularly effective in smokers. It prevent damage to your lung tissue due to smoking or inhaling passive smoke (Journal of Inflammation Nov. 2008).

Vitamin D

Commonly known as sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is  naturally occurring in human skin. It needs sunlight to become converted into useful effective form. It makes your immune system and neuromuscular system more effective. It also helps in your  fight against the COPD, of which chronic bronchitis is one major contributor. It is shown to be improving substance for your bronchitis if you are depleted in this vitamin in your body. It may not though bring any change in your chronic bronchitis and emphysema situation if given to you under normal levels of vitamin D (Dr. Adam Wanner, MD, pulmonologist at Univesity of Miami Miller School of Medicine).

Vitamin E

The mode by which vitamin E help in your chronic bronchitis (COPD), is by acting as powerful anti-inflammatory and protective against cell damage. Providing protection against free radicals, the byproduct oxygen metabolism and delivery. The benefits of taking vitamin E regularly on COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are documented and well established. This vitamin has shown to reduce chronic bronchitis risk in women by 10%. They  were given 600IU of vitamin E on alternate days for long period of time (Government funded Women Health Study, NCBI). Vitamin E fights against the oxidative stress and damage to lungs.

Zinc

This is essential trace element found in foods like red meat, poultry and fish. Also included are legumes, whole grains. It has powerful immune boosting and anti-oxidant effect in your body. Zinc taken as lozenges help to reduce cold symptoms in duration and severity. Symptom of cough associated with your bronchitis has been shown to get better if you take zinc in supplement during an episode of cold. That help to control your acute bronchitis too. It may alter the effects of antibiotic. In this situation it is better not to take zinc supplement without your doctors advise.

In modern day medicine, more emphasis is being focused on preventing all kinds of acquired diseases. Bronchitis is one of many such illnesses. Life style changes, adding all natural ingredients to your diet in form of foods or supplements will go a long way in keeping your respiratory passages in healthy state. In taking these ingredients as supplements, however, your health care provider must be consulted.

Breast cancer ,Lifestyle factors, Support and Prevention

 Lifestyle factors, Support and Prevention

Alternative Medicine in breast cancer treatment has left so many doubts in minds of those who practice and also in women who are suffering. Because of this fact alternative medicine is still an unregulated field. But what they can do is to play a supportive role in comforting symptoms and assisting in post conventional treatment periods. According to Donald Abraham, MD, professor of clinical medicine and Director of clinical programs for Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at University of California “a lot of patients are interested in these kind of interventions”.

If you choose to try these modalities, make sure you take your doctor along in final decision making.

Alternative Medicine for CRF

Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is quite unlike the fatigue of daily work. It is very common when you have breast cancer. It can override before, during and after your cancer treatment. You need to adopt certain physical and mental exercises to combat CRF (cancer related fatigue). In consultation with your doctor/oncologist you may follow certain healthy measures:

Ÿ  Regular slow exercising will boost your energy level. Relaxing your tense body and mind. You can indulge in yoga or breathing exercise. Going for swim will also give benefit. Yoga has shown positive impact on breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer therapies have many side effects and yoga alone is great relaxing exercise (Dr. Polly Niravath, assistant professor, Smith Breast Center, Baylor college of Medicine).

Ÿ  Organize your routine with proper charting out daily work priorities. Avoid multitasking. When at home indulge in communicating with friends and family to divert your attention from depression of breast cancer presence and scares of treatment regimen. Try taking measures to conserve energy, by arranging your daily needed items easily approachable. This in one good way to get comfort from stress.

Ÿ  Take rest between two task. Don’t hurry while performing work. Warm showers of short duration will help relax body and mind.

Coping and support

The sooner you know about presence of breast cancer in you, your mental energies may seem to reach at their lowest ebb (diminished). You have to get over this soon enough as you will be the one to make a  decision on what treatment modality you will want to go through to get rid of your breast cancer tissues.

Ÿ  Maintain a positive outlook on your  present situation and anticipate tougher circumstances in your treatment. Talk to your health care provider/oncologist in detail about stage of your breast cancer, the treatment option with associated side effects. Which of the therapies can bring most benefit with lesser mental and physical distress to you. Getting all this knowledge about your breast cancer status will make you sure about the choices you have and prognosis that each modality carries.

Ÿ  Learn to accept that there are  few things in life you just can not control. They just happen and facing them head-on is the best choice. This will also bring more positive outcome of treatment.

Ÿ  Join a breast cancer support group and share your thoughts with survivors and those who are waiting or undergoing treatment. This surely will boost your strength to go through all the hardships of your breast cancer treatment, be it surgery or chemotherapy.

Ÿ  Your breast cancer treatment may have caused some cosmetic changes. This may effect your partners physical attraction for you. Share how you feel about it and seek his closeness. Don’t let your situation leave unhappy for something not of your fault.

Ÿ  Keep your family and friends informed about your breast cancer discovery and how you are coping with it. Your family should be supportive for you. This will make you even stronger to withstand the effects of surgery and chemotherapy.

Ÿ  Eat a balance diet. Take ample rest. Keep away from alcohol or drugs to alley your stress.

Prevention

Ÿ  As well know gender, age and genetics are the most significant risk factors. The best approach for you as preventive measure would be undertake screening. This includes BSE (breast self examination), breast examination at health care clinic, and routine mammography. The schedule by American Cancer Society is, that from 20 years onwards you should undergo such examination every three years till 40 years. Then you should have a routine breast check every year.

Ÿ  Do not indulge in heavy drinking. Drink in moderation.

Ÿ  Control your weight as obesity is risk for your breast cancer. Eat a balance diet with more fresh fruits and vegetables. Keeping a lean weight will not only prevent breast cancer occurrence , but if you have had breast cancer treatment it will minimize recurrence.

Ÿ  Regular exercise for about 3 ½ to  4 hours will reduce hormones to low levels and decrease your risk of breast cancer. This routine is of great preventive value if you are in high genetic risk group and pre-menopausal age.

Ÿ  HRT (hormone replacement therapy) should be avoided as much as possible. This will limit to estrogen exposure. If deemed necessary your health care provider should give minimum dosage.

Ÿ  Preventive mastectomy or bilateral/unilateral ovarian removal is advised if you have high risk of breast cancer. This will significantly reduce estrogen levels produced in your body.

Ÿ  If you are at risk of breast cancer as detected and explained by routine examination, you will be advised drugs that will block estrogen effects on your breast. Tamoxifen is one such agent. Your  breast cancer risk will be greatly minimized. Possibility of uterine cancer may limit tamoxifen use. Instead raloxifen is much safer, as it doesn’t carry that risk.

Ÿ  Breast feeding your new born will reduce estrogen and your breast cancer development risk.

6.0 Natural Treatment

Black cumin

Black cumin, better known as Nigella sativa, is nature’s cure for just about anything. With anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation properties, it is endorsed by patients with breast cancer and leads to positive results. Black cumin oil should be rubbed on the affected area thrice a day and also be consumed as a mixture with carrot juice (The Islamic Bulletin, San Francisco, CA 94141-0186). Not only this but black cumin also protects against the damage done by radiation and Thymoquinone, a substance in black cumin, is famed for reducing the size of cancer (Ensminger AH, Esminger M. K. J. e. al. Food for Health: A Nutrition Encyclopedia. Clovis, California: Pegus Press; 1986. 1986. PMID:15210).

COQ10

Found widely in meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and canola and soybean oil, the basic function of COQ10 is to support the immune system and act as an antioxidant. If introduced in the diet, Coenzyme Q10 has a protective effect on the breast tissue (Clin Biochem. 2000 Jun;33(4):279-84). It is found in low levels in food but if foods with COQ10 are taken, they increase the body’s own ability of creating this useful, anti-cancer substance (University of Maryland: Coenzyme Q10). It is also known as Ubiquinone and helps energize the body.

Curcumin

This substance with antioxidant properties is a member of the ginger family. Its roots contain turmeric, which is an anti-inflammatory agent. Curcumin is known to prevent the growth of breast cancer cells, apart from catalyzing apoptosis (Oct. 15, 2005, "Clinical Cancer Research"). It especially targets genes related to angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle, and metastasis (Integr Biol (Camb). 2012 Sep;4(9):996-1007. doi: 10.1039/c2ib20088k. Epub 2012 Jul 6).

Ginseng

Ginseng, a herb found in green tea and certain fortified drinks, is known to inhibit breast cancer cell growth (J Surg Oncol. 1999 Dec;72(4):230-9). All three kinds of ginseng - American, Korean and Chinese - are acknowledged to be equally effective. It isn’t found naturally in any food sources but can be introduced to the diet in various ways, popularly in the form of tea.

Indole-3-carbinol

An itemization of  glucosinolate glucobrassicin found in cruciferous vegetables and in the form of dietary supplements, Indole-3-carbinol restrains breast cancer cell growth (Freudenheim, J. L., Marshall, J. R., Vena, J. E., Laughlin, R., Brasure, J. R., Swanson, M. K., Nemoto, T., and Graham, S. (1996) J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 88, 340–348). It is a promising chemo-preventive agent (J Cell Biochem Suppl. 1997;28-29:111-6).

Quercetin

Commonly found in apples, grapes, berries, leafy green vegetables and pantry herbs, quercetin is a flavonoid. It holds antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which are quite beneficial for breast cancer patients. Another thing to note is that flavonoids also have chemo-preventive properties and quercetin in particular scavenges free radicals (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 591356, 15 pages).

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycle. Found abundantly in bananas, green tea, almonds, rice and oats, melatonin is an organic sleeping pill. It increases survival in patients with advanced breast cancer and inhibits breast cancer cell growth too (International Journal of Cancer, January, 2006). An overdose of anything, however, can be harmful thus, 20-40mg of daily melatonin intake is recommended (Dr. Uzzi Reiss, Natural Hormone Balance). Melatonin s known to target estrogens and is considered an anti-estrogenic drug).

Resveratrol

A hydroxystilbene, resveratrol is found to act as an estrogen-receptor, meaning that it inhibits estrogen from causing breast cancer (J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2004 Mar;88(3):223-34). It is found in red grapes, red or purple grape juice, peanuts, blueberries, and cranberries. It is believed that resveratrol safeguards against the progression of breast cancer (2008 July issue of Cancer Prevention Research).

Sulforaphane

A content found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage - among other cruciferous vegetables - sulforaphane is known to target breast cancer stem cells. Not only does sulforaphane kill cancer cells but it also “prevents new tumors from growing” (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center). Other research shows sulforaphane inhibits the growth of breast cancer and leads to apoptosis (Sulforaphane induces cell type-specific apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines. Mol Cancer Ther. (2007) 6(3): 1013-21).

Vitamin A

Vitamin A or its oxidized form, Retinol, is required for the hormone-like growth of cells. Studies prove that its intake reduces breast cancer risk by 17% (Cancer Causes Control. 2011 Oct;22(10):1383-96. Epub 2011 Jul 15). Another study by the Fox Chase Cancer Center, US, shows that the intake of vitamin A could inhibit breast cancer in its early stages. Liver, sweet potatoes, butter, carrots, leafy vegetables and dried apricots are rich with this vitamin.

Vitamin D3

An activated form of vitamin D, vitamin D3 is created by the body due to sunlight exposure. Women who have a vitamin D3 deficiency are at much greater risk of developing breast cancer than those who do not. They are also prone to malignant tumors (University of Toronto, Goodwin, 2008). It also inhibits angiogenesis in breast cancer (Braz J Med Biol Res. 2002 Jan;35(1):1-9). Vitamin D can be found abundantly in mushrooms, fish and fish products, eggs and beef liver.

Your breast cancer risk will make you take all the necessary and beneficial measures to prevent its occurrence in later life. That includes conventional as well as natural means of strengthening your body’s defense. All the natural ingredients have been used in cancer patients with good outcome. They are all being taken in foods as well as supplements. In all situation your doctor should endorse them.

Hypertension, Life style factors, Support and Prevention.

 Introduction

The pressure exerted by your blood on the walls of your arteries, after it has been pumped out is known as blood pressure. It is vital for sustaining oxygen as well as nutritional supplies to every cell of your body. Measured in mmHg(millimeter of mercury),it should read normal between 120 systolic and 80 diastolic(120/80mmHg)on majority of instances. Any reading taken by sphygmomanometer( an instrument for measuring your blood pressure) 140/90 mmHg or above persistently should be regarded as hypertension(high blood pressure), or being hypertensive.

The hypertension management involves therapeutic measures and certain drastic life style changes. Once you are diagnosed for hypertension, you have to quit some harmful habits of past whereas adopting certain positive and healthy routines. These will not only prevent hypertension but will help bringing your blood pressure in good control, if you  already have it. Following are some very effective life style adaptation you can make to manage and prevent hypertension;

Ÿ  Healthy weight means reducing work load on heart. Start with loosing up to ten pounds(lbs) of your existing weight. Your aim should be keep your BMI to under 25 of standards. As it will be informed to you by your doctor, that, this will ensure reduction in your blood pressure. It will also minimize fat content of your body.

Ÿ  Eat a meal that is low in sodium. More fruits and fresh vegetables should be part of your diet plan. Even if you choose snacks, take low calorie with reduced salt. Your diet should also include whole grain high fiber, beans, poultry meat without skin and salmon fish, as it contains omega-3 fatty acids. To curtail effects of excess sodium, increase your potassium intake. The food items which can give you sufficient potassium are, orange, peas, potato, banana, tomato, grape fruit and its juice, tuna and apricot. These dietary constituents are included in D.A.S.H(dietary approaches to stop hypertension) plan.  

Ÿ  Exercise on regular basis. This not only keeps your cardiac status healthy, helps to maintain an ideal weight for height and acts as stress reliever. All these positive supportive measure will bring you hypertension under good control.

Ÿ  Quit smoking if you are and try your best to avoid second hand or passive smoke. Which means just by quitting smoking you will not only manage and prevent hypertension and its complication but also minimize risk for other heart and lung diseases.

Ÿ  Your stress has an indirect link to your hypertension. It has been observed that when you are under mental stress you may indulge in eating without caring of composition, you may even start smoking. It will be advisable for you to chalk out your daily work and recreational schedule. Take breaks between your long hours of office work or driving long distance.

Ÿ  Breathing exercise will help you to relax tensed up body and circulation. It will surely assist in your hypertension support management. Slow inhaling, holding breath, then exhaling is the simple technique to do breathing exercises.

Ÿ  Alcohol in moderation is advisable if you have been drinking in excess. This will reduce your base line values of blood pressure. In case you need help to quit this habit, your health care provider is the best person to guide you. Keeping your alcohol intake to two drinks/day is the limit for men and one drink/day for women.

Coping and support

Hypertension can be easily managed if you stay compliant with all the treatment. It will be a life time self care and healthcare problem.

Ÿ  Keep regular check on your blood pressure at home. Let your doctor be up dated with  your status of hypertension control.

Ÿ  Make routine visit to your doctor as advised. You will be examined for blood pressure. He may ask and look for any effects of hypertension or of the drugs you are being given. If deemed necessary some laboratory test may be advised, like lipids profile or cardiac status screening. You should feel free to ask any question in relation to your progress and things you can do to improve upon your life style.

Ÿ  You should under no circumstance modify the drug or combination of drugs yourself. Your doctor is the right person to decide this part of your hypertension treatment. Be compliant to medicine regularly. Stopping anti-hypertensive may harm you seriously.

6.0     Natural Treatment For Hypertension

Calcium

The intake of calcium as a treatment for hypertension goes a long way back - to 1924. In his study, Addison concluded that calcium inevitably lowered blood pressure during hypertension (W. L. T. Addison, Can. Med. Assoc. J. 14: 1059-1061). Researchers today concur with Addison and add that patients of hypertension who were given dietary calcium supplements were known to develop lower, better blood pressure levels (J Lab Clinical Med. 1989 Oct;114(4):338-48). The Journal of Human Hypertension (August 2006) also verifies the same. How exactly does it work in your body? The answer is, calcium relaxes the blood vessels and is vital in the overall relaxation and contraction of muscles (Journal of the American College of Nutrition, February 2009). It can be found in whole food sources (beans, broccoli, salmon and sardines), sesame leaves and sesame seeds and dairy products. Calcium supplements reduce your blood pressure equally effectively(Journal of Human Hypertension August 2006).

CoQ10

Those who have tried and tested all sorts of medications that just didn’t work on them need not look further. CoQ10 is natural substance just for you. With energy production as it’s chief role, CoQ10 is found in the mitochondria of every cell in the body. It works as an antioxidant and saves cells from damage during hypertension ("Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Role of CoQ10 in Cardiac Disease, Hypertension and Meniere-like Syndrome; Adarsh Kumar, et al.; 2009). It decreases the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels (Journal of Human Hypertension, April 2007). A biomedical research carried out by the University of Texas has also reached the aforementioned conclusion (Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:S265-72). Whole grains, salmon, tuna and organ meat are wonderfully rich in CoQ10.

Fish oil

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is extracted from all kinds of fish (though smaller fishes are recommended) or via fish oil supplements. Its function in hypertensive patients is that it lessens inflammation and reduces heart disease risk (University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids). Omega-3 fatty acids are known to decrease the risk of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias) and “decrease triglyceride levels, slow the growth of atherosclerotic plaque and lower blood pressure” according to the American Heart Association.

Garlic

For 6000 years, garlic has been used as what they call a “miracle herb” for several diseases. However, when it comes to hypertension, the intake of garlic lowers diastolic blood pressure levels, serum cholesterol and triglycerides (Br J Clin Pract Suppl. 1990 Aug; 69:3-6). For that, it is recommended that garlic be taken in powder form. Though  if taken in other forms, it will still be helpful. Eating raw garlic will give more benefits as cooking causes loss of important ingredient allicin. It can also be taken in supplement form. As precaution, if you are diabetic, keep monitoring your blood sugar. It is known that garlic can cause lowering of your sugar levels. Hence you should be adjusting your dose of insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents.

Grape seed extract

Rich in polyphenols, grape seeds are known to lower blood pressure since long. Polyphenols also contain antioxidants which dilate blood vessels, causing a smoother blood flow and reducing pressure in turn. Available in capsules, tablets and tinctures, grape seed extracts relieve the many symptoms of venous insufficiency (Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:309–325).

L-argenine

Found in soy, spinach, watermelon and nuts, L-argenine reduces systemic blood pressure (J Nutr. 2004 Oct;134(10 Suppl):2807S-2811S; discussion 2818S-2819S). It relaxes by blood vessels by increasing the production of nitric oxide which eases blood flow and in turn, reduces pressure (October 2004 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition").

Lycopene

A substance rich in cooked tomatoes, guavas, watermelon and parsley, among other foods, lycopene helps have a better control over blood pressure. It does this by improving the heart function (December 2010 issue of "Maturitas"). Lycopene works better on patients with mild to moderate hypertension (American Heart Journal 2006 Jan;151(1):100).

Magnesium

Magnesium is famed to be a natural cure for arrhythmia, increased heartbeat and irregular contraction. It is widely found in seeds, beans and halibut. This micro mineral has the ability to relax muscles, which is directly related to the better function of heart muscles. Apart from that, it maintains normal nerve function and regulates blood pressure (National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium).

Pomegranate

Rich in vitamin C, the pomegranate contains more antioxidants than any other fruit in the world. These antioxidants, in turn, are known to shield the heart from the symptoms of hypertension. The intake of pomegranate juice reduces arterial blood pressure (Phytother Res. 2010 Jun;24 Suppl 2:S196-203). However, it is not recommended that pomegranate juice be taken if you are taking medications for blood pressure too as it may lower the blood pressure too much (MedlinePlus: Pomegranate).

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, found in oranges, maintains nitric oxide levels which help blood vessels uphold normal blood pressure. Although supplements can be taken, it is always better that minerals and vitamins be taken in their raw, original form. In this case, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C (apart from oranges) such as guava, red and green chilies and bell peppers, leafy green vegetables, strawberries, papayas, kiwi fruits and herbs should be added to your diet if you are hypertensive (Published April 2012, Prevention). Pulmonary arterial hypertension may also result due to low nitric oxide levels in the body so the intake of this vitamin is further recommended in patients with hypertension (Chest. 2012 Jul;142(1):225-7. doi: 10.1378/chest.11-1857).

Vitamin D

Present popularly in seafood and cod liver oil, fortified dairy products and cereals, mushrooms, ham and sausages, vitamin D is essential to the human body. It’s deficiency is a wide-known cause of arterial hypertension. Vitamin has anti-inflammatory, vasculoprotective and renoprotective properties (Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2010 Nov;8(11):1599-608).

The management of hypertension is based on three modalities. The ant-hypertensive given by your doctor, positive life style changes you adopt for controlling your raised blood pressure. Along  with this, taking diet rich in elements which can bring your hypertension to satisfactory control. These substances are available in abundance naturally. They can be taken as supplements to ensure their needed concentration in your body. When you make use of combined life style modification with use of natural ingredients ,you will have better control on your high blood pressure(hypertension).