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10 herbs and spices that may help with cancer prevention and management

10 herbs and spices that may help with cancer prevention and management

According to reports, cancer affected around 439 per 100,000 individuals in our country in 2019. But on the bright side, many survived the condition. This suggests that while cancer is a significant health concern, timely diagnosis and advanced treatment can help patients recover. Besides doctor-recommended therapies, a healthy lifestyle and nutrition plan is essential when dealing with the condition. Here are some herbs and spices that may help prevent and manage cancer:

Turmeric
Turmeric does more than just flavoring one’s food to perfection. Curcumin, the component that facilitates its bright-yellow color, is a potent antioxidant that may slow the spread of cancer cells in the body. It does this by helping destroy the blood vessels that feed cancer cells. Thanks to this property, turmeric complements cancer treatments like chemotherapy. It may be added to gravies, soups, smoothies, and stir-fries. Turmeric milk or tea is also emerging as a popular beverage.

Garlic
This allium vegetable helps prevent cancer cells from growing new blood vessels and facilitates their death. S-allyl cysteine, an organosulfur compound present in garlic, is shown to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells. Reports from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) also indicate that garlic is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Garlic butter is an appealing way of incorporating this spice into one’s meals. Alternatively, finely chopped or crushed garlic may be added to stir-fries, gravies, and soups.

Basil
As per research findings, this flavorful herb is loaded with flavonoids that may protect against cancer. It also contains several antioxidants and bioactive compounds, instrumental in fighting cancer cells. Basil is an excellent seasoning ingredient in bread preparations and soups. The aromatic leaves of this plant may also be consumed raw.

Ginger
Due to the presence of gingerols, ginger may have a cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines in the human body. Studies have also shown that the combination of ginger and lemon can inhibit cancer cell growth. Chopped or julienned ginger may be incorporated into gravies, stir-fries, curries, and other dishes. Crushed ginger added to warm tea is also popular for taste and nutrition.

Oregano
Carvacrol, a molecule in oregano, acts as a natural disinfectant. It can prevent the spread of cancer cells and control the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that may increase one’s susceptibility to the disease. Oregano is a popular seasoning in preparations like pizza, pasta, and noodles.

Caraway
Some studies have shown that caraway, or meridian fennel, is a potent antioxidant that may help curb the spread of cancer. It protects the body from attacks by free radicals and can reduce the growth of cancer cells in the body. Caraway seeds are extremely flavorful. They can be used to enliven homemade dishes or consumed raw after meals to aid digestion.

Cinnamon
Besides having therapeutic effects on the body, cinnamon is shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and facilitate their death. It is often used as a flavoring ingredient in tea. Some also powder the spice and add it to smoothies, shakes, porridge, and juices.

Cloves
Cloves are rich in betulinic acid and other triterpenes, which can act as chemopreventive agents against breast cancer. The spice has also been shown to inhibit molecules that promote the onset of other cancers. It is commonly used in its powdered or crushed form in gravies, soups, smoothies, and tea.

Cayenne pepper
This powerful spice contains capsaicin, a powerful antioxidant that kills cancer cells. It is particularly proven useful in reversing prostate cancer. A dash of cayenne pepper in soups can uplift its flavor considerably. It can also be sprinkled over scrambled or boiled eggs or added to lemonade for a refreshing beverage.

Cardamom
Studies have shown that cardamom powder can increase the activity of enzymes that aid in cancer prevention. It may also act as a natural chemotherapeutic agent, enhancing the effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Cardamom-flavored tea is a popular way of consuming this condiment.

Besides eating healthy foods and incorporating these spices and herbs into one’s meals, staying physically active and avoiding processed foods can help with cancer prevention and remediation. The key is to follow the treatment course recommended by oncologists, besides adopting a healthy lifestyle during and post treatment.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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7 common warning signs of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a condition wherein healthy cells in a man's prostate begin growing aggressively and out of control. If left unchecked, this tumor can spread to nearby organs such as the rectum, bladder, and others. In such instances, this disease is likely to become life-threatening. Fortunately, prostate cancer is often highly curable if healthcare professionals diagnose and treat it at an early stage. Some of the common warning signs of prostate cancer are listed below. Stiffness in the lower back If the tumor is not dealt with during its initial stages, prostate cancer spreads to several areas encompassing the lower back region in a person's body. The malignant cells can negatively affect the bones, leading to a condition known as bone metastasis. Eventually, cancer affects the spine and triggers back stiffness and pain in people. This symptom can sometimes make it hard for patients to sit. Frequent urination As mentioned earlier, in its advanced stages, prostate cancer can affect surrounding organs, such as the bladder, urethra, and, in the long term, kidneys if it spreads. The urethra and the bladder are two organs close to the prostate gland. So, as the prostate enlarges out of control due to cancerous cell growth, it puts pressure on the bladder, which in turn causes people to feel the urgent need to urinate more often than usual. Therefore, people with the condition often visit the restroom to relieve themselves. Frequent urge to urinate can also be linked with other factors, such as the climate, but it is advised to consult a healthcare professional to rule out the risk of prostate cancer. Loss of bowel control Besides losing control of their urination, people with prostate cancer also tend to lose their hold over their bowels during certain stages of the progressive disorder. As implied earlier, the rectum is very close to the prostate gland. So, as the prostate enlarges, it pushes into the front wall of the rectum- the part responsible for regulating a person's bowels. Therefore, unchecked prostate enlargement results in a person's rectum emptying without their knowledge or will. Loss of bowel control can also be caused by spinal cord compression or prostate cancer treatment. When patients experience this symptom, they must consult a health expert to undergo a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Discomfort/pain while sitting The abnormal enlargement of the prostate due to cancerous cell growth tends to change certain aspects of an individual's life. One such common change is pain or extreme discomfort while sitting. Prostate cancer often only becomes apparent in its middle to later stages, when an individual's prostate gland grows and puts pressure on areas and parts such as the lower back, hips, thighs, and pelvis. Such individuals start permanently experiencing pain and discomfort in these areas, which gets exacerbated when they sit down. Unexplained muscle loss Like other cancers, prostate cancer affects the supply of blood and nutrients to body parts. As a result, all muscles and organs in a person's body do not receive the vital nourishment needed for their growth. It directly causes people with prostate cancer to suffer dramatic muscle mass loss without trying. Besides prostate cancer, reduced muscle mass is a common sign of other severe conditions. So, if one experiences this symptom, it is advised to visit a healthcare provider immediately before it leads to complications. Fatigue As prostate cancer reduces the amount of blood and nourishment all body parts receive, some of the worst affected areas include the brain and lungs. It is common for people with prostate cancer to frequently feel lightheaded or dizzy due to insufficient amounts of vital elements such as oxygen, iron, and others reaching the brain, lungs, and other parts. These elements are responsible for energizing people and helping them efficiently perform their daily tasks. When the amount of blood and oxygen reaching such vital organs reduces, people will feel tired after performing the simplest of daily tasks, such as climbing stairs or a few routine sprints in the morning. Erectile dysfunction While prostate cancer in itself does not cause erectile dysfunction, its treatments can bring about this condition in men. There are several treatment options for prostate cancer, and most of them have erectile dysfunction as a common side effect, as they all tend to reduce testosterone levels in the body. Nearly all patients will experience some form of erectile dysfunction in the initial few months after undergoing therapy for prostate cancer. However, the symptoms tend to improve within one year after treatment.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

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